A Strategic Look at What’s Driving CFO Decision Making
In this session, you'll hear what leading independent health system CFOs discussed during our Spring 2026 in-person gathering in Fort Lauderdale, FL — and we'll share our perspective on the key themes and what they mean for industry organizations that work with them.
Below are key takeaways from our in-person forum with Independent Health System Chief Financial Officers, offering insights on their top-of-mind issues
Key Themes Discussed
Revenue fragility and the limits of supplemental strategies: When 340B, state Medicaid, and data monetization become load-bearing — not supplemental — the concentration risk is a structural problem
340B as a board-level risk: De-risking through specialty pharmacy, scenario planning for program loss, and what eligibility maintenance now actually requires
Technology ROI: Why AI and platform investments keep underdelivering — and the three-part accountability structure CFOs use to change that
Direct-to-employer as a payer bypass: The market conditions that determine whether D2E transfers, and why downstream volume capture is the real return
Building venture capabilities: How independent systems are formalizing investment arms — and why governance design matters more than fund size
JVs and service line rationalization: The fastest near-term levers for margin recovery, and why institutional inertia keeps underperforming programs alive too long
"AI is everywhere but the bottom line."
By the numbers: Systems are sizing venture funds at roughly 2 days cash on hand to frame board risk. 340B scenario planning has moved to the board level at leading systems. Inpatient rehab, neurosciences, and orthopedics are the most active JV categories in this group.
Why This Matters for Industry
For industry partners, these conversations surface where CFOs are actively making decisions — and where they're stuck. Understanding the revenue fragility driving urgency, the governance gaps slowing technology ROI, and the strategic bets independent systems are placing on D2E and venture is critical context for how you position your value and time your engagement.