Key Takeaways Between 2016 and 2020, the 30-day all-cause hospital readmission rate consistently stayed at 13.9 per 100 index admissions . Patients aged 21–64 with Medicare as their expected payer and nonmaternal patients aged 45–64 with Medicaid had the highest readmission rates by expected payer and age, recording 21.4 and 19.7 per 100 index admissions , respectively. Examining readmission rates by race/ethnicity, non-Hispanic Black patients had the highest rate at 16.0 per 100 index admissions , while non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander patients had the lowest at 11.7 per 100 index admissions. Hospital stays for blood diseases had the highest readmission rate at 23.8 per 100 index admissions , followed by stays for neoplasms at 19.0 per 100 index admissions. The average cost of readmissions was 12.4% higher  than that of index admissions, totaling $16,300 compared to $14,500 . 1. Overall Readmission Trends Between 2016 and 2020, the 30-day all-cause hospital readmission rate consistently stayed at 13.9 per 100 index admissions . In 2020, the number of readmissions saw a 10% decrease compared to 2016-2019. Comparing the pre-pandemic years (2016-2019) to 2020, the number of readmissions fell by 14.6%  for patients in large central metropolitan areas and by 11.7%  for those in rural areas. 2. Readmission Rates by Payer, Age, and Race Patients aged 21–64 with Medicare as their expected payer and nonmaternal patients aged 45–64 with Medicaid had the highest readmission rates by expected payer and age , recording 21.4 and 19.7 per 100 index admissions , respectively. Examining readmission rates by race/ethnicity, non-Hispanic Black patients had the highest rate at 16.0 per 100 index admissions , while non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander patients had the lowest at 11.7 per 100 index admissions . 3. Readmission Rates by Diagnosis Hospital stays for blood diseases  had the highest readmission rate at 23.8 per 100 index admissions , followed by stays for neoplasms  at 19.0 per 100 index admissions . That same year, circulatory system diseases  made up the largest share of all readmissions by condition at 16.8% , with infectious and parasitic diseases  at 12.4% and digestive system diseases  at 11.6% . With a readmission rate of 3.6 per 100 index admissions , pregnancy and childbirth  had the lowest rate - more than 70% lower than the overall readmission rate . For every 1.5 percentage point increase  in a hospital's readmission rate, there was a 13% higher relative risk  of patients experiencing adverse events. 4. Readmission Costs The average cost of readmissions was 12.4% higher  than that of index admissions, totaling $16,300 compared to $14,500 . For 11 conditions , the average cost of readmissions was higher than that of index admissions, including: Nervous system diseases ($17,100 vs. $14,200 for the index admission) Blood diseases ($16,900 vs. $11,800) Digestive diseases ($16,400 vs. $13,000) Respiratory diseases ($16,400 vs. $12,700) Eye/adnexa diseases ($15,800 vs. $10,100) Ear/mastoid process diseases ($15,500 vs. $8,200) Endocrine/metabolic diseases ($15,200 vs. $12,000) Genitourinary system diseases ($15,200 vs. $11,300) Skin diseases ($15,000 vs. $9,500) Mental/behavioral disorders ($8,800 vs. $7,700) Pregnancy/childbirth ($7,700 vs. $5,800) 5. Readmission Rates by Geographic Location Throughout both the pre-pandemic years (2016-2019) and the initial pandemic period in 2020, the 30-day all-cause readmission rate by location remained consistently highest for patients living in large central metropolitan areas  and lowest for those in rural areas . Specifically, the rates were 14.8 and 13.0 per 100 index admissions in 2016-2019, and 14.6 and 13.0 per 100 index admissions  in 2020. Hospitals in Massachusetts  reported the highest average readmission rate at 15.3% . Additionally, hospitals in Florida, New Jersey, Rhode Island,  and Connecticut  had average readmission rates exceeding 15.0% . The lowest average readmission rates - below 14% - were observed in hospitals located in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Hawaii . 6. Average Hospital Readmission Rates by States Average readmission rate for hospitals in the US by state: Alabama – 14.48 Alaska – 14.34% Arizona – 14.39 Arkansas – 14.73 California – 14.73% Colorado – 14.22 Connecticut – 15.01 Delaware – 14.16 Florida – 15.09 Georgia – 14.66 Hawaii – 13.87% Idaho – 13.98 Illinois – 14.91 Indiana – 14.36 Iowa – 14.27 Kansas – 14.41 Kentucky – 14.69 Louisiana – 14.61 Maine – 14.21 Maryland – 14.19 Massachusetts – 15.33 Michigan – 14.56 Minnesota – 14.36 Mississippi – 14.72 Missouri – 14.60 Montana – 14.30% Nebraska – 14.33 Nevada – 14.91 New Hampshire – 14.55 New Jersey – 15.23 New Mexico – 14.33 New York – 14.92 North Carolina – 14.35 North Dakota – 14.42 Ohio – 14.60 Oklahoma – 14.41 Oregon – 13.98% Pennsylvania – 14.71 Rhode Island – 15.05 South Carolina – 14.48 South Dakota – 14.35 Tennessee – 14.67 Texas – 14.51 Utah – 13.90 Vermont – 14.52 Virginia – 14.43 Washington – 13.92% West Virginia – 14.84 Wisconsin – 14.28 Wyoming – 14.16% SOURCES: HCUP Definitive Healthcare

