Renee Pyle’s route into healthcare leadership ran through the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, where her boss decided that if she could help run the circus, she could run a medical group. On Community Connected Health, Pyle joins Skip Lowe and Colton Storla to explain how Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons redesigned its employee health benefits—and why making that change meant staying alongside employees through the hard parts. She shares how direct primary care gives staff round-the-clock access, why she once offered to personally pay a provider if an employee’s bill went unpaid, and how HR can help people get care before a manageable problem becomes a costly one. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. Bullet Points - The role and services of an independently owned orthopedic practice in Iowa - Employee health benefits and the challenges of designing and managing health plans - Self-funded plans, local provider networks, and strategies for controlling rising healthcare costs - The importance of employee trust, communication, and change management when benefits change - Direct primary care and its potential to improve access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and avoid unnecessary emergency care - Pharmacy benefits, medication access, and supporting employees through changes to benefit providers - How employee wellbeing and access to care affect workplace engagement and patient experience - Artificial intelligence, workforce change, and the continuing importance of human support - Practical advice for employers: ask questions, plan proactively, and invest in employees’ health and wellbeing Timestamps **Welcome and guest introduction (00:00:18)** Skip Lowe and Colton Storla introduce the show and welcome Renee Pyle from Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons. **Renee’s healthcare and HR career (00:01:17)** Renee describes her 25-year career, including claims, human resources, law school, and building an HR department and workplace culture. **Benefits strategy and an unusual résumé (00:03:09)** Renee reflects on an earlier high-deductible health-plan strategy and explains how working for Ringling Bros. helped launch her management career. **Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons’ role in Iowa healthcare (00:06:58)** Renee outlines the organization’s independent, physician-led model, locations, services, and focus on patient care and affordability. **Building an employee health plan (00:09:58)** Renee discusses the work, risks, and employee support involved in changing benefits, especially during the upheaval of COVID-19. **Moving to self-funding and localized care (00:16:09)** The group discusses rising insurance costs, the organization’s self-funded transition, employee education, and its Health Rosetta recognition. **Change management and employee advocacy (00:19:58)** Renee explains the need for leadership buy-in, employee trust, plan options, and hands-on help resolving coverage and payment issues. **Direct primary care and easier access (00:26:32)** Renee describes adopting direct primary care, its convenience and potential to prevent costly emergency visits, and its value to employees. **Prescription benefits and coordinated support (00:31:00)** The discussion covers medication access, pharmacy benefits, continuity during a PBM change, and advocating for employees when problems arise. **Reducing barriers to care and future opportunities (00:33:40)** The speakers connect accessible care with lower costs, timely treatment, productivity, and potential on-site or near-site clinics. **HR’s role and the future of work (00:38:12)** Renee frames HR as an employee-support function and discusses AI, governance, workforce adaptability, and preserving human connection. **Advice for employers and closing (00:44:13)** Renee advises employers to ask questions, stay proactive, and invest in their people; the hosts thank her and congratulate her.
