Healthcare is Investing Billions in AI, but the ROI is Unclear
At the HIMSS26 Global Health Conference, experts shared insights on the hefty sums the healthcare industry is pouring into artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the investment, figuring out the return on investment (ROI) remains tricky.
Joe Longo, a senior vice president at Parkland Health, highlighted the challenge. “The cost of doing business is changing,” he noted. He mentioned that while AI may help doctors reduce after-hours paperwork, it’s unclear if this will lead to seeing more patients—or just more work.
“It’s a tough call on ROI,” Longo said, but he firmly believes the benefits are worth the expense. Over the last decade, the focus has shifted from solving tech problems to addressing human needs, making AI more relevant than ever.
Ray Lowe, the CIO at AltaMed Health Services, shed light on the tensions between finance and technology teams. CFOs often want quick returns, while CIOs recognize that implementing new tech takes time. The reality is, contracts often take three months, and implementation can stretch to six. Leaders want answers much sooner.
Dr. Brett Moran from Parkland Health admitted he once struggled to bridge the gap between clinical and technical sides. However, he observed a positive change: “We have matured significantly.” The term “soft ROI” is gaining traction, meaning benefits like staff satisfaction and retention are now deemed valuable, especially amid staffing shortages.
Dr. Jose Mayorga from AltaMed elaborated on soft ROI, emphasizing that technology can greatly benefit clinical teams. He noted that while cost savings are crucial, the ultimate goal is improving patient outcomes—like catching cancer early to save lives.
This shift in focus mirrors broader trends in the healthcare landscape. According to recent data, 60% of healthcare leaders believe that AI will improve patient care and operational efficiency. This growing optimism reflects a collective move toward using technology for meaningful change.
In conclusion, while the financial returns of AI in healthcare may be hard to measure, the potential for improved staff morale and patient care is undeniable. As healthcare continues to evolve, finding a balance between tech implementation and human-centric care will be key.
HIMSS provides ongoing updates on healthcare IT advancements and their impact.
