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Portia Buchongo is an applied research scientist health equity at NCQA.

To address unmet social needs, the silos that have traditionally existed between healthcare and social care must be dismantled. 

The importance of cross-sector partnerships in enabling better health outcomes | Viewpoint

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The HLTH conference offered evidence of the growing excitement about artificial intelligence in healthcare, but the conversation is getting more nuanced.

That’s perhaps the key takeaway from the healthcare technology conference in Las Vegas. Thousands of healthcare leaders came for the convention, which started Sunday and ended Wednesday.

Here’s a rundown of some of my key takeaways from the HLTH conference.

I’ll offer a few caveats. There were literally hundreds of sessions, so obviously I didn’t attend each one. And with an estimated 12,000 in attendance, I didn’t talk to everyone.

I did speak with a good number of healthcare leaders in attendance (my dance card was full), some for interviews and others in casual conversations. This rundown reflects insights from the sessions I attended and those I spoke with at the conference.

You can also check out this video recap for more of the sights and scenes from HLTH. (The story continues below.)

The HLTH conferenced featured AI, technology and other key healthcare topics

HLTH 2024 in 2 minutes

some healthcare leaders projected that AI would be the main topic

It’s probably not surprising that AI was the dominant conversation at HLTH, and it was the topic of a host of sessions.

, MD, president and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic, talked about how his health system is utilizing AI in healthcare in one of the featured addresses at HLTH. In the short term, he said AI’s impact on healthcare may be overhyped, but he also said in the long-term, AI’s potential to change the industry could actually be underrated.

“The enthusiasm for the application of AI in healthcare is appropriately high,” he said.

However, there is a little fatigue, and even some frustration, over the constant AI hype. A number of healthcare leaders said there needs to be an understanding that AI is not a magic wand that is going to solve every problem in healthcare.

Others also expressed a little wariness of vendors pushing AI technologies. Some leaders said AI companies need to focus on more than using new technology, and concentrate on developing tools that help solve real issues for healthcare providers.

They also offered advice worth heeding for AI companies: Get some input from clinicians on your AI tools, since they’ll be using them. Another hint: That should include nurses as well as doctors.

Michael Meucci, CEO of Arcadia, said the conversation around AI is evolving from asking "what's possible" to helping clinicians.

"It’s clear that empowering clinicians with tools that integrate seamlessly into existing workflows—without adding burden—is key to enabling faster, better decisions at scale," Meucci said.

Executives continue to see AI offering more immediate benefits in helping streamline administrative tasks and helping to ease burdens on their staff.

While some leaders say AI could help expand access to healthcare, others warned that it could exacerbate disparities. 

 said he sees AI as expanding the divide.

“I’m very worried health systems are using AI honestly to segregate patients into those that are profitable and those that are not,” Califf said.

Kaiser Permanente CEO talks about acquiring more hospital systems | HLTH 2024

Some of the AI discussions are aimed at easing the workload of clinicians, and there is a recognition that doctors, nurses and other caregivers are spending too much time looking for data or filing claims, and that’s contributing to burnout.

Burnout among doctors and nurses is hardly a new phenomenon. The Physicians Foundation reports that 

60% of doctors experience feelings of burnout

. But there seems to be growing understanding that clinicians need more help and that too many are losing their joy for the job.

Healthcare leaders are also talking about reducing time spent on administrative tasks so that clinicians can focus more on their patients and have better conversations and can think more deeply about ways to help them. That’s a concern that was addressed repeatedly over the course of HLTH.

Health leaders also exhibited some restlessness over the state of healthcare.

Even as many talked about AI and other digital tools to improve care, executives noted the glaring problems that persist for many Americans.

Americans have shorter lifespans than those living in other countries, Califf noted. Too many people don’t have a primary care doctor, and too many communities don’t even have family physicians.

Too many can’t afford the care they need, and are grappling with social factors such as homelessness, food insecurity, or simply lacking a full-service grocery store.

Some of the conversations about health equity felt a bit ironic in the Venetian, the lavish site of the conference. But it’s good that there was a recognition of the reality for many Americans beyond the Vegas strip.

Some of the best conversations involved the growing mental health crisis in America.

. As executives of pediatric hospitals have lamented, 

more children are showing up in emergency rooms

Experts on the panel warned against dismissing a child’s depression or anxiety as just a phase. They also said some people aren’t appreciating how much the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted kids and teens.

