Escalating issues invade the realm of healthcare through our digital platforms
In a shifting landscape for healthcare, organisations are now focusing on navigating external economic and policy uncertainties rather than internal challenges, according to a study by Deloitte.
The study, which surveyed healthcare finance leaders, revealed that 84% of respondents are concerned about the impact of potential regulatory shifts, macroeconomic uncertainties, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions on their organisations. This shift in focus is a marked change from previous years when workforce challenges, cost reductions, and cybersecurity were top priorities.
One of the key external concerns is the ability of consumers to afford care and the consequential financial impacts on organisations. This concern remains prominent, with 81% of respondents citing it as a top issue.
Another significant concern is revenue growth and operating profitability, with 73% of respondents expressing worries about future revenue growth and profitability. This shift from earlier optimism is particularly notable, as by spring, the situation had changed significantly, with 73% of health systems and health plans reporting revenue growth and operating profitability as top concerns.
The study also highlighted potential new tariffs on imported prescription drugs, medical equipment, and other medical supplies as a concern. These tariffs could increase costs by 15% or more for hospitals.
However, while cost concerns have waned, finance leaders are still advised to monitor costs given ongoing policy and technology changes. Deloitte counsels that health care organisations should continue to address internal issues like cost reduction, workforce challenges, and cybersecurity, even as they focus on growth.
For health plans, potential changes to drug pricing policy are the single most important regulatory/policy issue. Key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in 2022, include capping out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000, eliminating the coverage gap known as the "donut hole," and shifting a greater share of catastrophic drug costs from the government to health plans.
Workforce concerns, such as clinician burnout and low employee trust in health care leadership, have stabilised but remain for health care finance leaders. Despite ongoing cyber threats, cybersecurity has dropped in priority for health care leaders.
In a positive note, a survey conducted by Deloitte Center for Health Solutions last summer revealed that seven in ten health system and health plan finance leaders anticipated growth in both revenue and profitability in 2025.
In conclusion, the top organisational concerns now revolve around navigating external uncertainties—policy, economic, and supply chain risks—and ensuring sustainable financial performance, while still managing internal workforce well-being. Healthcare leaders are advised to adopt adaptive planning cycles, real-time scenario planning, and strategic growth approaches to navigate the increasingly complex and uncertain environment.
- In the realm of healthcare, organisations are prioritizing the navigation of external economic and policy uncertainties, as revealed by a study by Deloitte.
- The study showed that 84% of surveyed healthcare finance leaders are apprehensive about regulatory shifts, macroeconomic issues, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions impacting their organizations.
- Affordability of care for consumers and its subsequent financial implications on organizations is a top concern for 81% of respondents, as highlighted in the study.*Future revenue growth and profitability are a significant worry for 73% of respondents, according to the survey.
- The potential for new tariffs on imported prescription drugs, medical equipment, and other supplies could increase hospital costs by 15% or more, as suggested by the study.
