Healthcare executives converged at HIMSS 25 with one overarching theme echoing across the exhibit halls and breakout sessions: artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it is now the catalyst for a transformative shift in healthcare. Attendees were eager to see how AI, especially agentic and generative AI, could address both clinical and operational challenges. From reducing administrative burdens to forecasting patient care bottlenecks, the potential to dramatically streamline healthcare delivery was clear.
The integration of AI technology in healthcare was evident in various forms, from voice AI solutions to ambient intelligence systems. Discussions centered around how these technologies could enhance value-based care models and improve workflow automation. But even as the industry embraces AI, conversations also underscored the importance of balancing enthusiasm with reality. Concerns about data security, regulatory uncertainty, and integration into existing electronic health records (EHR) systems remain at the forefront. Healthcare leaders are weighing these factors as they decide how and when to deploy AI responsibly, keeping the focus on what truly matters: patient care.
Below are key insights from top executives and industry experts who attended HIMSS25, capturing both the promise and pitfalls of this pivotal moment in healthcare.
1. Philipp von Gilsa, CEO and Co-Founder of Kontakt.io
In a year when AI reigned supreme, many executives zeroed in on its potential to consolidate fragmented platforms into centralized hubs for healthcare data and decision-making. Philipp von Gilsa stressed the increasing role of agentic AI in reducing complexity and cutting costs for health systems. He envisions a future where AI agents assume real-time decision-making responsibilities, alleviating administrative stress and allowing clinical staff to focus on patient care.
"The HIMSS25 Global Health Conference highlighted the transformative potential of agentic AI in healthcare. The emergence of agentic AI will allow health systems to significantly reduce the number of applications they use, creating greater simplicity and savings. An effective AI agent that consolidates real-time RTLS and EHR data in one location can go beyond insights to make autonomous decisions and actions. For example, progressive hospitals are now deploying AI agents to assist house supervisors in orchestrating inpatient care operations, coordinating equipment, staffing, and capacity needs. Additionally, agentic AI predicts future bottlenecks and dynamically reallocates resources in real-time to free caregivers to focus on patient care rather than logistical issues. As we leverage AI and other digital solutions in healthcare, the focus must remain on how these technologies improve care delivery without adding complexity."
2. Anurag Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder of Omega Healthcare Management Services
Financial sustainability is never far from healthcare executives' minds, and that reality shone through in discussions about revenue cycle management (RCM). Anurag Mehta emphasized that while AI can automate and optimize RCM processes, successful implementation depends on strategic partnerships and comprehensive, end-to-end transformation rather than point solutions. The integration of AI-powered contact centers and predictive healthcare tools was highlighted as a key area for improvement.
"Revenue cycle management (RCM) stands at a critical inflection point for healthcare organizations. While traditional challenges persist –– from billing complexities to staffing shortages –– new imperatives are reshaping the landscape. The emergence of generative AI represents an unprecedented opportunity for healthcare providers. But, technology alone isn't enough — strategic partnerships are essential to harnessing its full potential. AI's transformative potential spans the entire revenue cycle –– from real-time eligibility verification and claims pattern analysis to leveraging AI-powered chatbots that streamline patient billing and scheduling. Today's challenges require more than simply point solutions – they demand end-to-end transformation powered by advanced technologies and deep domain expertise."
3. Scott Mattila, COO and CISO of Intraprise Health
As AI's presence grows, so do the concerns about cybersecurity and third-party risk management. Scott Mattila painted a picture of AI's dual role: not only as a tool for improved healthcare operations but also as a mechanism for defending against emerging security threats. These considerations weighed heavily amid discussions of potential regulatory shifts, especially for rural healthcare systems reliant on federal support.
"There was great energy in the air as AI dominated the conversation at HIMSS 25—nearly every solution had some form of AI, with discussions focusing on 'using AI to fight AI' to proactively mitigate threats, enhance security, and reduce administrative burdens. Yet, concerns remain about whether these innovations can withstand security evaluations. Third-party risk management was another hot topic, as executives struggle with limited resources to vet an ever-growing number of current and a backlog of existing vendors. At the same time, uncertainty around regulatory changes and potential funding cuts, particularly for rural healthcare facilities that rely on stipends to support technology and cybersecurity, added to industry anxieties. Additionally, the potential for a 'HIPAA 2.0' sparked debate, with many worried that if new regulations roll out too quickly and enforcement begins with heavy fines, it could financially devastate an already struggling industry."
4. Colin Banas, Chief Medical Officer at DrFirst, Inc.
For those on the front lines, AI's real-world impact has become increasingly palpable. Colin Banas observed that "ambient listening technology" has evolved from experimental to tangible, signaling that health systems must adapt quickly or risk being left behind. Yet uncertainty surrounding regulations and interoperability underscores the need for a collaborative approach focused on actual results rather than hype.
"AI has moved beyond the hype; we are now seeing concrete progress with real-world applications that were nonexistent two years ago. Ambient listening technology has gone from concept to functional reality, and if a healthcare system isn't using it yet, they're probably behind. With all this progress, there's still uncertainty—especially around regulations and interoperability—but the momentum is undeniable which makes collaboration and achieving tangible results more crucial than ever."
