Feb 03 2025 3 mins
The health care industry is poised for significant changes in 2025, driven by innovation, resilience, and strategic growth. According to a recent survey by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, nearly 60% of industry leaders hold a favorable outlook for the year ahead, a notable increase from 52% just a year ago[1]. This surge in confidence is underscored by the 69% of US health care respondents who anticipate a rise in revenue in 2025 and the 71% who expect improved profitability.
Key trends expected to impact health care strategies in 2025 include developing growth strategies and ensuring consumer affordability. Sixty-five percent of executives identified developing growth strategies as a top priority, while 46% highlighted consumer affordability in health care[1]. However, balancing growth with affordability and navigating an uncertain macroenvironment could be challenging.
Recent market movements and regulatory changes are also influencing the industry. The COVID-19 pandemic, supply cost inflation, and workforce shortages have challenged provider organizations, leading to a focus on boosting operating performance and leveraging technologies such as generative AI for efficiency gains[3]. The industry is well-positioned to overcome these obstacles by adopting a patient-centered approach and making use of the latest digital technologies, including AI-powered tools.
Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with significant data breaches in 2024 prompting increased investments in cybersecurity enhancements. For example, UnitedHealth Group has provided over $9 billion in advance funding and interest-free loans to help providers affected by the Change Healthcare ransomware attack[4].
Hospitals and health systems are expected to see further financial recovery in 2025, driven by higher patient volumes, wider operating margins, and more favorable financial markets[5]. However, they will continue to face challenges such as higher labor costs, ongoing staffing shortages, and burnout among workers.
In response to these challenges, health care industry leaders are diversifying their portfolios, assessing service offerings, and prioritizing cybersecurity enhancements. For instance, providers are expanding into areas such as pharmacy, imaging, and urgent care, while also evaluating whether certain services should be cut to improve their bottom lines[5].
Overall, the health care industry is entering a period of transformation, driven by innovation, strategic growth, and a focus on patient-centered care. Despite ongoing challenges, industry leaders are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, with a focus on developing growth strategies, ensuring consumer affordability, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance efficiency and quality of care.
Key trends expected to impact health care strategies in 2025 include developing growth strategies and ensuring consumer affordability. Sixty-five percent of executives identified developing growth strategies as a top priority, while 46% highlighted consumer affordability in health care[1]. However, balancing growth with affordability and navigating an uncertain macroenvironment could be challenging.
Recent market movements and regulatory changes are also influencing the industry. The COVID-19 pandemic, supply cost inflation, and workforce shortages have challenged provider organizations, leading to a focus on boosting operating performance and leveraging technologies such as generative AI for efficiency gains[3]. The industry is well-positioned to overcome these obstacles by adopting a patient-centered approach and making use of the latest digital technologies, including AI-powered tools.
Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with significant data breaches in 2024 prompting increased investments in cybersecurity enhancements. For example, UnitedHealth Group has provided over $9 billion in advance funding and interest-free loans to help providers affected by the Change Healthcare ransomware attack[4].
Hospitals and health systems are expected to see further financial recovery in 2025, driven by higher patient volumes, wider operating margins, and more favorable financial markets[5]. However, they will continue to face challenges such as higher labor costs, ongoing staffing shortages, and burnout among workers.
In response to these challenges, health care industry leaders are diversifying their portfolios, assessing service offerings, and prioritizing cybersecurity enhancements. For instance, providers are expanding into areas such as pharmacy, imaging, and urgent care, while also evaluating whether certain services should be cut to improve their bottom lines[5].
Overall, the health care industry is entering a period of transformation, driven by innovation, strategic growth, and a focus on patient-centered care. Despite ongoing challenges, industry leaders are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, with a focus on developing growth strategies, ensuring consumer affordability, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance efficiency and quality of care.