ViVE 2025 brought together some of the brightest minds in healthcare IT, and we were thrilled to be part of the conversation! Key topics included leveraging national networks to optimize the value of innovative Health Tech and the ongoing cost and time associated with direct integrations.

Thank you to everyone who met with us at ViVE Connect—we enjoyed sharing insights and exploring new opportunities to advance healthcare technology.

Marilee’s ViVE Insights

Ron, our VP of Engineering, and I had over 75 discussions with primarily Health Tech vendors highlighting their solutions and discussing barriers to their success. Here are my key takeaways from those discussions:

AI Frameworks Take Center Stage

A big difference from last year’s conference was the high number of AI Framework vendors, as opposed to specific AI solutions (while there were plenty of those also). This reflects the reality that Health Systems are trying to implement multiple AI tools within a single ecosystem, and AI solutions are having to navigate multiple complex health system ecosystems. AI Framework focused companies theoretically make it easier for both emerging AI solutions and health systems to more reliably and rapidly deploy valuable AI solutions. I think this is a great example of AI in Healthcare gaining traction and maturing.

The Importance of Nationwide Data Exchange Networks

I was surprised at how few Health Tech vendors were aware of:

• Nationwide Data Exchange networks and their value to solutions that require a complete health picture of the patient (AI, Analytics, Patient Engagement, Care Coordination)
• TEFCA as a new trusted data exchange framework, and its expanded exchange purposes (Individual Access Services, and the new expanded use cases coming soon)
• Epic’s announced move from Carequality to TEFCA based exchange, and the importance of having a multi-network approach over the next few years.

Thus, my next Office Hours in March will focus on why it’s so essential for Health Tech vendors to understand national networks broadly and TEFCA specifically. Register Here

TEFCA Next Mandatory Exchange Purposes Coming Your Way!

Last August 2024, an eighteen (18) month clock started on a mandatory response requirement for three specific Healthcare Operations Exchange Purposes. The published TEFCA SOP for these are here.

The three “mandatory response coming soon” exchange purposes are:

• Care Coordination/Case Management
• HEDIS Reporting
• Quality Measure Reporting

A unique aspect of these new operational exchange purposes is that responders are allowed to charge fees to initiators (at least per the current TEFCA SOP language).

With the “mandatory” nature of these operational exchange purposes becoming effective in early 2026, there are still many questions emerging. For example, how will the QHINs manage required exchange purposes that may also have fees associated with them? More to come on this topic as the QHIN stakeholders prepare for the rollout of these new exchange purposes under TEFCA.

Preparing for Upcoming Changes

As the healthcare industry evolves, technology vendors must stay informed about upcoming changes and adapt their solutions accordingly. The further evolution and growth in adoption of TEFCA, Epic’s stated migration plan, and roll out of new TEFCA exchange purposes all present both challenges and opportunities for Health Tech vendors.

Health Tech vendors must proactively prepare for upcoming TEFCA and other national network changes to ensure their solutions remain compliant and effective. Continuous learning and adaptation will be key to staying competitive in the rapidly changing healthcare technology landscape.

Conclusion

The healthcare industry is on the brink of a technological revolution driven by AI and a renewed focus on broad based, nationwide data exchange for a variety of exchange purposes. From sophisticated AI frameworks to advanced nationwide data exchange networks, these advancements promise to address critical challenges in patient care and operational efficiency.

To navigate this complex landscape and ensure your healthcare technology solutions are future-ready, consider partnering with experts who understand the overlap between successful AI use cases and nationwide data exchange initiatives. Don’t get left behind—start exploring the value of AI and nationwide data sharing initiatives to enhance healthcare delivery and health outcomes.