Key Insights From the 2024 KLAS Digital Health Investment Symposium 

By Tye Cook, Senior Executive Director, Revenue Cycle + Experience

KLAS hosted its seventh annual Digital Health Investment Symposium (DHIS) this past week in Park City, Utah. The event brought together a unique mix of leaders from the provider, payer, vendor, and investment communities. This gathering offered a balance of insightful speakers, engaging panels, and ample opportunities to forge relationships. It reminded me of a more intimate version of the JPM Healthcare Conference, focusing more on building connections than on transactional exchanges. 

Below are three observations from this year’s symposium: 

AI Focus Transitions From Hype to Practicality 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving beyond its initial hype, with a clearer understanding of its narrow, specific use cases. Leaders are shifting from grand expectations to more focused applications. As AI matures, governance and security standards are being adapted from established cybersecurity practices. Providers and payers are increasingly demanding transparency in algorithms—no more “black box” AI. Localization is becoming essential for organizations to derive true value from these technologies. 

Post-Disruption, Resilience Requires Agility and Planning

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. From cybersecurity attacks to natural disasters, to pandemics, healthcare organizations must plan for unforeseen events while also developing adaptive strategies that allow nimble responses in real time. Streamlining operations, reducing redundancies in technology, and developing strategic partnerships will help organizations respond quickly to disruptions and mitigate potential setbacks.  

Technology Alone Isn’t the Solution—Operational Readiness Is 

A recurring message at the event was that technology is not a stand-alone solution. As one speaker aptly put it, “A product is not a solution.” The real value of technology is unlocked only when an organization’s operating model is fully aligned to leverage it. Investing in technology without ensuring operational readiness leads to disappointing outcomes. Organizations must ensure their operations are equipped to integrate new tools in a way that supports their broader goals. 

Investing in technology without ensuring operational readiness leads to disappointing outcomes.

Thanks to the entire KLAS team for organizing an exceptional event to foster meaningful dialogue in the healthcare industry. As the challenges we face as an industry grow more complex, collaboration and transparency among all stakeholders—providers, payers, vendors, and investors—will be critical to driving the transformative changes we need for our families and communities.