Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The RISE Star Ratings Master Class 2026 will take place from December 14-16 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. This event is designed for Medicare Advantage professionals, offering insights into the latest regulatory changes and strategies for improving Star Ratings.
Attendees will engage in workshops and networking opportunities, gaining valuable knowledge to enhance their organization's performance. RISE Star Ratings Master Class 2026 takes place in Scottsdale, United.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: RISE Star Ratings Master Class 2026 runs from December 14-16, 2026 at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, AZ.
- 2Scale and Focus: This master class focuses on Medicare Advantage Star Ratings, featuring workshops and expert insights.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by RISE, a leader in healthcare education and networking.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include quality improvement leaders, health plan executives, and healthcare professionals.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is required; various ticket options are available.
Why visit
Attending the RISE Star Ratings Master Class provides essential insights into the evolving landscape of Medicare Advantage. Participants will learn about the latest CMS proposed changes, network with industry leaders, and develop actionable strategies to improve their Star Ratings. This event is crucial for professionals looking to stay ahead in quality improvement and regulatory compliance.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the RISE Star Ratings Master Class offers unparalleled access to decision-makers in the healthcare sector. Sponsors will gain visibility among key stakeholders, showcase their solutions, and engage directly with potential clients. This is an opportunity to position your brand as a leader in the Medicare Advantage space and drive meaningful connections.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Medicare Advantage Star Ratings directors and quality improvement leads accountable for cut-point performance
Health plan CMOs, quality VPs and population health executives
HEDIS and quality measurement managers running hybrid and administrative measure sets
Risk adjustment and RADV compliance leaders managing HCC documentation and chart review
Part D and pharmacy quality managers owning medication adherence and MTM measures
Member experience and CAHPS programme owners
Government programmes, regulatory affairs and compliance staff tracking CMS policy changes
Provider network and value-based care executives working on care gap closure
Quality improvement consultants, actuaries and bid strategy advisors serving health plans
Delegated entity and first-tier, downstream and related entity (FDR) oversight leads
Health plan data and analytics leaders building Stars forecasting and scenario models
Clinical programme managers running chronic condition, SNP and dual-eligible quality initiatives
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Star Ratings analytics vendors offering cut-point forecasting and measure simulation
HEDIS abstraction, medical record retrieval and chart chase service providers
Risk adjustment coding, RADV audit defence and suspect condition review firms
CAHPS and Health Outcomes Survey administration and member experience vendors
Member engagement, outreach and care gap closure platform providers
Pharmacy quality and medication adherence programme vendors (Part D measures)
Population health and clinical analytics platforms for health plans and provider groups
Quality improvement consultancies and actuarial Stars strategy advisors
Compliance, delegation oversight and CMS audit readiness specialists
Provider enablement and value-based care performance management software vendors
Data integration, interoperability and health plan data warehouse providers
Training, accreditation and workforce development providers for quality teams
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Star Ratings analytics, cut-point forecasting and measure simulation for Medicare Advantage and Part D contracts
HEDIS quality measure abstraction, hybrid chart review and medical record retrieval services
Risk adjustment coding, HCC documentation review and RADV audit preparation
CAHPS and Health Outcomes Survey management and member experience improvement programmes
Medication adherence, PDC and pharmacy quality programmes for Part D star measures
Member engagement, outreach and care gap closure platforms
Provider engagement, value-based care and delegated entity performance tools
Quality bonus payment strategy, bid support and actuarial modelling
CMS compliance, FDR oversight and audit readiness services
Clinical quality improvement and population health programmes for SNP and dual-eligible populations
Health plan data integration, quality reporting and interoperability solutions
Training and certification resources for quality, coding and Stars teams
Location & Facilities
Venue
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E Princess Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255
Facilities
Parking
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
1695General admission
1895General admission
2095
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Scottsdale, United States
Why it matters
On 2026-12-14 to 2026-12-16, RISE Star Ratings Master Class 2026 in Scottsdale covering Quality improvement solutions for Medicare Advantage, Healthcare analytics tools, Regulatory compliance services, Member gives medical buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Phoenix Sky Harbor
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (host venue)
4-star resort
Princess Drive, north Scottsdale (on-site)USD 289–449 / night
Staying on property removes daily transfers and is the strongest choice for back-to-back sessions; the resort is spread out, so request a room near the meeting space. Resort fee and self-parking or valet charges are typically added.
