ViVE 2025 Recap: Innovations, Collaborations, and What’s Next in Healthtech

This spring, our team hit our (cowboy) boots on the ground in Nashville for the first event kicking off the industry’s healthtech spring marathon. As promised, the ViVE 2025 conference delivered a dynamic showcase of innovation, collaboration and bold visions for the future of healthcare. While many commented that the floor was quiet, there was a constant buzz of deal-making between vendors with leading reporter voices like Anjalee Khemlani at Yahoo News, Arundhati Parmar at MedCity News and Maya Goldman at Axios guiding attendees through the three-day agenda.  

From groundbreaking technologies to patient-centered care models, the event offered insights that will undoubtedly shape the industry for years to come. Here are five key takeaways that stood out for our team

AI and Empathetic Technology Have the Potential to Revolutionize Patient Care

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of healthcare, reshaping both clinical and operational workflows in profound ways. Discussions at ViVE brought into focus the dual potential of AI—not only to drive efficiency but also to enhance human connection. For example, Advocate Health emphasized the importance of integrating AI with empathy particularly for diseases like cancer, describing the picture of success as “technology with human connection.” In the same panel, C the Signs questioned how we can successfully scale these tools to more quickly identify at-risk patients and automate engagement processes. This approach paves the way for care that is both proactive and patient-centered.

However, the industry faces complex challenges regarding AI governance. In a separate session, Julia Hu of Lark raised critical questions about liability in cases of AI errors, while others, like Headspace, discussed the need to manage "on-label vs. off-label" uses of AI, particularly in addressing mental health issues such as loneliness. While there’s clearly a need for these platforms to become more human-like in their assessments and reactions, we’re still in the early stages of adding this layer of performance to these platforms.  

Interoperability and Streamlined Partnerships Take Hold (again…)

A consistent theme at ViVE was the push for interoperability and streamlined vendor relationships. Sounds an awful lot like 2015 vs. 2025, but it’s clear that we haven’t yet mastered some of the foundational elements for data sharing that are essential to realize the full power of new platforms. Leadership at Tampa General Hospital voiced a strong preference for consolidating partnerships, aiming for fewer but more meaningful collaborations that ensure seamless data integration. As one panelist noted, “Interoperability isn’t just a goal; it’s a prerequisite for better care.” This sentiment underscores the need for systems that enable frictionless data sharing and efficient collaboration.

Innovators are keen to forge new partnerships that combine their “zones of genius” as we at Greenough like to say, delivering the best combinations for the betterment of healthcare. As one example, symplr announced a new collaboration leveraging AWS to support the scale and connectivity of its solutions on the ViVE stage. Alongside customer Advocate Health, they unveiled a new platform that promises a centralized integration hub for healthcare CIOs, ensuring seamless interoperability and optimizing non-clinical and administrative workflows.

Sustainability and Climate Impact: A Growing Priority

Regardless of the flux related to climate sustainability on the political stage, sustainability emerged as a critical topic at ViVE 2025, with healthcare leaders emphasizing the need to address the industry's environmental footprint.  

In one of the first panels to kick off the event, Tampa General Hospital’s leadership noted the importance of ensuring operations do not exacerbate climate change, with a clear focus on balancing innovation and environmental responsibility. This aligns with broader discussions on how healthcare systems can adopt sustainable practices while maintaining high standards of care.

Cybersecurity Won’t be Ignored

As healthcare systems digitize, cybersecurity has become a non-negotiable priority. Christiana Care’s Anahi Santiago described healthcare as “the top targeted industry” due to the value of its data. Microsoft’s rural health resiliency program echoed this, noting its work with rural and community hospitals to blend responsive cybersecurity measures with proactive innovation strategies in lesser resourced institutions.  

Andy Puterbaugh, who leads the Hospital and Health System business for Teladoc Health, emphasized the importance of a robust disaster response plan, stating, “A well-understood business disaster response plan is imperative. You never have time for it, but it’s essential.”  

These conversations reinforced the idea that preparedness—from vetted vendor relationships to clear communication plans—is key to safeguarding operations and trust.

Financial Resilience Through Revenue Cycle Innovation

Revenue cycle management emerged as a pressing focus at ViVE 2025, particularly for rural healthcare providers. And this is no surprise, giving the increasingly narrow margins of provider organizations and unknown horizons for what’s to come with Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.  

Panelists spoke about how streamlined processes can more quickly address denied insurance claims, a significant pain point for many organizations. By embracing innovative revenue cycle technologies, providers can improve cash flow and financial stability while maintaining focus on delivering quality patient care.

Survey results from RevSpring also point to patient willingness to use AI to alleviate common frustrations, a trend that promises to increase patient self-service and reduce staff burden. More than half of patients are at least open to using AI for routine tasks like checking balances due, if it resulted in faster services, with one in five preferring AI to speaking with a human via phone. This opportunity represents a potential quick win for AI in healthcare – and improved rev cycle operations to boot.  

The Road Ahead

ViVE 2025 underscored a shared commitment to advancing healthcare in ways that prioritize people, technology, and sustainability. Whether it’s scaling AI with empathy, breaking down barriers in cancer care, or fortifying cybersecurity, these trends reflect a sector ready to embrace transformation. While we’re unsure of what’s to come, there was also a sense of cautious optimism about what deregulation could mean for new innovation in healthcare – could we see the floodgates open and acceleration take place to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the industry?  

At Greenough Communications, we’re inspired by these developments and stand ready to help healthcare organizations break through the noise – whether through their own moments or by staying top of mind during all the news cycles in between. As we navigate this transformative era, let’s ensure your brand not only keeps pace but leads the conversation.

Ready to make moments? Let’s connect, and we’ll see you at HIMSS!