Key Takeaways: By 2021, 62% of U.S. hospitals were successfully operating across all four key areas of interoperability. More than 70% of hospitals  in Miami, Detroit, Cleveland, and Washington DC indicated that providers have access to necessary information at the point of care. Three out of four healthcare executives  now view data interoperability as either the top priority or among the top priorities for their organizations. The Global Healthcare Interoperability Solutions Market is projected to be valued at $4.53 billion in 2024 . Nearly 75% of healthcare organizations  reported that they have implemented either a cloud or hybrid cloud solution. 1. Hospital Engagement in Interoperability By 2021, 62% of U.S. hospitals  were successfully operating across all four key areas of interoperability. The percentage of hospitals involved in all four interoperability domains grew from just over 40% in 2017 . According to research by the ONC, 48% of hospitals  share their data with other organizations but do not receive data back. Since 2015, hospital engagement in interoperability has surged by over 50% in eight major U.S. cities . Between 2015 and 2018, hospitals in Chicago, New York, and Boston saw a more than 100% increase  in interoperability participation. In contrast, hospitals in Seattle and Atlanta  experienced a less than 15% improvement  in interoperability from 2015 to 2018. Among hospitals that are neither part of an HIE nor have access to a dominant health IT provider in their city, only one in five  is involved in interoperability efforts. 2. Regional Variations in Hospital Interoperability In Cleveland, Miami, and Detroit , more than 70% of hospitals  reported sharing interoperable data across all four key domains. In Washington DC, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia , less than 50% of hospitals  reported interoperable data sharing across the four main domains. More than 70% of hospitals  in Miami, Detroit, Cleveland, and Washington DC  indicated that providers have access to necessary information at the point-of-care. Philadelphia  had the lowest percentage of hospitals participating in key domains of interoperability and providing information at the point of care for providers. Small and independent hospitals  trailed behind system-owned hospitals, showing over four times lower rates  of interoperability and more than three times lower rates  of providers having information at the point of care in major U.S. cities. System-owned hospitals  recorded the highest levels of interoperability at 64%  and had 71%  of providers with information available at the point of care in major U.S. cities. From 2015 to 2018, the percentage of hospitals engaging in interoperability increased by less than 15%  in Seattle and Atlanta . 3. Health Information Exchange (HIE) Participation Around three out of five hospitals  utilized a state, regional, or local health information exchange (HIE) to share or receive data beyond their own system. Nearly all hospitals  in Seattle, Washington DC, Detroit, and Cleveland  confirmed participation in a state, regional, or local HIE. In Chicago and Atlanta , fewer than 50% of hospitals reported involvement in a state, regional, or local HIE. Five major U.S. cities  had a lower percentage of hospitals participating in state, regional, or local HIEs compared to the national average. 4. Healthcare Executives and Interoperability Priorities In 2022, one-third of EHR executives  acknowledged the need to join a QHIN and were actively considering their options. Three out of four healthcare executives  now view data interoperability as either the top priority or among the top priorities for their organizations. Close to two-thirds of respondents  identified data interoperability as essential for delivering personalized experiences and enabling preventative care for patients and members. Approximately two out of five executives  see the potential to boost their financial performance through faster claims processing and other operational efficiencies . 