Optimism grows as rural healthcare organizations adapt to
post-pandemic challenges
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 4, 2025
/PRNewswire/ -- Wipfli, a top 25 advisory and accounting firm,
published today the results of an industry survey from the rural
healthcare market that offers critical insights into present
challenges and maps out long-term growth strategies.
Leaders of rural hospitals and clinics are
optimistic about the future
Leaders of rural hospitals and clinics are optimistic about the
future, with the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic behind them,
according to Wipfli's "State of rural healthcare" report for 2025.
The report highlights key trends and priorities among rural
healthcare organizations, based on a national survey of C-level
executives.
While organizations are coping better with workforce shortages,
increased labor costs have prompted leaders to focus on revenue
optimization. Many are beginning to implement AI tools to offset a
shrinking labor pool. In fact, 32% of rural healthcare leaders are
already using AI tools to enhance operational efficiency.
"Rural healthcare organizations have emerged from COVID and
managed to level off the staffing problem. But expenses are
mounting, so they're focusing on revenue-generating activities,
like optimizing reimbursements," said Kelly
Arduino, a partner in Wipfli's healthcare consulting
practice.
Cybersecurity has risen to the forefront of leaders' concerns,
fueled by a twofold increase in network breaches over the past
year. 56% of surveyed leaders reported significant concerns about
cybersecurity — up from about 50% in prior years, leading to
planned investments in network security protections, digital
applications and AI tools over the next 12 months.
Nathan Sundheimer, a digital
strategist for Wipfli, commented on the cybersecurity findings.
"We've been talking about cyber for several years, but the dramatic
increase in attacks over the last 12 months has hit home."
The rural healthcare survey was based on responses from C-level
executives at rural healthcare organizations across the United States. The full rural healthcare
report can be found on Wipfli's website.
State of Rural Healthcare 2025
About Wipfli LLP
Wipfli is an accounting and
advisory firm that delivers holistic solutions to help clients
navigate the modern marketplace, optimize performance and drive
growth. Our more than 3,200 associates deliver digital, people,
strategy, risk, financial and outsourcing solutions to 59,000+
clients.
Media contact
alicia.oconnell@wipfli.com
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SOURCE Wipfli LLP