Disturbingly, the experts said too many kids simply don’t see hope for the future. Akiera Gilbert, CEO of Project HEAL, an organization that helps young people with eating disorders, warned that many kids struggle with isolation.

“We are theoretically living in an age of connection, and we have never been more alone,” Gilbert said.

The HLTH conference gave some welcome attention to women’s health and research.

 announced the awarding of $110 million for research in women’s health research during the closing day of health.

She also urged healthcare leaders to put more attention on women’s issues.

“I know you see these opportunities in your day-to-day work,” Biden said. “Here’s what I also want you to know. The women of America are waiting on you.”

Another high-profile woman made the case for paying more attention to women’s health. 

, the Oscar-winning actress, talked about her advocacy for women’s health and the need to invest more in studies of menopause. Even though all women will go through menopause, Berry noted that there’s been little research. She’s backing a bill to invest more in menopause research and care.

“We need more money, we need more dollars, we need more research, we need more clinical trials,” Berry said.

At least in the sessions I observed, there were a good number of women on the panels, which is also encouraging.

Quite a few HLTH sessions focused on the popularity and potential benefits of anti-obesity medications, or GLP-1 drugs. The demand for those drugs has surged, and leaders at HLTH see little signs that the consumer appetite for GLP-1 drugs is waning.

While used in treatment of diabetes and weight loss, healthcare leaders also expressed interest in more research in their use to treat other conditions.

However, some derided the cost of GLP-1 drugs, which top $1,000 and are out of reach of many Americans. Califf chided drug companies for the high price tags.

“The profit margin, especially in the U.S., is outrageous,” Califf said. “They should be ashamed of themselves for what they’re charging Americans.”

Halle Berry wasn’t the only famous face at HLTH this year. Other celebrities took the stage and offered some perspectives that have some value for healthcare organizations.

Musician John Legend spoke about health equity during an appearance on the main stage Monday. In a conversation with Vanessa Broadhurst, executive vice president of global corporate affairs at Johnson & Johnson, Legend talked about seeing health disparities in his own family. He noted that his grandfather had his leg amputated due to diabetes, and talked about delays in getting the right diagnosis and treatment.

“I’ve seen how health equity and the lack thereof has impacted my own family over the years,” Legend said.

 talked about his work to improve oral health and healthcare more broadly in the Bahamas. He also pointed to a key ingredient in the success of those efforts, and offered a worthwhile lesson for providers.

The clinicians who are working with people in the Bahamas are treating them with respect and not pity, he said.

““It just feels beautiful,” Kravitz said. “You’re giving them their health back, you’re giving them their smile back, their dignity. … they’re so thankful.”

Thousands of people traveled to Las Vegas for the annual event. There’s growing enthusiasm for AI, and a little fatigue over some of the hype.

Topic

HLTH 2024: 7 key takeaways from the healthcare technology conference

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Healthcare occupations are projected to outpace other industries, adding 2.4 million jobs by 2026. Nurses are in short supply; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts need for over 200,000 new RNs annually through 2026.

AMN Healthcare conducted research regarding Integrated Talent Solutions (ITS), an enterprise-wide approach to permanent and contingent talent strategies. This research examined industry and talent management trends impacting health organizations, while offering actionable solutions. This eBook summarizes key conclusions from the ITS partnership research.

Striking the Right Balance Between Core and Contingent Staff

 – While AI and health tech issues are taking up much of the oxygen at the HLTH conference, the election is on the minds of many of those in attendance.

In two weeks, and perhaps a bit longer after mail-in ballots are tabulated, voters will decide if Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will serve as the next president. The next occupant of the White House could have a big impact on the nation’s healthcare policy.

During a session at HLTH Tuesday morning, Andy Slavitt and Seema Verma weighed in on the consequences of the 2024 election and its implications for healthcare, costs and access. Verma served as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services during the Trump administration, while Slavitt served as acting CMS administrator under President Barack Obama.

In the 2024 contest, unlike recent elections, Slavitt said, “Healthcare is not the main event.”

Harris has made protecting the Affordable Care Act a key part of her campaign, which 

she highlighted at the Democratic National Convention

. Trump attempted to abolish the healthcare law while he was president, although he has said in recent months he wants to improve the law. Slavitt noted the law remains popular, and while it’s not perfect, it has helped many get access to care.