5. Challenges and Barriers to Healthcare Interoperability Statistics About 50% of U.S. hospitals  identified data management as the biggest challenge to enhancing healthcare interoperability. In 2021, the most widely used methods  for exchanging care records were still mail or fax . On average, U.S. hospitals employed three to four electronic methods  for sharing health data. By the end of 2021, 71% of physicians  in the U.S. felt that the sheer volume of available patient data was overwhelming. 6. Healthcare Interoperability Market Insights The Global Healthcare Interoperability Solutions Market  is projected to be valued at $4.53 billion  in 2024. By 2029, the healthcare interoperability market is expected to grow to $7.75 billion . The healthcare interoperability market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 11.31%  between 2024 and 2029. 7. IT Infrastructure and Cloud Adoption in Healthcare Nearly 75% of healthcare organizations  reported that they have implemented either a cloud or hybrid cloud solution . 69% of healthcare executives  believe that their current infrastructure adequately supports their present needs. Just over 50% of respondents expressed confidence that their infrastructure will be capable of handling future interoperability demands. More than half of the top 50 health systems in the U.S.  intended to increase their interoperability spending by 5 to 20% in 2023  compared to 2022. SOURCES: HealthIT.gov  - ONC Health IT Certification Program Statista - Healthcare Interoperability Overview HealthIT.gov  - State Interoperability Among Major US Cities Google Cloud - Data Diagnosis: Connecting Healthcare Records

Key Takeaways: The global AI in healthcare market grew from $1.1 billion in 2016  to $22.4 billion in 2023 , marking a staggering 1,779% increase . By 2030 , the global AI healthcare market is projected to soar to $188 billion , driven by a 37% CAGR  from 2022 to 2030 . In the USA, the AI healthcare market is projected to grow from $11.8 billion in 2023  to $102.2 billion by 2030 , reflecting a 36.1% growth rate . AI-assisted surgeries  could shorten hospital stays by over 20% , with potential savings of $40 billion annually . AI is expected to reduce healthcare costs by $13 billion by 2025 . The AI-integrated medical imaging market is anticipated to expand at a 26.5% CAGR  from 2021 to 2028 . AI can rule out heart attacks  twice as fast as humans with 99.6% accuracy . 94% of healthcare executives  reported expanding AI adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic . The AI nursing assistant market is forecast to reduce 20% of nurses' maintenance tasks , saving $20 billion annually . By 2025 , 90% of hospitals  are expected to utilize AI-powered technology for early diagnosis and remote patient monitoring . Market Growth and Projections The global AI in healthcare market  saw explosive growth, surging from $1.1 billion in 2016  to a remarkable $22.4 billion in 2023 , marking a staggering increase of 1,779% . In just one year, from 2019 to 2020 , the AI healthcare market expanded by 72.4% , jumping from $3.9 billion to $6.7 billion . Between 2020 and 2023 , the market for AI in healthcare skyrocketed by 233% , rising from $6.7 billion to an impressive $22.4 billion . From 2022 to 2023 , the AI healthcare market experienced a significant growth of 45% , moving from $15.4 billion to $22.4 billion . As of 2024 , the global AI in healthcare market has reached $32.3 billion , continuing its rapid expansion. Future projections indicate that the market will grow by 42% between 2023 and 2024 , with another 40% growth  expected by 2025 . By 2030 , the AI healthcare market in the USA is predicted to generate $102.2 billion  in revenue. The global AI healthcare market  is forecast to hit $45.2 billion by 2026 , continuing its upward trajectory. Projections for 2029  show the global AI healthcare market  will reach an astounding $173.55 billion , driven by a CAGR of 40.2%  from its 2022 valuation of $16.3 billion . By 2030 , the global AI healthcare market is set to soar to $188 billion , with a CAGR of 37%  from 2022 to 2030 . From 2024 to 2030 , the AI healthcare market is forecast to grow by an impressive 524% , reaching a massive $208.2 billion . The AI in healthcare sector is expected to expand at an annualized rate of 36.4% between 2024 and 2030 . In the USA, the AI healthcare market is projected to grow from $11.8 billion in 2023  to $102.2 billion by 2030 , reflecting a 36.1% growth rate . Canada’s AI healthcare market is on track to rise from $1.1 billion in 2023  to $10.8 billion by 2030 , representing a growth of 37.9% . Germany’s AI healthcare market is expected to grow from $687.1 million in 2023  to $6.6 billion by 2030 , showing an increase of 38.2% . France’s AI healthcare sector