Code Red: How AI, Telehealth, and Cybersecurity Are Reshaping U.S. Healthcare

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, healthcare stands at the forefront of a technological revolution. From the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) to the expansion of telehealth services, how care is delivered is fundamentally transformed. But with these advancements come pressing questions about policy, access, and security.

In a recent episode of Follow the Brand , host Grant McGaugh explores these critical issues with Tom Leary, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at HIMSS (Health Information and Management Systems Society). Their conversation offers invaluable insight into the future of healthcare IT, from AI's potential to telehealth's policy challenges and how these technologies are reshaping care in America.

From Paper to Pixels: The Evolution of Health Records

The transition from paper to digital health records has revolutionized how healthcare providers access and share patient information. "We went from 7% to well into the 90s of doctors' offices adopting electronic health records (EHRs)," notes Leary. Although the early adoption days were challenging, the benefits have been profound.

EHRs allow for faster, more accurate record-keeping, which leads to better patient outcomes. According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), EHRs significantly reduce paperwork errors, allowing doctors to spend more time with patients and less time on administrative tasks. EHR adoption has also contributed to improved care coordination, helping to prevent medical errors and enhance patient safety.

But this digital shift wasn’t easy. Initial implementation posed workflow challenges, and some healthcare providers struggled to adapt. However, EHRs are essential to delivering timely, coordinated care across the healthcare ecosystem.

Telehealth at a Crossroads: The Fight for Access

While EHRs have laid the groundwork for digital healthcare, telehealth has taken center stage since the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth services allowed millions of Americans to continue receiving care when in-person visits weren’t possible. But this critical service now faces an uncertain future.

“Telehealth provisions... run out on December 31st,” warns Leary. During the pandemic, telehealth usage surged by more than 1,500% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, according to the CDC. It became a lifeline, especially for patients in rural areas and those with chronic conditions.

However, as telehealth provisions expire, millions of Americans could lose access to virtual care, and healthcare providers may lose reimbursement for telehealth services. The rollback of these provisions would be a significant setback, particularly for underserved populations who have come to rely on this convenient and effective care method.

Policymakers must act swiftly to make telehealth a permanent part of healthcare delivery. As Leary stresses, the fight for equitable access to healthcare now depends on ensuring that telehealth remains accessible to all, not just a select few.

AI in Healthcare: The Double-Edged Sword

Artificial intelligence is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising technologies in healthcare. "The power of AI lies in its ability to reduce provider burden and improve decision-making," says Leary.

AI has the potential to transform how healthcare is delivered, from predicting patient outcomes to assisting in complex diagnoses. A report by Accenture predicts that AI could save the U.S. healthcare system $150 billion annually by 2026, optimizing everything from operations to clinical care.

However, AI has its challenges. Leary cautions that while AI can help with quick decision-making, it must be used responsibly. “We need a learned intermediary—humans who can oversee AI-driven decisions and ensure patient safety,” he explains. AI algorithms, while powerful, can be prone to errors and biases, and the healthcare system must strike a balance between automation and human oversight.

Moreover, AI raises critical ethical issues, including data privacy and the potential for algorithm bias. As AI becomes more widespread, policymakers must establish guidelines that ensure its ethical implementation across healthcare settings.

Cybersecurity: Healthcare’s Growing Threat

As healthcare becomes increasingly digitized, it also becomes more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Leary describes cybersecurity as one of the greatest challenges facing the healthcare industry today.

"Healthcare is now the most targeted sector for cyberattacks," he explains. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported 707 major data breaches, exposing the records of over 50 million patients. These breaches threaten patient privacy and the integrity of healthcare systems, which are often forced offline during attacks.

Securing healthcare systems against cyber threats is now a top priority. HIMSS has advocated that healthcare be included in critical infrastructure protections, pushing for stronger defenses against cyberattacks. Leary emphasizes the importance of encrypted data, real-time threat detection, and training healthcare staff to recognize phishing attacks as more patient data moves online.

Policy: The Key to Unlocking Healthcare’s Future

As Leary and McGaugh discuss throughout the podcast, policy is the key to ensuring that technological innovations in healthcare benefit everyone. While AI, telehealth, and cybersecurity are transforming healthcare, strong policies are needed to secure these advances and ensure equitable access.

Through his work at HIMSS, Leary advocates for forward-thinking legislation that will allow healthcare IT to reach its full potential. “If the United States really wants to lead on AI in healthcare, we need legislation across all sectors to be passed next year,” Leary asserts. Without the right policies in place, the promise of AI and telehealth could be limited to a select few rather than benefiting the entire population.

Policymakers must collaborate with healthcare providers and technologists to craft legislation that ensures the digital transformation of healthcare is safe, secure, and accessible to all.

A Call to Action: Shaping Healthcare’s Future

As the episode of Follow the Brand draws to a close, Leary and McGaugh reflect on the road ahead. The digital transformation of healthcare offers unprecedented opportunities, but it also presents significant challenges. From making telehealth permanent to developing AI responsibly and defending against cyberattacks, the future of healthcare depends on the decisions made today.

Leary’s message is clear: "We all have a stake in this healthcare revolution. And the time to act is now."

Healthcare providers, policymakers, and technologists must rise to the occasion, collaborating to create a future where technology enhances care, improves outcomes, and ensures that everyone can access the healthcare they need.

About the Author: Grant McGaugh

Grant McGaugh is a visionary leader, healthcare strategist, and the host of the Follow the Brand podcast, where he explores the intersection of healthcare, technology, and leadership. With over two decades of experience in healthcare IT and business development, Grant is passionate about helping organizations navigate digital transformation and create impactful solutions. As the founder of 5 STAR BDM, Grant empowers brands and businesses to grow through strategic partnerships, technology innovation, and thought leadership. Known for his insightful interviews with industry leaders, he is dedicated to advancing the conversation around healthcare IT, policy, and innovation.