289: What are health systems doing in 2026? Results from our survey are in.

Health system growth strategies in a turbulent market are examined, focusing on survey data reflecting post-policy change realities. Despite overall growth in volume, revenue, and margin, revenue growth doesn't guarantee margin growth, highlighting the importance of operational excellence. Health systems are still keen on growth, prioritizing patient care, access, and service line expansion. The conversation highlights a tension: while most systems aim to capture more commercial patients, this strategy may be unsustainable due to market dynamics. The discussion emphasizes honing a comparative advantage and making strategic trade-offs, with M&A being a lower priority. Technology investments are increasing, particularly to mitigate administrative burdens, but workflow changes are crucial to realize value.