Vizient: Healthcare AI deployments deliver an average ROI of 3.2x, survey of health system leaders finds

IRVING, Texas, Nov. 12, 2026—A new Vizient® survey finds most healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) deployments have an average return of 3.2 times (3.2x) their investment. The survey of 416 senior leaders representing 385 health systems also found that healthcare AI is changing work and not simply replacing workers: Only 17% of return on investment (ROI) leaders reported AI-related layoffs, while 59% redesigned roles, 56% redeployed staff to higher value work, 53% reduced overtime, and 21% reduced headcount through attrition.

“These findings suggest that organizations must look beyond broad, general applications of AI and focus on specific use cases where the technology can solve meaningful problems and deliver measurable value,” said Terry Hemken, managing director and practice leader for advanced technology at Kaufman Hall, a Vizient company. “The question is no longer whether to invest in AI, but where it can make the greatest impact. A disciplined approach will help health systems prioritize investments and scale what works.”

Key findings include:

• Most healthcare AI deployments deliver measurable value: Respondents reported an ROI of 2x or more for nearly two-thirds of deployments, with a median return of 2.5x and a mean of 3.2x.
• Some of the strongest returns are coming from less adopted domains. Even with adoption rates below 50%, pharmacy (36%), supply chain (48%), and utilization management (48%) each report a median of 3.0x ROI while most common use cases like clinical care (92%), care management (76%), and patient access (71%) return closer to 2x.
• Organizations generating the highest AI returns actively manage their AI portfolio, expanding to a median of eight tools and retiring two annually compared with five and one among lower-return organizations.
• The top performers stood out because of operational discipline, not more technology. Organizations achieving the strongest returns are more likely to report operating mature, scaled AI portfolios (42%) vs. lower return organizations (20%) and deploying AI in 8.6 domains vs. 7.5 domains.

“The research suggests that organizations generating stronger returns are actively managing AI as a portfolio—expanding tools that deliver value while improving or retiring those that do not. Tracking performance after implementation is critical to understanding what is working and guiding where health systems invest next,” said Erik Swanson, managing director of financial planning & data analytics at Kaufman Hall.

Vizient fielded the ROI of AI in healthcare survey in April and May 2026 among senior leaders at U.S. acute-care hospitals and health systems with direct involvement in AI initiatives and visibility into AI investments, outcomes or both. ROI figures are self-reported estimates and were not audited or independently verified. For the purposes of the survey, ROI included both direct financial benefits, such as cost savings and increased revenue, and indirect financial benefits, including cost avoidance, time savings, increased throughput, and improved quality. The margin of error for the total sample is ±5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level; margins are wider for subgroups. Additional methodology is available in the full report.

About Vizient
Vizient® enables healthcare providers to deliver better, more affordable care by improving financial sustainability, enhancing system performance, and accelerating strategic growth. More than two-thirds of the nation's acute care providers and more than one-third of ambulatory providers rely on Vizient solutions and services. By combining the nation’s most influential healthcare leader networks with industry-leading data and analytics, comprehensive solutions, and advisory services through Kaufman Hall, Vizient helps providers achieve financial, clinical, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Vizient has offices throughout the United States. Learn more at vizient.com.