Navigating Change: How Healthcare CFOs Are Adapting Strategies Amid Emerging Disruptions

Today, healthcare finance leaders are facing new challenges that are shifting their focus. According to a recentDeloitte survey, tariffs and drug pricing reforms have taken priority over traditional issues like workforce shortages and cybersecurity.

The survey included 64 U.S. finance leaders, split between health systems and health plans. A significant 84% of these leaders cited regulatory and policy risks as major concerns. In addition, 81% pointed to consumer affordability and trust as crucial challenges. The report warned that new tariffs on drugs and medical supplies could raise hospital costs by over 15%.

This shift in priorities shows that healthcare finance leaders are more worried about external factors like regulatory changes and global supply chain issues than internal concerns. The increasing volatility of the economy is prompting CFOs to reconsider how trade policy shifts might impact their organizations.

Interestingly, while many are exploring growth strategies like mergers and acquisitions, few have found them effective. For instance, outsourcing non-core services could lead to about 28% in cost savings, but many leaders still have not prioritized this option. Currently, only 25% of health plan leaders and 16% of health system leaders see outsourcing as a focus.

The adoption of new technologies like generative AI also varies within the sector. Over half of health systems reported a strong impact from these innovations, while 72% of health plans cited little to no effect. This tech gap highlights the need for stronger financial leadership to guide organizations through these changes and uncertainties.

Looking at the bigger picture, this survey builds on Deloitte’s earlier report, which revealed rising concerns among healthcare finance executives about economic instability. Nearly 75% of leaders expressed worries about revenue growth and profitability, particularly as healthcare costs rise and affordability challenges the sector.

In the midst of these challenges, however, there are signs of improvement. A recent report from Kaufman Hall noted that hospital margins have edged up to 3%, with non-profit hospitals seeing even more significant gains. Despite ongoing tariff concerns, the healthcare sector has experienced steady job growth throughout the year.

As the landscape continues to evolve, the adaptability of healthcare CFOs will play a key role in navigating these disruptions and fostering a more resilient financial future for their organizations.

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