5. John Welch, Chief Product Officer at TrustCommerce®
John Welch noted how omnipresent AI and ChatGPT were at HIMSS25. Whether for clinical decision support or financial workflows, the surge of AI across nearly every booth was undeniable. From virtual doctors to automated reconciliation tools, AI-based solutions demonstrated their ability to seamlessly integrate into existing operations—albeit with varying degrees of sophistication.
"AI was the buzzword of the day – it seemed the words 'AI' or 'ChatGPT' were echoing from every booth. I saw AI being advertised in numerous use cases from diagnosis to automated support with realistic interactive virtual doctors, all the way through to reporting and reconciliation. Solutions like Dragon Copilot and Microsoft AI assistant were particularly prominent in discussions about improving clinical documentation and workflow efficiency."
6. Greg Miller, VP of Business Development and Marketing at Carta Healthcare
Not all AI at HIMSS25 was showcased as a groundbreaking silver bullet. Greg Miller reflected on the shift toward more pragmatic, real-world use cases for AI—indicating that vendors are learning from past missteps in overpromising on AI's capabilities. Instead, many are focusing on targeted solutions that address specific pain points, such as improving population health tools and enhancing value-based care initiatives.
"Generally speaking, AI was a hot topic at HIMSS, which is not a surprise. What felt slightly different though is that many vendors are leveraging AI for very practical and pragmatic use cases vs. AI being a new 'shiny object.' We saw a particular emphasis on how AI can support value-based care models and improve population health management through advanced analytics and predictive modeling."
7. Karie Ryan, DNP, MS, RN, CENP, Chief Nursing Officer at Artisight
While physicians often occupy the spotlight, nurses are deeply affected by new technology deployments. Karie Ryan highlighted the importance of engaging frontline nursing staff in the design and deployment of AI tools. Automation of routine documentation tasks could alleviate the burnout nurses face, making their voices crucial in AI's continued evolution. The integration of voice AI and ambient intelligence in nursing workflows was a key point of discussion.
"At HIMSS25, what resonated most in our discussions was the critical intersection of nursing expertise and AI implementation. The enthusiasm from nursing leaders confirms we're at a pivotal moment—nurses are no longer just end-users of technology but active partners in its development and deployment. The most promising application includes automation of routine documentation tasks that currently pull nurses away from direct patient care. As we move forward, successful AI integration will depend on our ability to engage frontline clinicians in design, implementation and validation, ensuring these tools truly address workflow challenges while preserving the compassionate care that defines nursing practice. The conversations at the AI Pavilion reinforced that when we approach bedside technology from a nurse's perspective, we create solutions that enhance rather than disrupt the essential human connection in healthcare."
8. Ben Scharfe CPA, EVP, AI Initiatives at Altera Digital Health
Ben Scharfe echoed the enthusiasm around ambient listening technologies. He also pointed out the growing regulatory and legislative discussions, emphasizing that as AI solutions scale, healthcare organizations must stay updated on laws that might significantly impact how AI is integrated and managed. The role of Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) in facilitating secure data exchange was also a topic of interest.
"There were lots of conversations around ambient listening at HIMSS, and it's exciting to finally see real-life usage of AI rather than theory. There was a lot of important dialogue about emergent AI regulation, legislation and security. As innovation begins to outpace the ability of governments to regulate and legislate, it will be critical for vendors and users to pay close attention to new laws and regulations. The development of QHINs and their potential impact on interoperability and data sharing was also a hot topic among attendees."
9. Patty Hayward, General Manager of Healthcare and Life Sciences at Talkdesk
The surge of agentic and generative AI has made many healthcare executives keen to separate legitimate solutions from empty promises. According to Patty Hayward, discussions at HIMSS25 illustrated a rapid evolution in healthcare leaders' understanding of AI's potential to improve margins and reduce administrative overhead—goals that resonate broadly within the industry.
"It was no surprise that AI dominated discussions at HIMSS25, but it was striking how fast healthcare organizations are learning about and engaging with agentic and generative AI to separate hype and roadmaps from solutions truly ready to make a financial and operational impact. There is real need to improve margins and reduce administrative overhead, so conversations have moved from conceptual to practical in how, for instance, AI agents can impact patient access or revenue cycle by automating high-cost and high-volume conversations. The integration of AI-powered contact centers and voice AI solutions like Suki AI and Dragon Copilot were particularly noteworthy in these discussions."
10. Kent Dicks, CEO and Founder of Life365
In addition to AI, remote patient monitoring and the integration of vital signs data into AI platforms were major talking points. Kent Dicks emphasized Microsoft's partnership with Epic and the federal government's push for efficiency, reiterating the need for platforms to be both scalable and cost-effective to meet evolving healthcare requirements.
