In an era when health systems pour billions into digital infrastructure, the question of “What is ROI in healthtech?” has never been more urgent. The members of Senior Executive Healthcare Think Tank, a curated group of experts in patient experience, workforce strategy, equity, quality and technology, draw on deep experience—from EHR transformations to consumer medical devices and mental health platforms—to redefine how ROI is measured and communicated in today’s healthcare landscape.
Traditional ROI calculations centered on cost savings or headcount efficiencies are no longer sufficient. As digital investments stretch beyond basic IT systems into remote monitoring, AI and patient-centered care, value must also be defined in terms of clinical outcomes, adoption, user trust and longer-term impact. This shift matters: In a recent survey, fewer than 30% of health systems reported “significant ROI” from their virtual care initiatives.
To navigate this evolving terrain, Think Tank members share their perspectives on the metrics that matter—and how leaders can align their measurement frameworks with both business goals and mission-driven purpose.
“ROI isn’t only how many dollars you save but what value and impact you are able to make in the lives of the patients.”
Operational Efficiency and Quantitative Gains
When defining ROI in healthtech, Md Akram Hossain, Product and Digital Transformation Leader, stresses the importance of operational and financial metrics—but he pairs them with more human-value measures. He explains: “When I led EHR transformations at hospitals, it was about measuring reduced billing errors, improving scheduling accuracies, minimizing supplies waste and more efficient physician block utilization.” He emphasizes that in other contexts—such as finance or supply chain teams—ROI could mean “measuring accuracy in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), or ramping up efficiency in procurement P2P workflows for critical supplies that directly impact patient outcomes.”
But Akram does not stop at strictly quantitative metrics. ROI, in his view, is also about qualitative improvements: “Patient safety and satisfaction scores, physician confidence in predictive insights, and reduced staff burnout are equally vital. ROI isn’t only how many dollars you save but what value and impact you are able to make in the lives of the patients.”
His balance of metrics reflects what broader research calls for. A systematic review in BMC Health Services Research argues that healthcare organizations must measure both financial and intangible benefits—things like quality of life, provider morale and patient trust—to truly capture the value of quality-improvement programs.
“ROI goes beyond revenue—it’s about clinical outcomes, user trust and sustainable adoption.”
Clinical Outcomes and Patient-Reported Value
Eugene Zabolotsky, CEO of Health Helper, takes a deeply patient-centered view of ROI. He says: “ROI goes beyond revenue—it’s about clinical outcomes, user trust and sustainable adoption.”
He argues that for therapeutic devices, the most meaningful ROI comes from what users feel and report. “Our ROI is defined by the relief and recovery our users experience in real time—whether it’s stopping itching from insect bites, faster muscle recovery, pain reduction or improved mobility.” These are tracked via patient-reported outcomes, usage patterns and reductions in reliance on pharmaceuticals.
On the business side, he notes: “For investors and partners, we also track engagement rates, repeat usage and reductions in downstream healthcare costs, demonstrating not only clinical value but commercial scalability.”
Eugene’s perspective aligns with findings from hospital executives: According to a survey cited by TechTarget, more than half of hospital leaders say that improved patient outcomes is their top ROI metric for digital health solutions.
“True ROI isn’t only return on investment—it’s return on impact, proving that accessible, inclusive care directly strengthens both human potential and business performance.”
Mental Health, Diversity and Organizational Well-Being
Feri Naseh, Founder and CEO of MeTime Healing LLC, brings a different dimension to the conversation: mental health, and how technology-based care affects both individuals and organizations. Naseh defines ROI as “the intersection between improved mental health outcomes and quantifiable organizational performance.”
She elaborates: “For our enterprise partners, ROI translates to higher employee retention, reduced absenteeism and measurable increases in productivity and engagement.” MeTime Healing also tracks its service use among culturally diverse populations, underscoring inclusivity and access: “We also track utilization and satisfaction metrics across culturally diverse populations, proving that accessible and stigma-free care directly drives participation and long-term behavioral change.”
For Naseh, “True ROI isn’t only return on investment—it’s return on impact, proving that accessible, inclusive care directly strengthens both human potential and business performance.”
Her framing echoes findings from the 2024 State of Digital Health Purchasing Survey, which found that health-plan purchasers rank not just clinical metrics but also satisfaction (73%) and retention (47%) as central value indicators.
How to Determine ROI for Your Business
- Measure both quantitative and qualitative ROI. Combine financial and operational metrics (e.g., reduced errors, utilization) with patient safety, satisfaction and staff well-being.
- Center ROI on clinical outcomes. Use patient-reported outcomes, adoption and usage data to show real-world impact and build trust with investors.
- Link ROI to impact, not just income. For mental health and wellness technologies, define ROI in terms of retention, engagement and cultural accessibility.
The Next Evolution of Healthtech ROI
In 2025, defining ROI in healthtech requires more than tallying dollars saved. As the Senior Executive Healthcare Think Tank illustrates, modern ROI frameworks must embrace operational efficiency, clinical outcomes, user trust and deeper social impact. Leaders who measure and communicate ROI along these dimensions can secure stronger buy-in from customers, investors and stakeholders.
Looking ahead, the most successful healthtech investments will optimize cost structures, as well as drive meaningful change in patient well-being and care equity. By embracing a holistic, multidisciplinary view of ROI, executives can usher in a new era of sustainable, value-driven innovation.
