New research reveals that investing in AI and advanced automation is a top 2025 priority for RCM leaders

Core Insights - 92% of healthcare leaders prioritize AI and advanced automation to address industry challenges, focusing on patient access and claim management for automation investments [1][4] Industry Trends - Rising administrative costs, increasing claim denials, payer conflicts, and cybersecurity threats are driving healthcare leaders to invest strategically in software that enhances cash flow and adapts to payer policies [2] - The top six trends for healthcare leaders in 2025 emphasize the importance of AI and advanced automation for improving efficiency, accuracy, and security [2] Investment Priorities - Key areas for RCM investment include patient access, claim management, revenue integrity, patient financial care, denial prevention, and denial management [4] - Return on investment (ROI) is a critical factor in RCM purchasing decisions, with many providers considering alternative vendors due to low ROI from current solutions [4] Data Security - Data security concerns rank as the second most important factor in switching RCM software, following negative client support experiences [4] Software Platform Preferences - Over 70% of providers now prefer working with one to two software partners for all RCM needs, moving away from multiple siloed solutions [4] - A 2024 study indicates that 100% of leaders using end-to-end software platforms report a positive ROI, highlighting the industry's shift towards integrated solutions [4] Patient Access and Claim Management - Hospitals spend nearly $20 billion annually to overturn denied claims, with 60% of denials stemming from front-end patient access errors, prompting increased automation in financial clearance processes [4] - Claim denials have increased by 20%, and labor costs for claims inquiries have risen by 71% over five years, leading providers to prioritize automation in claim management [4] Company Overview - Waystar serves approximately 30,000 clients, processing over 6 billion healthcare payment transactions annually, which includes over $1.8 trillion in gross claims [5]