HIMSS25 is in the books, but the takeaways are still fresh. Our team at CommonWell spent the week immersed in the energy of the show floor, deep in conversations about the future of health IT. AI was everywhere (because of course it was), patient access is finally gaining real traction, and the interoperability conversation has shifted from why to how. There’s a lot to unpack—and a lot of work ahead—but one thing is clear: healthcare is changing, and interoperability is at the center of it all. Here’s what each of us took away from the week:
Paul’s HIMSS25 Hot Takes
- Individual Access is sexy!
You have the right to your data—let’s help you get it. To those leaders of the past who said patients don’t need their data because they wouldn’t know what to do with it—whenever I say, “Give me a shot, I’ll decide that,” the applause is loud and clear. After presenting our work with b.well and athena, over half the audience left their comfy seats to cram into a small kiosk with no mic or speakers just to learn more. It’s laughable that it took this long to see traction at scale. If you’re still on the sidelines hoarding data—shame on you. If you’re curious about how to unlock data for patients, whether it’s to manage health, audit records, or prevent AI from making clinical suggestions off bad data—give us a call. - Energy and impact were up.
Attendance may have been down, but the conversations were 🔥. We didn’t have time for many educational sessions, but the energy on the show floor was electric. - Interoperability is the machine.
Sometimes it felt like interoperability isn’t just a cog—it’s the whole engine. Five years ago, we had to explain why interoperability mattered; now, people are telling us why before we even start. Sharing is caring, people. If you’re involved in clinical care, data sharing isn’t optional—it’s essential. - Conferences are super spreaders.
Get your shots, folks. I somehow slipped through with the flu despite getting all my jabs. Lack of sleep and those incredible parties probably didn’t help. Pretty sure a lot of folks are downing cold meds this week. - Government uncertainty = weird vibes.
There’s a lot of gamesmanship happening, but our strategy is simple: focus on what we do and do it well. We launched an Interop Solution Accelerator in the CommonWell Marketplace with ELLKAY and Clinical Architecture. Vision meets mission—we’re ready for what’s next. - AI is everywhere—but proceed with caution.
AI is becoming more practical, like with transcription and passive documentation. But it’s only as good as the data behind it—and spoiler alert, healthcare data isn’t great. Better data means better AI. Garbage in, garbage out.
Courtney’s Hot Takes
- Lights, camera, action!
The show floor was bigger, brighter, and bolder this year. Digital screens were everywhere—even the walls. It made the whole experience feel more alive. - Say cheese.
Photobooths were a hit, from professional headshots to AI-generated rockstar moments. Already brainstorming how we can bring that energy to our Fall Summit. - Predicting the future.
Every panel was about the future—AI, interoperability, TEFCA, and the future of healthcare. Everyone’s trying to get ahead of the curve. - Printed stuff still works.
Our flyers disappeared fast, which was great—but it’s clear that standing out from the sea of identical brochures is key. Note to self for next time. - Food wins.
Chocolate at our booth? Huge success. Also, shoutout to the custom donut bar. When the convention center food is subpar, the small treats really save the day.
Liz’s Hot Takes
- HIMSS is back!
They say attendance was down—but it didn’t feel that way. The exhibit floor was packed, and we had more conversations than time to have them. - AI is everywhere—but tread carefully.
AI is only as good as the data it’s pulling from—and let’s be real, the data isn’t great. Before we inject more AI, we need to clean up the data. - Patient Access is here.
We showcased how patient access can be done securely with athenahealth and b.well. Patients shouldn’t have to figure out where their data is—systems should handle that. - Clinical research deserves more attention.
Micky hinted that clinical research could become a TEFCA exchange purpose. Now that ONC and HHS are quiet, it’s up to the private sector to push it forward. - Connecting the long tail of smaller EHRs matters.
Smaller vendors are showing up at the table thanks to the QHIN model. A more comprehensive view of the patient is on the horizon. - Vegas for five days is exhausting.
Enough said.
Marina’s Hot Takes
- Hotel hack: Stay in the North Tower in the Venetian.
Closer to the expo center, shorter coffee lines, and better delivery drop-off spots. Small efficiencies = big wins. - Delivery pro tip.
If you’re ordering supplies or food, send this pin to the driver: 36.12032,-115.16900. Your sanity will thank you. - Tech fails? Ask Freeman.
Our flash drive died the day before the floor opened—Freeman came through with a replacement. Lifesaver. - Running low on flyers? Plan ahead.
FedEx will get them to you by 8 a.m. next day or 2 p.m. same day—but not ASAP. Adjust expectations accordingly. - Every conversation has value.
Not every chat becomes a lead—but they can spark future connections. Plus, I got to connect with other Drexel Dragons and students working on food insecurity.
Final Thoughts
HIMSS25 gave us a lot to think about—patient access is gaining momentum, AI is everywhere (for better or worse), and interoperability is finally getting the attention it deserves. Plus, we learned that chocolate and good photobooths might just be the key to better healthcare engagement. Until next year—stay caffeinated, stay connected, and for the love of Vegas, wear comfortable shoes.