is forecast to grow from $714.2 million in 2023  to $7.1 billion by 2030 , a growth rate of 38.8% . The UK’s AI healthcare market is predicted to expand from $1.3 billion in 2023  to $12.5 billion by 2030 , reflecting a growth of 37.8% . In China, the AI healthcare market is set to grow from $1.6 billion in 2023  to $18.9 billion by 2030 , marking a 42.5% increase . India’s AI healthcare market is projected to grow from $758.8 million in 2023  to $8.7 billion by 2030 , reflecting a growth rate of 41.8% . The European Union  is forecast to contribute $50.24 billion  to the global AI healthcare market by 2028 . The robot-assisted surgery market  is projected to reach $40 billion  by 2026 . The AI-integrated medical imaging market  is expected to expand at a CAGR of 26.5%  from 2021 to 2028 . The AI precision medicine market  is anticipated to reach $14.5 billion by 2030 . 52%  of respondents consider AI-based skin cancer detection  to be a major breakthrough in healthcare. 56%  of those familiar with AI-driven surgical robots  believe it represents a significant advancement. Only 19%  of respondents familiar with AI chatbots for mental health  see it as a major leap forward. 36%  of people familiar with AI mental health chatbots regard it as a minor improvement. The US market for generative AI in healthcare  was valued at $1.07 billion in 2022 , rising by 82%  to $1.95 billion by 2024 . By 2025 , the generative AI market in healthcare is expected to surpass $2 billion . Between 2025 and 2028 , the generative AI healthcare market is projected to grow by 146% . By 2030 , the generative AI healthcare market is forecast to exceed $10 billion , with a further rise to $21.74 billion by 2032 . AI Adoption and Usage in Healthcare AI played a key role  in helping Moderna optimize its COVID-19 vaccine , showcasing its potential in vaccine development. A significant 94% of healthcare executives  reported that their organizations expanded AI adoption  during the COVID-19 pandemic. By the close of 2023 , every stroke center across the UK will have AI stroke diagnosis technology  available. By 2025 , 90% of hospitals  are expected to utilize AI-powered technology  for early diagnosis and remote patient monitoring . In the EU , 72% of healthcare organizations are projected to adopt AI for patient monitoring  by 2024 . Currently, 42% of healthcare organizations in the EU  are using AI for disease diagnosis , with another 19% planning to  by 2024 , bringing the total to 61% . Over half— 53% —of EU healthcare organizations plan to implement medical robotics  by the end of 2024 . About 20% of healthcare organizations  have already adopted AI models  for their healthcare solutions. 25% of U.S. hospitals  are currently leveraging AI-driven predictive analysis . Approximately 10% of medical professionals  are utilizing AI-powered tools  like Med-PaLM2  or ChatGPT  in their work. In the USA, 23% of healthcare executives  believe that AI and Machine Learning  are effective tools for improving clinical outcomes . Among U.S. hospitals, 29%  of respondents prioritize AI for clinical decision support tools . 25%  of respondents place priority on using AI for predictive analytics  and risk stratification  in healthcare. 15%  of hospitals are prioritizing AI for clinical documentation and dictation  systems. Nearly two-thirds —around 66% —of the 1,081 physicians  surveyed by the AMA  recognize the benefits of using AI in healthcare . Only 38%  of physicians surveyed were actually using AI at the time of the study, which was conducted last summer. 65% of U.S. adults  expressed a preference for using AI in skin cancer screenings . 72% of men  are in favor of AI  being used in skin cancer screenings . 58% of women  want AI  to be a part of their skin cancer screenings . 57% of Black adults  are supportive of AI usage in skin cancer screening . 65% of White adults  are also in favor of having AI in their skin cancer screenings . 69% of Hispanic adults  support the use of AI for skin cancer screening . Among those familiar with AI in skin cancer screening , a notable 75%  want it to be used in their personal care. Even among those who have not heard of AI in skin cancer screening , 62%  still want it to be part of their care. 40% of U.S. adults  would be comfortable having AI-driven robots  assist in their surgery. 47% of men  expressed willingness to have AI-driven robots  used in their surgeries. Only 33% of women  would opt for AI-driven robots in surgery. Among those familiar with AI-driven surgical robots , 50% would like them used in their own procedures. 