The McCormick Scottsdale
3-star
Scottsdale (McCormick Ranch)USD 115–145 / night
Captured guest rating around 4.1 from roughly 1.9K reviews; free Wi-Fi and free parking, breakfast for a fee, outdoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness centre and bar. Good value if you have a car.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Scottsdale North
3-star
Scottsdale NorthUSD 115–145 / night
Guest rating around 4.2 and listed with an 18 percent discount versus usual rate at capture time; free breakfast and Wi-Fi, paid parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, pet-friendly and fitness centre.
Aiden by Best Western Scottsdale North
3-star
Scottsdale NorthUSD 115–145 / night
Guest rating around 4.3; breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness centre and bar. Short drive to the Princess Drive resort area.
Sonesta Select Scottsdale at Mayo Clinic Campus
3-star
Scottsdale (Mayo Clinic campus)USD 115–145 / night
Guest rating around 4.0; breakfast for a fee, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning and pet-friendly. Practical for visitors combining the meeting with clinical site visits.
Hotel Valley Ho
4-star boutique
Old Town ScottsdaleUSD 199–329 / night
Walkable to Old Town restaurants and galleries, roughly 20-25 minutes by road to the host venue, so budget for daily rideshare or a rental car. Rate band is an estimate, not a quoted rate.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
4-star resort
Kierland, north ScottsdaleUSD 259–389 / night
Large resort a short drive from the Fairmont, a sensible overflow option when the host block is full. Expect resort fees on top of the room rate.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
4-star resort
Gainey Ranch, ScottsdaleUSD 239–369 / night
Positioned between Old Town and north Scottsdale, around 15-20 minutes by road to the host venue. Rate band is an estimate; confirm resort fee and parking terms.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from PHX to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forPhoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Roughly 22 mi by road, 30-45 minutes off-peak. Pickup is at the designated rideshare zones reached by the PHX Sky Train from each terminal; prices rise during peak and event weeks.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 45-70 one way plus tip (metered airport taxi estimate; confirm at the stand)
Best forPHX Sky Harbor taxi stand to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Taxis wait at marked terminal stands. Useful with large luggage or late arrivals when rideshare surge pricing is high.
shared-ride shuttle or van
Estimated costApprox. USD 20-35 per person one way (shared-ride estimate; confirm with the operator)
Best forPHX to the Scottsdale resort corridor
Shared shuttles cost less than solo rideshare but add stops. Book in advance if you land late, since scheduled departures thin out after the evening peak.
Valley Metro bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50-4.00 single local ride; all-day pass approx. USD 4.00-6.00 (estimate; confirm current Valley Metro fares)
Best forLocal Scottsdale routes including the Scottsdale Road corridor toward Old Town Scottsdale
Valley Metro buses serve Scottsdale but service is sparse compared with central Phoenix, and no route stops at the resort gate itself, so expect a walk or short rideshare at the end.
Valley Metro Rail plus PHX Sky Train
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50-4.00 single light-rail ride after the free Sky Train connection (estimate; confirm fares)
Best forPHX Sky Train to 44th Street/Washington station, then Valley Metro Rail into central Phoenix or Tempe
The cheapest airport-to-city option, but Valley Metro Rail does not enter Scottsdale. It is useful for a Phoenix or Tempe hotel base, then a bus or rideshare onward to the venue.
short-hop rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 15-28 one way for a short rideshare (estimate; varies with surge and traffic)
Best forOld Town Scottsdale and McCormick Ranch hotels to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Most attendees staying off-property use app-based rides for the final leg. Check whether your hotel runs a complimentary shuttle to the Princess Drive area before booking a car.
parking (self-park at venue)
Estimated costApprox. USD 15-35 per day for self-parking; valet higher (estimate; confirm current venue rates)
Best forFairmont Scottsdale Princess self-parking and valet
Resort parking is charged by the property rather than the conference. If you drive daily from a nearby hotel, compare the parking charge against rideshare costs for the three-day stay.
