While not every venue serves up the glitz and glamour of the Golden Globes, almost every industry takes time to acknowledge leaders in the ranks that are doing a good job dealing with opportunities and challenges in the marketplace and to shine a little light on future stars.

 

In the healthcare industry, many of the leaders and success stories come out of companies with strong local ties to Nashville.

 

The Nashville healthcare community’s version of industry recognition, the Nashville Health Care Council’s annual luncheon panel, Wall Street’s View on Prospects for the Health Care Industry, is always sold-out beyond healthcare providers and suppliers. It serves as the venue forindustry analysts to recognize the special expertise of local companies operating at the epicenter of the healthcare business. 

 

At this year’s fete, respected analysts doubling as panelists perceived a rosy aura for the new decade, especially in the area of hospital space, long a Nashville niche. Caroline Young, Nashville Health Care Council President, welcomed more than 500 guests to the Cool Springs Marriott on Friday, Jan. 15, to hear what these experts had to say about trends and forecasts, particularly in the areas of hospital management, behavioral health, outpatient services, senior living and long–term care. 

 

Young observed, “Nashville’s dynamic healthcare industry cluster is well known around the world and is home to more than 17 publicly traded healthcare companies.” She added, “Trends set by Nashville industry leaders reach far beyond Middle Tennessee and have a significant impact on Wall Street.”

 

Young introduced Wayne Smith, chairman, president and CEO of Community Health Systems and a former chairman of the Nashville Health Care Council, as someone who has “provided plenty of things to talk about” and “one of the most important people in healthcare, locally and nationally.” 

 

Smith energetically reprised his role of panel moderator, and welcomed panelists Adam Feinstein, managing director of Barclays Capital; Darren Lehrich, managing director, Deutsche Bank Securities; Whit Mayo, senior research analyst, R. W. Baird; Frank Morgan, managing director, RBC Capital Markets; and Gary Taylor, managing director, Citigroup.

Underscoring the analysts’ credentials, Smith pointed out that, had last year’s audience taken the recommendations of the 2009 panel, their portfolios would have been up by 53percent for the year.

 

“What differences a year makes,” Feinstein was moved to observe. “Last year I had a full head of hair,” he said with a laugh, “and now stocks are up significantly and the markets are roaring again.” 

 

Actions in Washington will be watched closely by those on Wall Street’s whose continued bullish approach to the hospital sector has benefitted from “pennies from heaven” stimulus funds but now must address the costs of implementing the services.

 

Feinstein pointed out that ‘healthcare reform’ is really a misnomer. “What we are dealing with is an expansion of coverage. There are a lot of moving parts that could result in unintended consequences,” he said.

 

All panelists pointed out that while healthcare reform has had the lion’s share of proposals, arguments and controversy, what is really on the table right now is insurance reform. Actual healthcare reform is years down the road. Perhaps not until 2014 will people begin to be enrolled in the coverage expansion programs. Panelists pointed out that between now and then; there will be two more elections and a lot of changes at every level on the political scene.

 

Lead sponsor for the luncheon was Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. Other sponsors were First Tennessee Bank/First Horizon, Gallagher Benefit Services/Gallagher Healthcare and Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock.