Driving Change With Purpose: Key Takeaways From HFMA 2025

At this year’s HFMA Annual Conference, Tegria’s Melody Johnson and Brian Redig joined healthcare finance leaders in Denver to explore how the industry can move forward with purpose. The conference focused on three themes that align with Tegria’s work: driving financial and operational transformation, embracing innovation, and prioritizing people. 

Here’s what stood out to our team on the ground. 

Driving the Next Era of Healthcare 

Healthcare organizations continue to face pressure from rising costs, staffing shortages, and increasing denials. Leaders are focused on performance improvement strategies that show measurable ROI. 

“Healthcare is experiencing its burning platform,” said Brian Redig, AVP of Enterprise Sales. “We must find a better future by moving forward faster through innovation investments that drive patient-empowered care.” 

While data and dashboards are everywhere, leaders want more than static reports.

Everybody has a dashboard. The key is unlocking what’s actionable, using modern data visualization tools to focus on the right priorities and act quickly.

BRIAN REDIGAVP of Enterprise Sales

Equally important is demonstrating value. “There must be a financial value story,” he added. “Not just a big win, but iterative improvements that build over time.” 

Rethinking Innovation and Partnership 

AI drew major interest at the conference, with sessions on ambient listening and agentic AI packed to standing room only. But for most organizations, enthusiasm comes with caution. 

“Technology was the name of the game,” said Melody Johnson, Senior Managing Consultant, Revenue Cycle Transformation. “But with limited resources, leaders are expecting proven ROI before committing.” 

There’s a strong preference for building on existing vendor relationships, rather than adding point solutions. “Organizations know they’ll need vendor partners to be successful,” Melody said. “They’re looking for trusted partners who can deliver quick wins and support strategic goals.” 

Brian added, “Innovation is welcome, but systems want help managing change and aligning stakeholders along the way.” 

Keeping People at the Center 

Despite the focus on tech and financials, the human element remained a priority. “Patient-empowered care is the future,” Brian noted. “And care delivery will continue shifting toward the home.” 

Melody pointed out that many organizations are struggling to make sense of the data they already have.

Most have plenty of data, but they don’t always know what to do with it. They need help identifying the problems that matter most and prioritizing solutions that will have real impact.

MELODY JOHNSONSenior Managing Consultant

She also highlighted the need for automation to reduce redundant, manual processes in the revenue cycle. “Denials are top of mind. Organizations are looking for technology to help ease the burden on staff and improve results.” 

Patient and clinician experience stood out as key differentiators in a competitive market. “Focusing here is a no-regrets strategy,” Brian said. 

What Comes Next 

HFMA 2025 confirmed what many already knew: The pressure is real, but the opportunity is too. The path forward will take more than tools. It will require clear strategy, trusted partnerships, and a shared commitment to better care. 

Let’s continue the conversation. Get in touch to explore how we can help enable innovation, uncover insights, and prioritize people.