Why health systems struggle to prove ROI on digital health investments


Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT

Health systems are spending more on technology than ever, but many digital and C-suite leaders still face tough questions about substantiating value and investment strategies. 

When ROI is siloed or unclear, innovation can stall, governance can break down and technology is perceived as a cost center rather than a strategic asset. Traditional financial models often miss clinical and operational value, leaving leaders without a comprehensive, longitudinal impact perspective. 

This panel brings together executives from Stanford Health Care, Mass General Brigham, and Southern Illinois Healthcare to unpack how leading systems are addressing these challenges head-on. Speakers will share how they're closing visibility gaps, centralizing decision making, and creating repeatable methods to measure value across the organization.

The discussion will explore how to transition into maximum-impact mode with coordinated technology strategies that support enterprise priorities and win executive buy-in.

Key insights include:
 
  • Common reasons ROI remains difficult to prove in health systems
  • How centralized governance supports better decision-making
  • Strategies to make technology value visible and sustainable
  • Lessons from systems successfully substantiating enterprise-level technology impact

Presenters:

Leah Rosengaus - Daniel Gest

Leah Rosengaus

Director, DigitalHealth, Stanford Health Care

Raj Patel - Daniel Gest

Rajesh (Raj) Patel, MD, MPH, MA

VP of Digital Patient Experience, Mass General Brigham

Todd - Daniel Gest

Todd Guenzburger, MD, FACP

Vice President, Chief Health Information Officer, Southern Illinois Healthcare

Moderator:

Dan_SAGE_headshot - Daniel Gest

Dan D’Orazio

CEO, Sage Growth Partners, LLC