"Key takeaways from HIMSS25 included the pervasive discussions around AI as well as Microsoft tightly integrating GenAI on its Fabric platform with Epic's EHR. We also heard about how getting more data from vital signs devices can facilitate the delivery of proactive and personalized care. On the government side, there were concerns about what's coming next, but one thing was clear: The federal government is looking to do more with less by increasing efficiencies and reducing costs. That will mean platform consolidation since it's super hard for health systems to absorb single-point solutions. Instead, solutions need to be simple, repeatable, scalable, and cost-effective to enable data to be sent to the cloud for AI to help manage larger patient populations. The integration of Microsoft generative AI and solutions like Epic Nova notes are prime examples of this trend towards more comprehensive, AI-driven healthcare platforms."
11. John Orosco, CEO and Co-Founder of Red Rover Health, Inc.
HIMSS25 featured a multitude of vendors touting AI. John Orosco observed that while the hype is widespread, distinguishing real, scalable AI solutions from marketing spin is critical. He underlined that generative AI has the potential to go beyond data analysis—truly transforming healthcare operations if harnessed properly.
"AI took center stage at HIMSS25, with nearly every company highlighting AI-driven solutions. The challenge now is distinguishing real AI innovation from the hype. But there's no doubt AI has huge potential – it can cut inefficiencies, ease clinician burnout, reduce errors, and improve operations, all of which could help lower healthcare costs if done right. Generative AI, in particular, is emerging as a powerful tool, not just for data acquisition but for providing deeper insights and automation that go beyond traditional AI applications. The real focus now needs to be on turning AI's promise into practical, scalable solutions that make a real difference for healthcare providers and patients. We saw exciting demonstrations of AI for hospitals, including smart hospital platforms and AI-powered clinical documentation tools that are already making a significant impact."
12. Sandy Saggar, CEO of Connexall
Networking remained a critical aspect of HIMSS25, as Sandy Saggar highlighted. While the excitement around AI solutions continues to intensify, face-to-face meetings serve as a valuable reminder that technology works best when paired with human collaboration and shared understanding of healthcare's biggest challenges.
"At HIMSS25, it was clear that the transformative power of AI remains at the forefront of discussion. The impact of innovative technologies is already being realized, and I'm excited to participate in a future where we come together to unlock the full potential of new solutions like those on display at HIMSS. The networking part of the conference is always one of the most enjoyable parts of the overall experience. It was great to meet with hospital system leaders and team members to discuss their challenges and opportunities. Many were particularly interested in how AI can enhance contactless check-in processes and improve overall patient experience through solutions like Amazon One and Zoom Workplace for Clinicians."
13. Mike Esworthy, Chief Strategy Officer of EnableComp
Amid the AI buzz, Mike Esworthy cautioned that proving return on investment (ROI) remains paramount. Providers facing ongoing staffing challenges and uncertain funding environments will keep a close eye on solutions that not only promise transformation but also deliver tangible financial outcomes.
"As anticipated, AI dominated HIMSS25, with almost every vendor showcasing AI-enabled solutions. Yet, important nuances broke through the buzz. Providers remain focused on automation tools to reduce the burden of administrative tasks, while the innovation hub highlighted the potential to solve more complex tasks utilizing Agentic AI. Regardless of approach, proving ROI is key. On the legislative side, there is widespread awareness of potential changes in federal funding, with stakeholders remaining vigilant and prepared to respond. And finally, it was clear staffing remains a persistent challenge for providers with funding uncertainty further complicating budget and risk management. As a result, interest in ROI-positive vendor services and solutions continues to grow—especially those leveraging AI. The integration of AI technology in healthcare, particularly in areas like revenue cycle management and clinical documentation, was a major focus for many attendees looking to improve efficiency and reduce costs."
HIMSS25 confirmed that AI is not a distant possibility but an immediate reality, offering both enormous potential and significant responsibility for healthcare executives. Discussions ranged from agentic AI that can autonomously coordinate patient care to generative AI poised to revolutionize revenue cycle management. Yet, as several speakers noted, the success of these technologies will hinge on strong security protocols, thoughtful regulatory compliance, and, most importantly, a laser focus on alleviating frontline clinician burdens.
The integration of voice AI, ambient intelligence, and AI-powered tools like Dragon Copilot and Microsoft AI assistant into electronic health records and clinical workflows emerged as key trends. Solutions such as Amazon Scribe and Suki dictation showcased the potential for AI to significantly improve clinical documentation processes. Additionally, the role of AI in advancing value-based care models and enhancing population health tools was a recurring theme throughout the conference.
It is clear that no single solution fits all. Healthcare organizations must critically evaluate AI offerings, collaborate with strategic partners, and ensure that nurses, physicians, and staff are integral to the adoption process. With the right approach, AI can bring simplicity, efficiency, and a renewed emphasis on patient-centered care, ushering in a new era of healthcare that finally transcends administrative barriers and puts healing at its center.
The challenge—and the opportunity—lies in transforming the promise of AI into practical, accessible solutions that deliver measurable value for organizations and the patients they serve. As healthcare continues to evolve, the integration of AI technology in healthcare settings, from smart hospital platforms to AI for hospitals, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of patient care and operational efficiency.
