Looking Ahead Post-ViVE: AI, Security Concerns, and Industry Transactions

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By Sarah Nicholson

Artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and significant partnerships shaping the future of healthcare were among the key takeaways from four days at ViVE 2024.

Here are the other highlights of the best moments from the annual healthtech industry gathering and a look ahead:

Hot topics

  1. The AI surge. There was a noticeable presence from companies demonstrating how their AI technologies can support physicians by integrating note documentation directly into Electronic Medical Records (EMR). This integration isn’t just a convenience but a necessity. Venture capital attention has followed, evidenced by Abridge’s recent funding round. Optimism outweighs pessimism about the entrance of AI-powered predictive clinical models in the near future. For now, these non-clinical applications, like documentation and education, are gaining the first ground in the sector.
  2. Security concerns. Cybersecurity commanded a lot of air space, emphasized by the presence of major players like Palantir and underscored by the recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare. This incident served as a stark reminder of the tangible threats in the digital health space, making cybersecurity more relevant than ever.
  3. Strategic moves and collaborations. ViVE provided a stage for lots of industry announcements, including news that the event is heading back to Nashville in 2025 after a brief stint in LA. Announcements of acquisitions and partnerships included the Biofourmis & GE partnership, Twill’s acquisition by DarioHealth, and a noteworthy collaboration between Highmark, Epic, and Google. The venture capital world also took notice of Abridge’s big funding announcement, highlighting the financial community’s interest in healthcare innovations.

Insightful sessions

  1. Demystifying the CPT code process. Health systems see the value of implementing digital health tools but often struggle to finance relevant solutions. Reimbursement remains a major focus. A particularly enlightening session involved the AMA discussing the CPT code creation process. It clarified that obtaining a CPT code does not guarantee funding, an important consideration for companies navigating the healthcare reimbursement landscape. The session emphasized the complexity of the reimbursement process and highlighted a serious barrier to getting innovation off the ground.
  2. Advocating for health equity. Many sessions focused on the ongoing need for equitable care delivery. The session titled “High Quality That Isn’t an Act” featured Advocate Health shedding light on its hospital-at-home program in partnership with Best Buy Health. The discussion emphasized the need for community-based care to bridge the health equity gap, and the importance of consolidating trusted data under a singular governance policy. This approach aims to decrease care variations and promote standardized medicine through new clinical care pathways and technology.
  3. A unified front for quality care. A commitment to improving quality of care was evident. Discussions included a call for singular IT platforms or digital ecosystems to connect all stakeholders, facilitating data sharing to make comprehensive care delivery a reality. Presenters also spoke of the role of policy in supporting healthcare advancements. Another point of emphasis: the collective effort required to implement screening for social determinants of health and health equity, as mandated by CMS and the Joint Commissions.

Looking ahead

ViVE 2024 provided a comprehensive look at the current state and future of healthcare technology, and highlighted the industry’s dynamism and resilience. As we look forward to the innovations and collaborations that will emerge in the coming year, it’s clear the healthcare sector remains at the forefront of technological advancement, with a steadfast commitment to improving patient care and outcomes.

Sarah Nicholson is Chief Marketing Officer with Babyscripts. She is responsible for lead generation activities and external facing messaging at Babyscripts. Nicholson has 18+ years of marketing and business development experience, working with a wide variety of clients in various industries.