Liam Bohen-Meissner, RLDatix Communications
The healthcare industry has a paradox on its hands: an abundance of data and a scarcity of clarity. Every day, hospitals and health systems generate vast volumes of information, yet 97% of it goes unused, according to the World Economic Forum. While the potential of that data is enormous, its sheer scale creates a different kind of risk: complexity. And in healthcare, complexity can cost lives.
At the ACHE 2025 Congress, a panel of healthcare leaders—including RLDatix CEO Dan Michelson and executives from Quest Diagnostics, Exact Sciences and Core Clinical Partners—explored how the right technologies can simplify healthcare and improve outcomes across the care continuum.
The Urgent Need for Simplicity
“Complexity is the enemy, and simplicity is the solution,” said Michelson. “It’s simple—we have a big data problem.”
Today’s healthcare systems are overwhelmed not just by the volume of information, but by its fragmentation. The burden on clinical and administrative staff to manually connect data to draw insights continues to grow. The system is stressed—and without smarter solutions, staff and patients alike are left to navigate the consequences.
The key isn’t just adopting more technology—it’s investing in the right technology: solutions that streamline operations, connect systems and turn data into action. Above all, it’s technology that simplifies healthcare—for both those delivering care and those receiving it.
The Promise of Innovative Technologies
Innovative technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are often hailed as silver bullets—but the conversation at ACHE was more grounded and pragmatic. Rather than replacing humans, the panelists emphasized technology’s role in enhancing them.
Michelson referred to AI as “Augmented Intelligence”—a term that underscores the value of AI as a support system, not a substitute. For example, machine learning tools, like MedStar Health’s data extraction tool, are now being used to sift through thousands of safety event reports, helping organizations spot patterns faster than ever before. These insights can inform decisions that mitigate risk and improve outcomes while reducing staff workload.
Dr. Yuri Fesko, Chief Medical Officer of Quest Diagnostics, cited bio-surveillance as another example. By analyzing patient data, Quest helps public health departments identify high-risk populations—like those vulnerable to Hepatitis C—and deliver targeted education and resources that empower these communities with the information they need to take control of their health.
Innovation with intention
One theme resonated from the conversation: healthcare isn’t like other industries. In Silicon Valley, the mantra is “move fast and break things.” But in healthcare, that mindset doesn’t work.
Dr. Boykin Robinson, CEO of Core Clinical Partners, reminded attendees that innovation in healthcare must be both open and cautious. It’s not about resisting change—it’s about being deliberate, ethical and thoughtful in how new technologies are implemented.
The right innovations can reduce administrative burden, streamline workflows and accelerate time-to-treatment—critical improvements in an industry where delays can mean harm. As Dr. Paul Limburg, Chief Medical Officer of Exact Sciences pointed out, automation can help reduce human error, simplify onerous tasks like documentation and support clinicians in delivering safer, faster care.
A more connected future
What ties all of this together is a vision of connecting operations—systems that not only share data but learn from it. That means integrating data across patient safety, experience and workforce to uncover not just what went wrong, but also what’s going right. Learning from success is just as important as learning from failure.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that technology will continue to reshape the healthcare landscape. But the goal isn’t disruption for disruption’s sake—it’s sustainable, equitable and intelligent innovation.
As Michelson concluded, “We need smart experiments,” which entails —careful, strategic steps that help us adapt, learn and shift healthcare toward a safer, more resilient future. “We have got to make it simple for people to do the right thing. Accepting that people’s intentions are good and they’re trying means you can move them toward improvement.”
That’s the future we’re building—healthcare that’s safer, simpler, and more resilient, powered by insight and connection.