Weather
Scottsdale in mid-December sits in the Sonoran Desert cool season: mostly clear, dry days with daytime highs near 18-21 C (65-70 F) and overnight lows near 6-9 C (43-48 F). Rain is uncommon, humidity is low and sunshine is frequent, but evenings cool quickly once the sun drops, so a light jacket or layer is worth carrying between sessions. Meeting rooms are air conditioned and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess involves outdoor walking between buildings, so plan for temperature swings rather than a single indoor climate. These are climatological bands, not a forecast; check a reputable forecast service in the final 72 hours before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Arizona runs on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7) year-round and does not observe daylight saving, so in December local time matches Denver and Salt Lake City. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and the surrounding resort corridor have strong US mobile coverage from the major carriers, and hotels typically provide Wi-Fi in rooms and meeting space; venue Wi-Fi quality in packed session rooms can vary, so bring a hotspot or tethering plan if you plan to demo clinical or claims systems. Power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A and Type B plugs, so visitors from Europe, the UK or Asia need an adapter and should check whether their devices are dual voltage. An eSIM bought before departure is the quickest way to get data without visiting a carrier store.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Scottsdale restaurants and bars, commonly 18-20 percent of the pre-tax bill, and a few dollars per bag for hotel staff. Rideshare tips are added in the app.
Business dress
Business casual is standard at healthcare quality and Medicare Advantage meetings: collared shirts, blazers optional, trousers or dresses, and comfortable shoes for a resort property with outdoor walking between buildings.
Time zone
Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7) all year and ignores daylight saving, which surprises visitors from Denver or Los Angeles. Check calendar invites carefully against your home time zone.
Dry desert climate
Humidity is very low, so drink more water than usual, use lip balm and moisturiser, and carry sunglasses. Even mild December days feel strong in direct sun, and evenings cool sharply after sunset.
Resort and service charges
Scottsdale resorts commonly add a nightly resort fee plus parking charges on top of the quoted room rate. Read the total before comparing hotels, especially for the host venue.
Payments
Cards and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere, and some venues are effectively cashless. Carry a small amount of cash for tips, but do not rely on it for meals or transport.
Alcohol and evenings
Arizona licensing rules mean alcohol is generally purchased on premises rather than carried between venues. Resort bars and Old Town Scottsdale restaurants are the usual places for evening conversations.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: PHX
Captures for 14 December 2026 showed competitive routings into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). Nonstop JetBlue and Delta services from New York JFK were listed at roughly 5 hours 50 minutes, and one-stop United itineraries from London LHR were listed at 13-16 hours; Tokyo NRT, Dubai DXB and Sydney SYD routings were also shown as options. Fares were not fixed in the captured snippets and fluctuate with booking window and fare class, so book on the airline site or Google Flights to lock a price and confirm baggage rules. For international arrivals, leave at least 2 hours for immigration and customs before the road transfer to Scottsdale.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). Allow road or rail time to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Princess Drive, north Scottsdale (on-site): Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (host venue); Scottsdale (McCormick Ranch): The McCormick Scottsdale; Scottsdale North: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Scottsdale North.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across Scottsdale, Phoenix and the airport corridor. At PHX, follow signs to the rideshare pickup zones reached by the Sky Train from each terminal, since curbside pickup at arrivals is restricted. A standard ride to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess typically runs around USD 40-65 one way depending on surge, while short hops from Old Town or McCormick Ranch hotels are usually USD 15-28. During a conference week, request the ride 10-15 minutes before you need it and set the resort entrance, not the general Princess Drive address, as your pickup point.
Public transit: Valley Metro is the Phoenix-area transit agency. Its rail line and most frequent bus routes concentrate on Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, while Scottsdale is served mainly by local buses along corridors such as Scottsdale Road, with stops that do not reach the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess gate. A typical trip from the airport means the free PHX Sky Train to 44th Street/Washington, Valley Metro Rail into central Phoenix, then a bus or short rideshare north to Scottsdale. Valley Metro publishes route maps and schedules online, and the City of Scottsdale transit pages list the local connections. Frequencies drop in the evening and on weekends, so plan the last leg carefully; rideshare is the practical option for evening sessions.
Parking: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a resort property with self-parking and valet, charged by the venue rather than the conference; expect a daily self-park charge in the region of USD 15-35 and a higher valet rate, and confirm the current figure when you arrive. If you are staying at an off-property hotel, compare its parking charge plus the venue charge against daily rideshare, since three days of double parking often costs more than app-based rides. Rideshare drop-off is the simplest option for attendees staying in the resort corridor.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026 (desert cool season in Scottsdale, Arizona)
Temperature: Daytime highs approx. 18-21 C (65-70 F); overnight lows approx. 6-9 C (43-48 F). Values are climatological bands for mid-December, not a forecast for the meeting dates.
Seasonality: Mid-December is one of the drier periods in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area, with roughly an inch of rain in a typical December and many completely dry days. Expect bright sun, low humidity and cool evenings rather than monsoon storms, which belong to the summer months.