31% of U.S. adults  would prefer using AI for pain management  in healthcare. Of those familiar with AI-based pain management , 47% would want it incorporated into their own care. 20% of U.S. adults  would be open to using an AI chatbot  for mental health support . 23%  believe that AI chatbots  should be made available to everyone, even if they are not currently seeing a therapist. Impact of AI on Healthcare Costs and Efficiency 89% of healthcare professionals in the EU  believe that AI will significantly speed up processes  within the healthcare sector. 58% of EU healthcare professionals  are convinced that AI will have a major impact on improving working efficiency . 40%  of respondents think AI has the potential to reduce medical errors  in healthcare practices. Another 40%  believe AI will help minimize the number of mistakes  made by healthcare providers. 46%  of participants think AI will play a role in making healthcare more affordable  for Americans. Only 15%  of respondents believe AI would exacerbate bias  in healthcare systems. 36%  feel that AI would actually reduce bias  due to its neutrality and consistency  compared to humans. 28%  of respondents say AI would improve bias because it is not influenced by patient characteristics . The implementation of AI in healthcare has reduced physicians' time spent on administrative tasks by around 20% . AI adoption in healthcare is estimated to bring cost savings between 5% to 10% . AI-powered chatbots are projected to save $3.6 billion globally  for healthcare organizations. By reducing medication dosing errors, AI is expected to save the healthcare industry $16 billion . AI and Machine Learning are predicted to lower healthcare costs by $13 billion  by 2025 . AI-assisted surgeries  could shorten hospital stays by over 20% , with potential savings of $40 billion annually . AI nursing assistants  are forecast to reduce 20% of nurses' maintenance tasks , saving healthcare systems $20 billion annually . AI Applications in Specific Medical Fields (e.g., Diagnosis, Surgery, Imaging) AI-based algorithms  identified 68% of COVID-19 positive cases  in a dataset of 25 patients, despite these patients initially being diagnosed as negative by healthcare professionals. AI has the ability to rule out heart attacks at twice the speed of humans , achieving an impressive 99.6% accuracy . AI models are capable of predicting cancer patient survival with an accuracy of 80% . CognoSpeak , an AI tool, successfully identifies Alzheimer’s disease 90%  of the time by analyzing speech patterns. In 2022, AI precision medicine tools  accounted for 31% of oncology revenue , showcasing their significant impact. By the end of 2023 , AI stroke diagnosis technology will be implemented in every stroke center across the UK. Counterfactual AI algorithms  match the accuracy of the top 25% of physicians , providing highly reliable diagnoses. 34% of AI applications  within the NHS  are currently being used for diagnostic purposes. A significant 55%  of respondents believe that AI would improve the accuracy of skin cancer diagnoses . Only 13%  of individuals believe AI would make skin cancer diagnosis less accurate . 30%  think AI would have no impact  on skin cancer diagnosis accuracy. 26%  of people believe AI would enhance pain management  capabilities. 40%  think AI would make no difference  in managing pain. 32%  of respondents believe AI could worsen pain management . 56%  of those familiar with AI-driven surgical robots  see them as a major advance  in the field. 22%  describe AI-driven surgical robots  as a minor advance  in healthcare technology. Half of those aware of AI-driven surgical robots  ( 50% ) would opt to have them used in their surgery. A substantial 79%  of U.S. adults would not want to use AI chatbots  for mental health support. 46%  of respondents believe AI chatbots should only be used by individuals who are also receiving therapy from a licensed professional. 28%  think AI chatbots  should not be available  to people under any circumstances. 47% of radiologists  believe AI will help reduce human error in their work— 26% more  than those in surgical specialties. 30% of doctors  overall believe AI will make fewer errors  than humans in their medical practices. 82% of doctors in surgical specialties  predict AI will have a notable impact on employment rates  in healthcare. 72% of pathologists  expect AI to assist in analyzing patient information  to better determine prognoses. 73% of doctors in pathology  believe AI will help evaluate when to refer patients to outpatient vs. inpatient treatment . Only 9% of psychiatrists  think AI could offer empathetic care  to patients. Public Perception of AI in Healthcare 75% of Americans  believe that AI will play a role in healthcare  in the future. 