How to achieve operational efficiency in healthcare

Mid-year update

As we reach the halfway point of 2025, many of the themes from our “Provider Industry Forecast for 2025 and Beyond” webinar remain highly relevant, yet new developments are emerging that healthcare providers should be mindful of, and that Baker Tilly continues to monitor closely.

One of the most significant legislative shifts under discussion is the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” While still in early stages, its potential implications on reimbursement, regulation and competition could be profound.

Cybersecurity is also climbing the priority list for healthcare executives, particularly after recent high-profile breaches prompted increased federal oversight. New HHS guidelines and pending rulemaking signal a shift from reactive to proactive cyber risk management in healthcare.

Additionally, labor pressures have evolved, with some markets seeing early signs of stabilization while others grapple with persistent shortages in nursing, behavioral health and primary care. More systems are investing in AI-powered productivity tools, talent retention strategies and collaborative staffing models to fill the gaps.

Finally, reimbursement challenges are growing more complex. The impact of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” on future Medicaid and Medicare funding is a concern for healthcare providers across the continuum of care. Further, challenges relative to reimbursement rates under managed care contracts as well as increasing scrutiny around prior authorization and value-based care reporting demand renewed focus on managed care contract performance and payer relations. Organizations that haven’t reviewed contracts or developed payer scorecards since the start of the year should revisit these strategies now.

At Baker Tilly, we’re closely tracking these developments and working with providers to adapt their strategies for financial stability, regulatory alignment and long-term growth.