Packing: Pack layers: light shirts or blouses for air-conditioned meeting rooms, a blazer or jumper for cool evenings, and comfortable walking shoes for a spread-out resort. Add sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and a refillable water bottle for the dry desert air. A light rain layer is optional given how little December rain normally falls, but check the forecast in the final 72 hours before departure.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at RISE Star Ratings Master Class 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days out: confirm your registration tier and payment on stars.risehealth.org, and save the confirmation email for the badge desk and, if relevant, the US port of entry.
T-2
14 days out: book the Scottsdale hotel room now, mid-December is peak desert-resort season and the resort-corridor blocks tighten first.
T-3
12 days out: compare flight options into PHX against your session start time and leave a buffer for the 30-45 minute road transfer to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
T-4
10 days out: if travelling from outside the US, verify ESTA or B-1 visa status and check that your passport meets the validity requirement for entry.
T-5
10 days out: draft your measure-level objectives for the trip, for example cut-point gaps in specific HEDIS or Part D measures, so you can target the right conversations.
T-6
7 days out: review the published agenda and mark sessions on risk adjustment, CAHPS, adherence and Stars analytics that overlap with your plan's weakest measures.
T-7
7 days out: request any internal data you want to compare, such as your current measure scores, quality bonus payment exposure and care gap closure rates.
T-8
5 days out: confirm arrival and departure times, pre-book a rideshare or airport transfer, and note that PHX pickups happen at designated terminal rideshare zones.
T-9
4 days out: pack business casual layers, a light jacket for cool desert evenings, sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime walking across the resort.
T-10
3 days out: download the Valley Metro app or map if you plan to use buses, and check whether your hotel runs a shuttle to the Princess Drive area.
T-11
2 days out: set up an eSIM or check your roaming plan, US carriers generally provide strong coverage across Scottsdale and Phoenix.
T-12
1 day out: charge devices, pack a US Type A/B plug adapter if you are visiting from Europe or Asia, and confirm your meeting room location within the resort.
T-13
Day 1-3: keep a short daily note of vendor capabilities and pricing models you hear about, and book follow-up calls before you fly home.
Day 0
arrive early, collect your badge, walk the meeting floor and locate the exhibitor area before the opening session.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2RISE Star Ratings Master Class 2026 registration concourse
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 1695 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 1695 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether RISE Star Ratings Master Class 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For RISE Star Ratings Master Class 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Quality improvement solutions for Medicare Advantage solutions and benchmarking suppliers at RISE Star Ratings Master Class 2026 in Scottsdale.
Min. budget
$3,143.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Quality improvement solutions for Medicare Advantage products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$14,143.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Scottsdale show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is the December 2026 STARS meeting?
The event runs 14-16 December 2026 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. The resort is a large, spread-out property on Princess Drive in north Scottsdale, so allow walking time between the lobby, meeting space and guest wings.
Who attends this Scottsdale healthcare quality conference?
The audience profile is Medicare Advantage and Part D quality leadership: Star Ratings and quality improvement directors, HEDIS and risk adjustment managers, pharmacy quality and adherence leads, member experience and CAHPS owners, population health executives, compliance and FDR oversight staff, plus the consultants, actuaries and analytics vendors who support them.
What does registration cost?
Published rates on the pricing tier are USD 1,695 for the early bird tier, USD 1,895 for the standard tier and USD 2,095 for the day-of rate. Confirm the live tier and any team or member discounts on stars.risehealth.org before paying, since deadlines move.
Should I book before the early bird deadline?
Yes. Three tiers are published (early bird, standard, day-of), which means waiting until December is the most expensive option. Registering early also gives more lead time to book Scottsdale hotel rooms, where mid-December is peak desert-resort season.
Which airport should I fly into?
Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) is the main commercial gateway, roughly 22 miles and 30-45 minutes by road from the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess depending on traffic; allow 45-60 minutes in weekday peak. Scottsdale Airport (SCF) handles general aviation and private aircraft and sits much closer to the venue.
Is there public transport from the airport to Scottsdale?
PHX connects to the regional network through the free PHX Sky Train to the 44th Street/Washington Valley Metro Rail station, but Valley Metro Rail does not run into Scottsdale itself. From central Phoenix or Tempe you continue by Valley Metro bus, rideshare or taxi to the resort corridor. Rideshare or taxi direct from the airport is the practical option with luggage.
