10 Things I Learned from CEOs at a Major Healthcare Confab in California

The annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, held in San Francisco, brought together industry leaders to discuss the latest trends and innovations in healthcare. Here are ten key takeaways from the CEOs' presentations that could shape future investments in the sector.

1. Rebounding patient volumes and workforce strain: Many health system leaders noted that both inpatient and outpatient volumes have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, placing further strain on workforces. This rebound in patient volumes, coupled with an overstretched workforce, underscores the need to invest in technology to extend clinician reach and improve operational efficiency (Peterson, Dailey, & Paiewonsky, 2025).
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation: While nearly all health systems discussed AI at the conference, few offered detailed implementation plans and expectations. The challenge for many care delivery organizations is dealing with the pace of change and linking AI to their strategic goals (Trigonoplos & League, 2025).
3. Growth opportunities in ambulatory care: Health system leaders are evaluating growth opportunities for outpatient services. However, only the biggest systems are investing in building new ambulatory facilities, and the high cost of borrowing and the trifurcation of credit may limit growth opportunities for smaller systems (Orr, Seegobin, & Trigonoplos, 2025).
4. Digital health companies touting AI capabilities: Digital health companies like Teladoc, R1 RCM, Veradigm, and Talkspace all spoke out about their use of generative AI. This presents an opportunity for these companies to leverage AI to improve healthcare services and outcomes (Aderhold & League, 2025).
5. Telehealth and virtual care: The extension of payment flexibilities for telehealth services until March 31, 2025, has significantly boosted virtual mental health services. Companies like Talkspace and Teladoc discussed the benefits of these policies and their plans to expand their telehealth services.
6. Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Several CEOs discussed the potential for M&A activity in the healthcare industry. For example, Advocate Health executives discussed the outcomes of their merger with Atrium Health and the integration process. Providence also presented updates on its financial recovery strategy, which includes exploring mergers and acquisitions.
7. Outpatient expansion and ambulatory care: Many health systems, such as CommonSpirit Health, are focusing on outpatient expansion and divesting hospitals in underperforming markets while bolstering ambulatory surgery centers, behavioral health services, and home care in higher-growth areas.
8. Behavioral health initiatives: Companies like Talkspace and Teladoc discussed the benefits of extended payment flexibilities for telehealth, hospital-at-home care, and remote prescribing, highlighting the growing importance of behavioral health in the industry.
9. Women's Health: The conference featured a Women's Health Series on Tuesday, which included discussions on leadership, investment gaps, and policy innovations. Speakers included Dr. Renee Wegrzyn, director of ARPA-H, and Kate Ryder, CEO of Maven. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden also delivered insights on The White House Initiative on Women's Health Research during Fierce JPM Week.
10. Health equity: Companies are demonstrating tangible progress in addressing healthcare disparities, with technology solutions expanding healthcare access and new approaches to clinical trial diversity. Strategic initiatives targeting underserved populations and measurable outcomes from existing programs are also being explored.



In conclusion, the CEOs' presentations at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the healthcare sector, including the need to address workforce strain, implement AI, and explore growth opportunities in ambulatory care. The conference also showcased the potential for digital health companies to leverage AI, the benefits of telehealth and virtual care, and the importance of addressing health equity. As the industry continues to evolve, investors should keep these trends in mind when considering future investments in the healthcare sector.