2025-12-08 00:41Summary of the 2026 Hospital Outlook Survey Industry Overview - The survey focuses on the US healthcare industry, specifically the hospital sector, and provides insights into capital expenditures, utilization trends, and the impact of macroeconomic factors on hospital operations [1][2]. Key Insights Utilization Trends - Utilization Growth Expectations: 52% of hospital executives anticipate utilization growth in 2026 to be above 2025 levels, a decrease from 55% in the previous year [7][19]. - Outpatient vs. Inpatient: 56% expect outpatient utilization growth to exceed 2025 levels, while 41% expect inpatient utilization growth to increase, up from 34% last year [11][19]. - Elective Procedures: 54% expect elective procedures to grow above or in line with 2025 levels, down from 64% last year [16][19]. Capital Expenditures (CapEx) - CapEx Growth: Hospital capital spending is projected to increase by 4.1% in 2026, consistent with the 4.0% growth reported in 2025 [7][45]. - Investment Priorities: Hospitals are likely to increase spending on bedside patient monitoring, bedside pumps, and operating room (OR) suite equipment [16][45]. - Impact of OBBBA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) may lead to conservative spending due to anticipated reimbursement pressures [49][46]. Robotics and Technology - Robotic Systems: 96% of hospitals currently utilize surgical robotic systems, with Intuitive Surgical maintaining a leading position in soft-tissue robotics [90][91]. - Orthopedic Robotics Demand: 49% of respondents expect to purchase orthopedic robotic systems, with Stryker's MAKO being the most favored option [7][8]. - IT Investments: Hospitals are prioritizing IT investments, particularly in AI (66% expect to increase spending) and cybersecurity (65%) [80][81]. Value-Based Care (VBC) - Revenue Tied to VBC: The average revenue tied to VBC arrangements is approximately 19%, down from 22% last year, although interest in establishing VBC partnerships has increased [34][35]. Challenges and Concerns - Reimbursement Pressure: 34% of executives cite reimbursement pressure as the biggest challenge for hospitals in the coming year, an increase from 25% last year [58][59]. - Labor Costs: Labor cost inflation remains a significant concern, with 18% of respondents identifying it as a major challenge [58][59]. Future Outlook - Purchasing Intentions: Despite economic uncertainties, over 70% of hospitals plan to consider purchasing new equipment across various categories in the next two years [62][64]. - Investment in ASCs: 57% of respondents expect to increase investments in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) over the next year, reflecting a shift towards outpatient care [18][19]. Additional Insights - AI Utilization: Hospitals are increasingly leveraging AI for tasks such as medical record analysis (56%) and clinical imaging analysis (52%), with larger hospitals showing a higher propensity to adopt these technologies [81][88]. - Market Dynamics: The survey indicates a stable payor mix for 2026, with commercial insurers and Medicare making up approximately 70% of the mix [12][27]. This comprehensive survey provides a detailed outlook on the hospital sector, highlighting trends in utilization, capital spending, and the evolving landscape of healthcare technology and reimbursement challenges.