How AI and Automation are Shaping Health System Revenue Cycle Priorities for 2026
In a rapidly evolving landscape, the healthcare industry is prioritizing innovation and technology to enhance revenue cycle management. The recent FinThrive report emphasizes that artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and vendor consolidation are set to dictate investment strategies for healthcare systems moving into 2026.
According to the findings from the Transformative Trends and Data-Driven Insights Report, 71% of revenue cycle management (RCM) leaders have identified enhancing patient experience as their primary organizational goal. This marks a significant shift, indicating that healthcare providers are beginning to recognize the critical link between patient satisfaction and financial success. Notably, 58% of these leaders also aim to increase revenue, while 36% seek to lower costs, highlighting a balanced approach between improved experiences and financial performance.
Hemant Goel, CEO of FinThrive, remarked, "This reordering signifies a transition from short-term fixes towards long-term stability and growth within the healthcare sector. It's an exciting time for progressive organizations that have begun to rethink how they leverage technology to benefit the patients they serve."
A staggering 76% of RCM leaders consider automation solutions vital to their strategic objectives for 2026. The adoption of automation spans various operational and patient-facing workflows, moving away from isolated pilot projects and towards enterprise-wide implementations. Additionally, 56% view AI and automation investments as their most significant areas of funding across organizational goals.
The survey identified three key areas where healthcare organizations are implementing AI and automation:
1. Prior Authorization Processes (73%)
2. Denials and Underpayment Management (67%)
3. Clinical Documentation and Coding (60%)
This comprehensive approach reflects a proactive strategy; leaders are increasingly willing to shift from fragmented, one-off solutions towards broad, integrated platforms that can enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Notable shifts are also happening regarding vendor relationships. Over 70% of survey respondents intend to decrease their dependence on third-party revenue cycle vendors, with nearly 60% hoping to consolidate RCM vendors over the next three years. This trend indicates a move towards establishing long-term strategic alliances with trusted vendors who can provide robust solutions across various platforms instead of relying on multiple tactical vendors.
In light of escalating cybersecurity threats, there is an urgent need for healthcare organizations to rethink their technology investments. In 2025 alone, nearly 471 healthcare-related hacking incidents were reported, affecting millions of Americans. The findings from FinThrive highlight that organizations are now viewing RCM technology decisions as essential for resilience rather than mere upgrades.
Approximately 85% of organizations have modified their investment strategies in RCM technology to address recent security and process disruptions. This includes a shift toward a hybrid model combining point solutions with broader platform options to ensure continuity and secure operational stability.
A notable perspective shared by Jake Collins, VP of Revenue Cycle at Phoebe Putney, underscores that better patient experiences and financial health are interconnected. "Improving patient experience is not just ethical; it is essential for financial sustainability," Collins explained. As organizations continue to embrace AI-enabled platforms, they are setting themselves up for robust growth, reduced denial rates, and improved operational efficiency.
In conclusion, the FinThrive report paints a forward-looking picture of the healthcare revenue cycle landscape. Through strategic investments in AI, automation, and vendor partnerships, healthcare leaders are poised to enhance both patient experiences and their organizations' financial health as they move towards 2026.
Increased Focus on Patient Experience
According to the findings from the Transformative Trends and Data-Driven Insights Report, 71% of revenue cycle management (RCM) leaders have identified enhancing patient experience as their primary organizational goal. This marks a significant shift, indicating that healthcare providers are beginning to recognize the critical link between patient satisfaction and financial success. Notably, 58% of these leaders also aim to increase revenue, while 36% seek to lower costs, highlighting a balanced approach between improved experiences and financial performance.
Hemant Goel, CEO of FinThrive, remarked, "This reordering signifies a transition from short-term fixes towards long-term stability and growth within the healthcare sector. It's an exciting time for progressive organizations that have begun to rethink how they leverage technology to benefit the patients they serve."
Automation as a Central Initiative
A staggering 76% of RCM leaders consider automation solutions vital to their strategic objectives for 2026. The adoption of automation spans various operational and patient-facing workflows, moving away from isolated pilot projects and towards enterprise-wide implementations. Additionally, 56% view AI and automation investments as their most significant areas of funding across organizational goals.
The survey identified three key areas where healthcare organizations are implementing AI and automation:
1. Prior Authorization Processes (73%)
2. Denials and Underpayment Management (67%)
3. Clinical Documentation and Coding (60%)
This comprehensive approach reflects a proactive strategy; leaders are increasingly willing to shift from fragmented, one-off solutions towards broad, integrated platforms that can enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Shift Towards Progressive Partnerships
Notable shifts are also happening regarding vendor relationships. Over 70% of survey respondents intend to decrease their dependence on third-party revenue cycle vendors, with nearly 60% hoping to consolidate RCM vendors over the next three years. This trend indicates a move towards establishing long-term strategic alliances with trusted vendors who can provide robust solutions across various platforms instead of relying on multiple tactical vendors.
Navigating Market Disruptions
In light of escalating cybersecurity threats, there is an urgent need for healthcare organizations to rethink their technology investments. In 2025 alone, nearly 471 healthcare-related hacking incidents were reported, affecting millions of Americans. The findings from FinThrive highlight that organizations are now viewing RCM technology decisions as essential for resilience rather than mere upgrades.
Approximately 85% of organizations have modified their investment strategies in RCM technology to address recent security and process disruptions. This includes a shift toward a hybrid model combining point solutions with broader platform options to ensure continuity and secure operational stability.
Emphasizing Financial Health Through Technology
A notable perspective shared by Jake Collins, VP of Revenue Cycle at Phoebe Putney, underscores that better patient experiences and financial health are interconnected. "Improving patient experience is not just ethical; it is essential for financial sustainability," Collins explained. As organizations continue to embrace AI-enabled platforms, they are setting themselves up for robust growth, reduced denial rates, and improved operational efficiency.
In conclusion, the FinThrive report paints a forward-looking picture of the healthcare revenue cycle landscape. Through strategic investments in AI, automation, and vendor partnerships, healthcare leaders are poised to enhance both patient experiences and their organizations' financial health as they move towards 2026.
Topics Health）
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