70% of people  think the healthcare sector is likely to adopt AI too quickly  without fully grasping the risks involved. 75% of Americans  express concern that healthcare providers will embrace AI too rapidly . On the other hand, 23% of Americans  worry that providers may adopt AI too slowly . 60% of Americans  are skeptical, believing that AI will not improve health outcomes . 33% of Americans  are concerned that AI might worsen patient outcomes . 38% of Americans  believe that AI will improve health outcomes, while 33% disagree , and 27% remain undecided. 38% of respondents  are optimistic about AI in healthcare, thinking it will enhance health outcomes . 57% of Americans  are worried that AI could damage the patient-provider relationship . 37% of Americans  are concerned about the potential for AI to compromise patient record security . 60% of Americans  are uncomfortable  with their healthcare provider relying on AI for decisions. Conversely, 39% of Americans  say they would feel comfortable with AI being used in their healthcare. 46% of men  are comfortable with AI  in their healthcare decisions. Meanwhile, 54% of men  express discomfort with the idea of AI in their healthcare. A larger share, 66% of women , are uncomfortable with AI in their healthcare experience. 50% of those  who are well-informed about AI feel comfortable with its use  in healthcare. However, 63% of people  who have only heard a little about AI are uncomfortable  with its role in healthcare. Among those who have heard nothing about AI, 70% feel uneasy with the idea of AI in healthcare. 41% of respondents  feel a mix of excitement and concern  regarding AI’s potential in healthcare. 53% of consumers  believe that generative AI could improve healthcare access . 65% of US adults  would prefer to have AI used for skin cancer diagnoses . 55% of respondents  trust that AI would be more accurate  than traditional methods for skin cancer screening. 40% of Americans  prefer using AI chatbots over in-person therapy sessions. 28% of UK adults  would favor AI in healthcare if there was evidence of better outcomes . 39% of UK adults  are concerned about the over-reliance on AI  for making medical diagnoses. 27% of UK adults  are worried about AI’s role in medicine allocation . Only 9% of psychiatrists  believe that AI could offer empathetic care  to patients. A high 75.7% of radiologists  trust the outcomes provided by AI-based algorithms . AI's Role in Healthcare Workforce and Administrative Functions 82% of doctors  working in surgical specialties believe that AI will significantly impact employment rates  within their field. By 2030 , it's projected that 90% of nursing tasks will still be carried out by human workers , despite advancements in AI. The implementation of AI in healthcare has helped reduce the amount of time physicians spend on administrative tasks by approximately 20% . AI-powered nursing assistants could decrease 20% of nurses' maintenance duties , leading to an estimated $20 billion in annual savings. 15% of US hospitals  are currently prioritizing AI applications  for improving clinical documentation and dictation  processes. 51% of those  who perceive bias in healthcare believe that AI could help reduce racial and ethnic bias  in the system. On the other hand, 28% believe  that AI would not solve the problem of bias, as they argue that AI designers and the data they use are still biased . 8% think  that AI would fail to improve bias because human caregivers  continue to treat patients with the same biases. Meanwhile, 10% fear  that AI could worsen bias , believing that human judgment remains crucial  in medical decision-making. Geographical Distribution and Regional Insights North America  dominates the AI healthcare market with a commanding 59.1% market share . The US  holds a substantial 58% revenue share in the global AI healthcare market. The European Union  is forecast to contribute $50.24 billion  to the global AI healthcare market by 2028 . In South America , 64% of clinicians believe that within the next 10 years, AI will significantly influence most of their decision-making processes. Similarly, 64% of clinicians in the Asia-Pacific  region expect that within 10 years, AI will play a major role  in the majority of their decisions. 64% of Black adults  believe that racial and ethnic bias  is a significant issue in healthcare. 