New Research: FinThrive Report Finds AI, Automation and Vendor Consolidation Lead Health System Revenue Cycle Investment Priorities for 2026

• 76% of healthcare revenue leaders prioritize automation solutions as their top 2026 initiative
• Patient experience becomes the leading organizational goal at 71%, surpassing revenue growth
• Over 70% plan to reduce third-party vendors, favoring platform consolidation over point solutions

Healthcare's revenue cycle management is getting a serious AI makeover, and it's about time. After years of treating automation like an experimental side dish, hospitals are finally making it the main course. The fact that 76% of revenue cycle leaders are putting automation at the top of their priority list suggests the industry has moved past the "let's see what happens" phase into full commitment mode.

What's particularly interesting is how patient experience has climbed to the number one spot, overtaking the traditional revenue-first mentality that has dominated healthcare for decades. This isn't just feel-good corporate speak either—it's strategic thinking. Better patient experiences translate to better collections, fewer disputes, and ultimately more sustainable revenue streams. The industry is finally figuring out that treating patients well isn't just morally right, it's financially smart.

The push toward vendor consolidation tells another compelling story about maturity in the healthcare tech space. Instead of cobbling together dozens of point solutions like some kind of digital Frankenstein, hospitals are seeking integrated platforms that actually talk to each other. Recent cybersecurity incidents affecting 42 million Americans have only accelerated this trend, as organizations realize that having backup systems isn't paranoia—it's survival planning.

The timing couldn't be more critical, with reduced federal cybersecurity support creating new vulnerabilities just as healthcare becomes an increasingly attractive target for ransomware attacks. Organizations that nail this transition to AI-enabled platforms won't just survive the next wave of disruptions—they'll thrive while their competitors scramble to patch together outdated systems.