This year’s HIMSS 2025 conference in Las Vegas was a whirlwind of innovation and introspection, showcasing both the promises and challenges of healthcare technology in 2025. Here are the key takeaways that stood out:
1. The Murky Middle of Network Development and Document Interoperability
Brendan Keeler’s insightful presentation on network development struck a chord, particularly his emphasis on the “murky middle” phase that successful networks often navigate. This analogy resonates strongly with the current state of document interoperability in healthcare. While strides have been made in EHR-to-EHR interoperability, the seamless exchange of documents remains elusive. Addressing this challenge will require concerted efforts from stakeholders across the industry.
2. The Ubiquity of AI
AI’s omnipresence at HIMSS 2025 was palpable. Every corner of the conference seemed to buzz with AI applications, from predictive analytics, ambient listening to natural language processing. Vendors were not merely dabbling but fully embracing AI as a cornerstone of their solutions. This widespread adoption signals a pivotal shift toward data-driven healthcare delivery.
3. Navigating Through the Fluff: Practical AI Implementations Needed
Despite AI’s prominence, there was a prevailing sentiment of caution regarding the substance behind the hype. Many attendees, including myself, noted a disparity between the promise of AI and its practical, impactful implementations in healthcare settings. While the potential is immense, translating AI capabilities into real-world benefits remains a challenge that demands focused attention and collaboration.
4. Interoperability: A Persistent Challenge
As we stand in 2025, interoperability remains a vexing issue, particularly concerning document interoperability beyond EHR systems. The ability to seamlessly exchange and utilize healthcare documents across platforms is crucial for improving care coordination and patient outcomes. As we look to the maturity curve the innovators are the ones looking at intelligent document processing and moving away from legacy on premise fax solutions.
5. Presenting on the Main Stage: From Legacy to Leading Edge
One of the highlights of my HIMSS experience was presenting on the main stage. My talk, From Legacy to Leading Edge: Transforming Healthcare Communication Beyond Fax, focused on modernizing document workflows in healthcare. It was an incredible opportunity to share insights and engage with industry leaders on this critical topic. If you missed it, check it out here:
HIMSS 2025 reinforced the immense potential of technology to reshape healthcare. While challenges persist, the energy and innovation on display offer hope that we’re moving toward a more connected, AI-driven, and efficient future. Looking forward to seeing how the industry evolves by next year!