42% of Hispanic adults  also consider racial and ethnic bias  to be a serious problem in the healthcare system. Among English-speaking Asian adults , 39% view racial and ethnic bias  as a major concern in healthcare. Only 27% of White adults  see racial and ethnic bias as a significant issue in the healthcare sector. AI and Healthcare Outcomes (Positive and Negative) AI models  are now capable of predicting cancer patient survival  with an impressive 80% accuracy . When it comes to ruling out heart attacks, AI can work twice as fast as humans , achieving a remarkable 99.6% accuracy . Predictive AI tools  have the potential to cut hospital admissions by 50% , offering significant improvements in patient care. The use of AI  could revolutionize the drug discovery process, potentially slashing costs by a massive 70% . By the end of 2023 , every stroke center in the UK is expected to have AI stroke diagnosis technology  available. AI nursing assistants  could relieve nurses of 20% of their maintenance tasks , potentially saving $20 billion annually  in healthcare costs. A survey of pathologists shows that 80% believe AI  will contribute to increased life expectancy . Among those who perceive bias in healthcare, 51% believe AI could play a key role in reducing that bias. 36% of respondents  think AI  will improve bias in healthcare because it is seen as more neutral and consistent than human decision-making. 38% believe AI  will lead to better health outcomes , improving patient care overall. On the other hand, 33%  fear that AI  may result in worse health outcomes . 27% of respondents  think AI  won’t significantly impact health outcomes, neither improving nor worsening them. 27% believe AI  could lead to an increase in the number of mistakes made in healthcare. Meanwhile, 31% believe AI  will make little difference when it comes to medical errors . 31% of respondents  feel that AI  would enhance the quality of care for people like themselves. However, 30% think AI  could actually lead to a decline in quality of care . 38% believe AI  won’t have much of an effect on the overall care patients receive. A smaller group, 15%, believe AI  could potentially make bias worse  in healthcare. Before 2021 , 40% of respondents  believed that AI in healthcare  exceeded their expectations in terms of its value. As of now, 83% of respondents  say that AI in healthcare  is either meeting or exceeding their expectations. 39% of respondents  express concern about how AI may impact the patient-physician relationship , raising questions about its influence on personal care. Ethical and Security Concerns Related to AI 70% of people  are concerned that the healthcare sector  will adopt AI too quickly  without fully understanding the associated risks. 60% of Americans  express discomfort with their healthcare providers relying on AI  for medical decisions. 57% of Americans  are worried that AI could damage the critical patient-provider relationship . 41% of respondents  are concerned about the potential risks AI poses to patient privacy . 39% of people  are worried about the negative impact of AI on the patient-physician relationship . In the UK , 39% of adults  express concern about an over-reliance on AI for medical diagnoses . 37% of Americans  fear that AI could compromise the security of patient records , raising concerns about data safety. 35% of respondents  believe that racial and ethnic bias  presents a major issue in healthcare, with AI potentially exacerbating  this problem. Another 35%  consider bias  in healthcare to be a minor issue , while still acknowledging its presence. 28%  of people feel that bias  is not a problem at all in the healthcare sector. 27% of UK adults  are worried about how AI might influence the allocation of medicines , potentially impacting access to treatment. Only 22% of respondents  believe that AI could enhance the security of health records , showing limited optimism about its benefits. Just 13% of people  think AI  would lead to improvements in the patient-provider relationship , highlighting skepticism about its interpersonal impact. Technological Advances and AI's Potential in Healthcare AI played a crucial role  in helping Moderna  optimize its COVID-19 vaccine . AI-based algorithms  successfully detected 68% of COVID-19 positive cases within a dataset of 25 patients . AI technology can rule out heart attacks twice as fast  as humans, delivering results with 99.6% accuracy . The market for AI-integrated medical imaging  is anticipated to grow at a 26.5% CAGR  from 2021 to 2028 . AI-driven robotic surgeries  have the potential to reduce hospital stays by over 20% , which could lead to annual savings of $40 billion . Counterfactual AI algorithms  have been found to be as accurate as the top 25% of physicians  in diagnosis accuracy. 65% of U.S. adults  express a preference for having AI involved in their skin cancer screening . 