Ninety-two percent of hospital leaders anticipate the next decade’s Medicaid cuts — which could amount to $1 trillion — will affect financial performance to either a major or moderate degree, according to an FTI Consulting survey.
FTI released its third annual “Hospital Operations Outlook Survey” May 14. The survey fielded responses from more than 200 leaders at academic medical centers, health systems and single hospitals.
Here are six other numbers to know:
1. Top policy concerns for leaders include stricter Medicaid eligibility requirements, as well as Medicare Advantage reimbursement; 61% of respondents mentioned each.
2. Quality of care is no longer the “top clinical concern.” Workforce shortages and burnout now top these leaders’ lists. One-quarter of respondents indicated this as their main pressure point in 2025, versus 39% in 2026.
3. The vast majority of leaders, 86%, characterize physician recruitment as at least somewhat challenging, up from 79% in 2024.
4. Contract labor use grew from 57% in 2024 to 74% in 2026.
5. In terms of digital investments and access, 92% of hospitals have digital “front doors,” and 89% can execute virtual and in-person care. However, 30% see average wait times of over five hours, a sharp increase in recent years.
6. Security and privacy concerns have been climbing, up from 42% reporting such worries in 2024 to 57% in 2026.
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