The healthcare system continues to undergo digital transformation, necessitating substantial investment decisions. These decisions require a smart strategy and rigorous implementation. Maturity models can support this process by providing a strategic decision-making framework and making progress transparent and measurable. Developing a suitable maturity model is complex. It is essential to define appropriate criteria to accurately reflect the healthcare system’s unique characteristics. Additionally, implementing a maturity measurement is challenging and requires gaining acceptance from employees and other stakeholders to highlight its necessity. The Hospital Future Act of 2020 marked the introduction of a maturity model for hospitals at national level in Germany. Initial maturity measurements reveal significant variation in the digitization levels of German hospitals, with digital pioneers and laggards coexisting. These results clearly indicate areas for potential expansion and where political support is needed. However, an important aspect is often overlooked: maturity models can also serve as an incentive instrument, such as through financing mechanisms. It is possible to promote digital pioneers or target specific gaps. This approach must balance the interests of digital pioneers and laggards, rewarding those who have already invested in digitization while providing incentives for those yet to do so.