What will the weather be like in mid-December?
Expect dry, sunny desert winter conditions: daytime highs around 18-21 C (65-70 F), overnight lows around 6-9 C (43-48 F) and very little rain. Meeting rooms are air conditioned and evenings cool down quickly, so a light jacket or layer is useful.
What is the dress code?
Business casual is the norm at healthcare quality and Medicare Advantage meetings: jacket or blazer optional, collared shirts, trousers or dresses, comfortable shoes for a resort property with outdoor walking between sessions.
Do I need a visa to attend from outside the United States?
US citizens need no visa. Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries normally use an approved ESTA; others typically need a B-1 business visitor visa. Carry your registration confirmation for the port of entry and check current rules on the CBP and State Department sites before booking.
Is parking available at the venue?
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a resort property with self-parking and valet; resort and parking charges are set by the venue, so confirm current daily rates when you book. Rideshare drop-off is the simplest option if you are staying nearby.
What topics dominate the programme?
Based on the published audience profile, expect Star Ratings measure strategy and cut-point scenarios, HEDIS and hybrid chart review operations, risk adjustment and RADV readiness, CAHPS and member experience, Part D adherence, care gap closure, and CMS policy and compliance updates for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
What currency and time zone apply?
Everything is priced in US dollars. Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7) all year and does not observe daylight saving, so in December local time matches Denver and Salt Lake City.
Can I combine the trip with other Scottsdale activities?
Yes, if you build in a buffer day. Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale Fashion Square and the Sonoran Desert trailheads in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve are all within a short drive of the resort corridor, and December daytime temperatures are comfortable for outdoor walking.
Glossary
- Star Ratings
- CMS's five-star quality scoring system for Medicare Advantage and Part D contracts, built from measure results across quality, member experience and access domains; higher ratings unlock quality bonus payments and stronger plan marketing position.
- HEDIS
- The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, NCQA's standardised measure library covering preventive screening, chronic condition management and utilisation; a large share of Star measures derive from HEDIS specifications.
- Cut points
- The measure-level thresholds CMS sets each year that convert a plan's performance into 1 to 5 star scores; small movements in a crowded measure can change a contract's overall rating.
- Quality Bonus Payment (QBP)
- The bonus CMS pays to Medicare Advantage contracts rated 4 stars or higher, calculated as a percentage of the plan's benchmark; it is the main financial reason plans invest in Stars programmes.
- Risk adjustment and HCCs
- The CMS-HCC model uses documented diagnoses to predict member cost and set payment. Accurate hierarchical condition category capture is a compliance and revenue issue discussed heavily at Stars meetings.
- RADV audit
- Risk Adjustment Data Validation: CMS audits that test whether diagnoses submitted for payment are supported by medical records, and can trigger payment recovery for a contract.
- CAHPS
- The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey of member experience, covering access, communication, customer service and plan ratings; results feed directly into Star Ratings.
- Health Outcomes Survey (HOS)
- A CMS survey of Medicare Advantage members measuring physical and mental health status over time; HOS-based measures contribute to the Star Ratings.
- Special Needs Plan (SNP)
- A Medicare Advantage plan limited to dual-eligible, institutionalised or chronic condition populations, with distinct quality and care coordination measures.
- Medication adherence (PDC)
- Proportion of Days Covered: the share of days a member has a supply of a target drug class. Diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol adherence measures are scored in Part D Star Ratings.
- Care gap
- A recommended service or test a member has not received, such as a diabetic retinal exam or colorectal screening; closing gaps is the operational core of many Stars improvement plans.
- FDR / delegated entity
- First Tier, Downstream and Related Entities: vendors and provider groups performing Medicare functions on a plan's behalf, subject to CMS compliance and delegation oversight requirements.
- Hybrid measure
- A HEDIS measure that combines administrative claims data with medical record review, which is why chart chase logistics and abstraction quality matter to quality teams.
- Member attribution
- The rules that assign members to a plan, provider or care programme for measurement and payment; attribution choices affect which populations count toward a quality target.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Scottsdale healthcare conference
- Medicare Advantage events 2026
- healthcare quality improvement conference
- RISE Star Ratings Master Class 2026 Scottsdale
- RISE Star Ratings Master 2026
- RISE Star Ratings Master Scottsdale 2026
- Class Scottsdale 2026
- RISE 2026
- RISE Scottsdale 2026
- Scottsdale United States
2 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
1
RISE Health
- event_website
- registration_page
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