“It’s hard to find something that’s a whole lot better,” Slavitt said.

Verma said that Trump was focused on the cost of healthcare for Americans during his presidency, and he’d likely retain that approach.

“He was in favor of wanting people to have more health insurance,” Verma said. “The concern was affordability.” 

Verma added, “For both candidates, there is a larger concern of general affordability in healthcare.”

Harris has also made abortion rights a centerpiece of her campaign, and that’s likely been the single biggest health issue in the race.

The vice president said she wants to ensure women have freedom to make their own choices. She’s also pointed to women having emergency care delayed or denied in states with strict abortion laws. And she’s repeatedly referenced doctors being prevented from caring for patients in emergencies, even for women who weren’t trying to end their pregnancy.

“‘She wants to make things more affordable, easier, get rid of the red tape …. And she wants to protect reproductive freedom,” Slavitt said. “Those are the things we know for sure.”

Trump has said he views abortion as an issue for states to decide, though 

, he wouldn’t answer the question about whether he would sign legislation to prohibit abortions nationwide if it reached his desk.

Both Slavitt and Verma generally agreed that the next president’s impact on healthcare will depend heavily on the people they choose to serve in key healthcare posts in the next administration.

“It’s going to be more about the personnel in place,” Slavitt said.

Similarly, Verma said, “It really is going to be turned to whoever’s running the administration.”

The entire House and half the Senate are up for grabs in the election, and they could be divided with narrow majorities, regardless of which party ends up in control.

For that reason, Verma said, the dynamics on Capitol Hill will make it hard to get things done.

“I don’t think we’re going to see a big, huge piece of legislation around healthcare,” Verma said.

If there are significant changes in federal healthcare policy, they will likely come from regulation, rather than legislation.

However, federal agencies could face new constraints in regulatory policy, due to 

 in the summer relating to what’s called the Chevron doctrine. For decades, the court held that when Congress hasn’t spelled out its intent on federal law, courts should generally defer to regulatory agencies and their interpretation of statutes. The justices upended that precedent this summer.

Slavitt said that weakens the role of regulatory agencies.

“The spillover will be real,” he said. “You’ll see a more restrained set of regulations.”

He also envisions the possibility that agencies may simply turn to Congress. And he said that’s problematic.

“Congress just isn’t that good,” he said. “They can’t foresee the future.”

Slavitt said it could unfold in ways to please and anger different groups. He said it would be harder for a new administration to simply impose new work requirements for Medicaid, but it could also weaken public protections.

Verma offered a similar perspective about the difficulties with the new post-Chevron landscape, saying, “I think it makes it a lot harder for agencies.”

Federal agencies are likely to see more lawsuits, Verma said, including on issues “that we consider to be settled.”

Verma said a second Trump administration wouldn’t see any cuts to Medicare, saying, “He’s very protective of the program.”

She noted the increasing scrutiny that has emerged around Medicare Advantage programs. While there is some bipartisan interest in Medicare Advantage reforms, Verma said some efforts may be going too far.

“My guess is the Trump administration may look at that and say, did we over-rotate?” Verma said.

As far as Medicaid, Verma said that another Trump administration would look at how Medicaid dollars are spent and will ensure the aid is going to recipients.

Verma also said a Trump administration would definitely give more deference to the states regarding Medicare.

Harris has proposed a new Medicare benefit, Medicare at Home, which would offer beneficiaries the chance to get services and aides to help seniors stay in their homes.

Slavitt noted that the proposal appeals to the “sandwich generation,” the group of Americans who are raising children and caring for aging parents. “She wants to bring some relief,” he said.

Slavitt said that there are key details, including how a Harris administration would pay for such a program.

Still, he said, “That’s a really interesting and strong priority of hers.”

As far as Medicaid, a Harris White House would ensure that there are no work requirements to qualify for assistance, Slavitt said.

Earlier in the HLTH conference, Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton, headlined a session on reproductive freedom.

Clinton, vice chair of the Clinton Foundation, made it clear that she’s supporting Harris, and she said the Supreme Court’s decision to upend Roe v. Wade has endangered American women. Nearly one in three American women live in a state that has an abortion ban.

