AI is not a disruption to resist—it’s a revolution to embrace. In this keynote, we’ll explore how AI has shifted conversations in healthcare from silent struggles to open discussions, allowing us to confront long-standing challenges head-on. We'll tackle the balance of digital innovation with human experience, the risks of a digital fluency gap in AI adoption, and the need for a "trust but verify" approach. The future of AI in healthcare isn’t about replacement—it’s about partnership. Learn how to bridge the gap and become an active collaborator with AI to drive meaningful progress.

Quantifying value and return on investment in healthcare data and analytics poses significant challenges due to the complexity and variability of healthcare outcomes. Unlike other industries, where ROI is often measured in financial terms alone, healthcare must account for both economic and clinical benefits, such as improved patient outcomes, reduced hospital readmissions, and enhanced operational efficiency. The diversity of stakeholders—including providers, payers, and patients—adds layers of subjectivity to value assessment, as each group may prioritize different metrics. Linking analytics-driven insights to tangible outcomes is often hindered by fragmented data systems, delayed impact realization, and confounding factors in real-world healthcare settings.

This panel will delve into the challenges of measuring ROI in healthcare initiatives, particularly when dealing with complex data sets and innovative programs. Experts will discuss strategies for overcoming obstacles, such as defining success metrics, controlling external factors, and demonstrating long-term benefits. Panelists will discuss how to quantify the intangible benefits, such as improved patient outcomes, enhanced care quality, and increased patient satisfaction. They will also address the ethical considerations and challenges associated with measuring these outcomes.

Healthcare leaders are increasingly turning to technology to address issues related to inefficiencies, workflows, and burnout. One promising solution is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for time-consuming and mundane documentation tasks. Join us for a fireside chat discussing the transformative role of AI in healthcare.

The ROI for electronic prior authorization (ePA) seems clear and overwhelming for providers and plans alike: better patient experience, reduced burden on network providers, and automation of costly manual tasks. Nonetheless, phone, faxes, and frustration continue to dominate prior authorization processes. The government recently sought to break this logjam with finalization of CMS Rule 0057, which mandates payer investment in IT infrastructure to support ePA at scale. This session will rank-order adoption barriers ranging from technical to trust, assess the likely impact of Rule 0057 on catalyzing change, and discuss what is needed from key stakeholders to transform the vision of industry-wide ePA into near-term reality.

Predictive analytics powered by AI is revolutionizing the way healthcare systems can anticipate and prevent crises. This roundtable will explore how AI can analyze vast amounts of patient data to predict risks like hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, and the onset of chronic conditions. Participants will discuss the growing role of AI in preventing adverse events by flagging potential issues before they occur and optimizing treatment plans based on predictive insights. The session will also focus on how hospitals and providers are incorporating predictive analytics into their workflows to drive cost reductions, improve patient outcomes, and increase operational efficiency. While exploring the impact of AI on reducing healthcare costs, the roundtable will address the challenges of data accuracy, patient consent, and the integration of predictive tools into existing care protocols.

Children aren’t just small adults—they require specialized care that many general hospitals, ERs, and urgent cares aren’t equipped to provide. But what if better pediatric care didn’t require more staff, just smarter strategies? This interactive session will uncover the biggest shortcomings in pediatric care and introduce practical, cost-effective ways to upskill teams, improve outcomes, and ensure kids get the care they deserve—no extra hiring required.

Protecting patient data isn’t just an IS problem or a Privacy problem—it’s a shared mission. But too often, these teams work in parallel instead of in sync. This session will explore how healthcare organizations can integrate IS and Privacy efforts to enhance security, reduce vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance without inefficiencies. Learn best practices for fostering collaboration and building a healthcare data protection strategy that actually works.

The healthcare industry is at a turning point—one where patients are no longer passive recipients but active leaders shaping the future of medical innovation. In this keynote, we will explore how patient advocacy is accelerating innovation, redefining clinical trials, and influencing healthcare technology. The future of healthcare will not be dictated solely by corporations or policymakers—it will be co-created with patients at the center. The future of medicine will be faster, more effective, and more impactful—because those who need it most are now leading the way.