5 Key Takeaways from HLTH 2024
Digital Health Insider
The latest news of the US Digital Health Industry, curated by @Light-it experts.
Missed the HLTH USA Conference? Here are the hottest highlights, trends, and upcoming breakthroughs in healthcare innovation, curated by Light-it ’s team.
The event was packed with bold experiences—from engaging talks and panel discussions to networking sessions and an impressive show floor with Light-it’s pavilion at the center. It also featured unique activities like art galleries, fitness fusion sessions, a zen dome, music concerts, puppy parks, exotic meals, and themed post-conference events.
5 Trending topics at #HLTH2024
1. Prevention tech: Preventative Strategies for Reduced interventions
Consumer interest in proactive health management is on the rise. Home-testing businesses, valued at $5 billion annually, are expected to double by 2032. These tests often spark debate over their interpretation and effectiveness, blurring the lines between medicine and health. Yet, innovators are forging ahead with preventive diagnostic solutions.
Examples include:
These technologies, often leveraging AI for greater accuracy, are slowly integrating into healthcare systems, despite slower reimbursement for preventive interventions. As data-driven preventive tech advances and whole-body MRI companies scale up, these innovations may become more accessible to the public, potentially transforming preventative healthcare for future generations.
2. Healthy Aging
At HLTH Inc. USA 2024, a key focus was on healthy aging, longevity, and senior care. Longevity experts highlighted the significance of understanding genetic and environmental factors for exceptional longevity, with the goal of extending the healthspan, not just the lifespan.
Sessions on the "silvertech tsunami" showcased innovative preventive care models, agetech, and digital solutions. These technologies democratize the ability to monitor vitals monthly, weekly, or even daily—through biometric data, blood draws, body scans, and more—aiming to prevent future conditions, disorders, or illnesses.
3. GLP-1 Drugs
In 2023, GLP-1 drugs cost the US healthcare system about $50 billion. Their potential to transform healthcare is significant, but only 25% of companies currently cover GLP-1s for weight management.
Employers face a tough decision: balancing financial sustainability with the benefits of having healthier, happier workers covered for these treatments. They're exploring innovative cost-management strategies such as:
Panelists agreed that employers should use risk analytics to thoroughly evaluate long-term safety and coverage decisions, while also moving towards proactive, preventive weight management strategies.
4. Health Equity
At #HLTHUSA, accessibility in healthcare was a major concern for many speakers and health advocates. The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) partnered with HLTH to tackle health equity issues.
NACHC members treat over 32 million patients annually, many from underserved areas, with low incomes, or from underrepresented groups. This gives NACHC a unique perspective on equity issues. Their officials took part in several panels and discussions, and held office hours for networking with community health center representatives.
They also hosted a "TechQuity Tank" where innovators presented digital solutions to support community health centers. Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP president and CEO of NACHC, emphasized the need for unity and diversity among healthcare decision-makers, calling for the inclusion of diverse voices, local communities' power, and innovations from community health center leaders in building a more equitable health system.
5. AI and Generative AI
AI was a major focus at HLTH 2024, with discussions on its potential to streamline administrative work and its therapeutic applications. Its impact on healthcare was a hot topic in nearly every conversation.
Payers and providers are adopting AI, but they need to craft plans carefully to meet patient and consumer preferences, using data from various sources. During a panel on "AI washing," it was noted that investors are becoming more discerning in distinguishing genuine AI applications from superficial claims.
AI's most promising potentials include:
HLTH 2024 was more than just an event; for Light-it , sponsoring the event and hosting our first pavilion was both a pleasure and an inspiring experience. For DHI, covering the biggest healthcare innovation provided firsthand insights into the latest trends and breakthroughs.
HLTH’s Founder & CEO, Jonathan Weiner , kicked off the conference urging us to "be bold thinkers, bold innovators, and bold risk-takers." That's exactly what we did last week at Las Vegas, and what we'll continue doing. 🤩
I help ORGS make healthcare Hispanic-friendly to lower SDOH & improve Health Equity.
1moGreat takeaways - Especially the focus on health equity. I’m glad we’re moving towards creating a more inclusive healthcare system. Gracias for sharing!