Women outraged over the loss of abortion rights could make a difference in the election, Clinton said. She pointed out the abortion question is a defining issue in the presidential election but goes beyond the race for the White House. She noted that 10 states, including Nevada, host of the conference, have ballot questions regarding abortion rights on Election Day.

 voters have approved measures to preserve abortion access.

“There is wide and resounding support for women to access the healthcare they need,” Clinton said.

With two weeks until Election Day, Andy Slavitt and Seema Verma talked about what will change, and what won’t, no matter who wins the White House. 

The 2024 election and the implications for healthcare | HLTH 2024

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Rishi Sikka, MD, has been named the next CEO of Presbyterian Healthcare Services.

He will begin leading New Mexico’s largest health system on Oct. 21. Presbyterian operates nine hospitals, a health plan, and a medical group.

, who is retiring after 23 years with Presbyterian.

He previously served as president of Village Medical, a primary care provider. He formerly served as president of system enterprises for Sutter Health in California.

Sikka was appointed to Presbyterian’s board of directors in 2016.

“It is an honor to join Presbyterian at this pivotal time in healthcare,” Sikka said in a statement.

“I’m deeply inspired by Presbyterian’s purpose - to ensure every New Mexican can achieve their best health - and am fully committed to advancing that mission alongside an incredible team dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care for our communities,” he said. “Together, we will navigate the evolving healthcare landscape, innovate, and strive to deliver on our purpose in new ways for every patient and member we serve.”

Norm Becker, chair of Presbyterian’s board, said he is “thrilled” that Sikka will be leading the health system.

“Dr. Sikka is a compassionate, innovative physician executive with deep knowledge of complex systems and more than 20 years of leadership experience across the healthcare industry,” Becker said in a statement.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital names first chief data scientist

M. Madan Babu has been named the inaugural chief data scientist of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Babu is taking charge of St. Jude’s newly created office of data science, which will have a budget of $195 million and 115 positions.

“St. Jude is a unique place and I am honored to lead this initiative,” Babu said in a statement. “With our intellectual ecosystem of talented clinical, experimental and data scientists united under the same mission, there’s no better place than St. Jude to build a data science enterprise of this magnitude.”

Babu joined St. Jude in 2020. He previously spent 14 years as a program leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England.

James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO of St. Jude, praised the experience of Babu and touted the importance of the new office .

“Under the leadership of Dr. Babu, a globally recognized expert in this field, our Office of Data Science will strengthen data-sharing between the lab and the clinic, accelerating our progress in finding cures and developing treatments for children with catastrophic diseases,” Downing said in a statement.

Inova Health System names leader of clinical enterprise

John Moynihan, MD, has been named president and chief of clinical enterprise of the Inova Health System in Virginia.

Moynihan will oversee all of Inova’s healthcare sites and clinical service lines. He’ll also be responsible for the system’s clinical transformation strategy. He has been serving in an acting capacity since March 2024.

He spent many as a community physician with the organization and has held a number of leadership roles.

“I am honored to step into this role and continue my work as an advocate for physicians,” Moynihan said in a statement. “I look forward to partnering with Inova’s physician leaders and strengthening relationships with our medical community. Together, we will drive innovation, foster collaboration, and ultimately elevate the quality of care we provide to our patients.”

Stephen Jones, MD, president and CEO of Inova, lauded Moynihan’s experience with the system.

“John has been a trusted leader and long-time partner in our mission to provide world-class healthcare,” Jones said in a statement.

Kittitas Valley Healthcare CEO announces plans to retire

Julie Petersen, who has served as CEO of Kittitas Valley Healthcare in Washington for several years, has announced her plans to retire.

Petersen plans to step down at the end of 2024. She began serving as interim CEO in June 2016 and took the position permanently beginning in March 2017.

Under Petersen’s leadership, the system has added a 24-hour outpatient retail pharmacy, in-patient dialysis and digital mammography services. Kittitas also integrated behavioral health services in the system’s primary care clinics, along with expanded cardiology, neurology and wound care.

Kittitas Valley says it’s negotiating with Jason Adler, the system’s chief financial officer, to be the next CEO of the organization.

A public hospital district, Kittitas serves patients in a rural area in central Washington state.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital names its first chief data scientist, and other leaders make news.

Portia Buchongo

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