Kunal Khashu is an executive at HCA Healthcare.

As we stand on the cusp of a new era in healthcare, the industry faces an unprecedented convergence of technological innovation, transforming the way we deliver care.

A doctor’s visit not long ago meant carving hours out of a busy schedule and then spending much of that time in a waiting room. Today, healthcare is coming out of traditional care delivery models from the confines of hospital walls. Alternate care delivery models—led by telehealth, remote monitoring and digital-first clinics—transform how and where patients receive care.

What started as a necessity during the pandemic has become a fundamental industry shift, offering greater accessibility, efficiency and personalization.

The Rise Of Digital Health Ecosystems

Digital health ecosystems are revolutionizing how care is delivered, enabling seamless integration between patients, providers and payers.

These ecosystems combine telehealth, wearable devices, remote monitoring and digital platforms to create an interconnected system where care is accessible anytime, anywhere, enabling convenience for patients, greater efficiency for providers and significant cost savings for the industry.

Here are a few trends to keep an eye on:

• Telehealth is here to stay. Once considered a stopgap measure during the Covid-19 pandemic, telehealth has now cemented itself as a core pillar of the healthcare ecosystem. The revenue generated from online doctor consultations has continued to grow year over year since the pandemic. This surge is fueled by its ability to improve access to care, reduce hospital congestion and lower costs. Virtual visits are particularly beneficial for rural communities, patients with mobility challenges and those managing chronic conditions.

• Interoperability is finally happening. The lack of interoperability—seamless data exchange between different healthcare systems—has been a major roadblock to efficiency for years. But that’s beginning to change. The rise of interconnected electronic health records (EHRs) and advanced data-sharing platforms is projected to save the U.S. healthcare system billions annually by eliminating redundancies, reducing administrative burdens and improving care coordination.

• Patients still want more control over their health. Patients increasingly desire greater control over their healthcare decisions. Digital tools like wearable devices and mobile health apps empower individuals to monitor and manage their health proactively. In October 2024, Deloitte found that digital adoption is rising among health-conscious consumers. The report found that while consumer demand for virtual and digital health services is high, the availability of these options remains inconsistent. The demand for self-service healthcare is rising, but many providers struggle to keep pace, signaling a clear gap between expectation and execution.

Challenges On The Horizon And The Road Ahead

Despite these advancements, a substantial portion of the American population still lacks access to adequate broadband, limiting telehealth’s reach in rural and underserved communities. Additionally, cybersecurity concerns loom large. As healthcare data becomes more interconnected, the industry has seen a sharp increase in ransomware attacks and data leaks, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks.

To fully realize the potential of digital health ecosystems, healthcare leaders should:

• Invest in infrastructure. To ensure equitable access to telehealth services, healthcare leaders must invest in expanding broadband infrastructure, leveraging public-private partnerships, government grants and cellular-based solutions while exploring community Wi-Fi programs in underserved areas.

• Enhance cybersecurity. Implementing a zero-trust architecture is essential, ensuring that every access request is continuously verified rather than implicitly trusted. AI-driven threat detection and end-to-end encryption should also be leveraged to identify vulnerabilities and protect sensitive information. Regular penetration testing and comprehensive staff training are, likewise, critical to mitigating risks, as human error remains one of the biggest security threats. A security-first culture must be embedded across all levels of the organization to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

• Promote interoperability. Promoting interoperability is no longer optional—it’s essential for creating a truly connected healthcare ecosystem. To achieve this, adopting FHIR standards and leveraging APIs are foundational steps that enable seamless data exchange across platforms. Enforcement of data-sharing regulations, such as the 21st Century Cures Act, ensures that stakeholders prioritize open communication and eliminate silos. Equally important is developing patient-friendly platforms that empower individuals to access and share their health information effortlessly. By combining regulatory compliance with technological innovation, we can pave the way for a more integrated and efficient healthcare system.

The Big Picture: A More Connected, Personalized And Efficient Future

The future of healthcare is unfolding before us, driven by digital transformation, patient empowerment and AI-driven breakthroughs. But innovation alone isn’t enough—we must ensure these advancements translate into meaningful, equitable and secure care for all.

Expanding infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity, promoting interoperability and embedding ethical AI governance will be the pillars of a more resilient healthcare ecosystem. The next chapter of healthcare isn’t just about technology; it’s about building a system that is smarter, more inclusive and deeply attuned to the needs of patients. The choices we make today will shape the future of care.

Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?