52% of respondents  believe that AI-based skin cancer detection represents a major advancement in healthcare. 56% of those familiar  with AI-driven surgical robots  view them as a significant step forward in medical technology. Only 19% of individuals familiar with AI mental health chatbots  consider them to be a major breakthrough. 72% of pathologists  believe that AI will likely assist  in analyzing patient information to help establish prognoses. 56% of healthcare professionals  in the EU  strongly believe that AI will improve the quality of diagnosis . 50% of EU healthcare professionals  are confident that AI will enhance the quality of treatment  for patients. SOURCES: Statista European Parliament 6sense Coalition for Health AI TechTarget Accenture White House PubMed Central Pew Research

Key Takeaways: The global value-based care (VBC) market, initially valued at $12.2 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $43.4 billion by 2031 , marking a 14.6% compound annual growth rate. Value-based care is currently generating about $500 billion in enterprise value , with projections indicating this could potentially reach $1 trillion as the sector advances. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation aims for 100% of Medicare beneficiaries to participate in accountable-care relationships by 2030 . In 2022, value-based care patients experienced 30.1% fewer inpatient admissions  compared to those on Original Medicare, showcasing VBC's effectiveness in reducing hospitalizations. Private capital investments in value-based care companies expanded more than fourfold  from 2019 to 2021, reflecting growing investor confidence. 1. Growth and Adoption of Value-Based Care (VBC) The global value-based care (VBC) market , initially valued at $12.2 billion in 2023 , is forecasted to surge to $43.4 billion by 2031 , marking a 14.6% compound annual growth rate . Over the last ten years, the number of patients benefiting from value-based care arrangements  has expanded by 2.3 million . The growth in lives under value-based care arrangements  is anticipated to increase by 10–15% , while lives in fully or partially capitated contracts  could see a growth rate of 20–30% . The number of patients receiving care through value-based models could potentially double within the next five years, with an estimated annual growth rate of 15% . According to CMS data, healthcare provider participation  in value-based care models has risen by 25% from 2023 to 2024 . In the field of nephrology , value-based care models have gained traction, supported by CMS programs , which report reduced hospital admissions, fewer readmissions  and decreased rates of dialysis crashes . From 2019 to 2021 , private capital investments in value-based care companies  expanded more than fourfold . The share of private capital investment in value-based care assets within the healthcare sector jumped from 6% in hospitals to nearly 30% over just two years. Fewer than half of primary care physicians  in the United States have reported receiving payments via value-based care arrangements . 2. Cost Savings and Financial Impact Companies active in value-based care  created around $500 billion in enterprise value in 2022 , with estimates pointing to a possible rise to $1 trillion by 2027 . With continued momentum in value-based care , the market valuation for payers, providers, and investors  could reach $1 trillion in enterprise value . The Healthcare Payment Ties to Value and Quality  rate of 60% illustrates the significant shift from fee-for-service models to value-based care reimbursement  within the U.S. healthcare landscape. In 2022 , Humana Medicare Advantage value-based care arrangements  achieved 23.2% savings  in medical costs when compared to Original Medicare . Savings within value-based care  are estimated to range from 3%  in models with limited quality metrics to as high as 20% in high-touch primary care groups assuming fully capitated risk for Medicare Advantage members. Humana reinvests cost savings  into additional member benefits, averaging $527 per year  for members who utilize value-based care providers . 3. Medicare and Government Initiatives The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation  has set a bold objective: by 2030 , 100% of Medicare beneficiaries  should be participating in accountable-care relationships . Enrollment Goals by CMS  for 2030 underscore its dedication to shifting Medicare and Medicaid patients into value-based care (VBC) models , with the aim of enhancing both healthcare quality and cost-effectiveness. In Southern California , 90% of commercial and Medicare lives  are now under value-based contracts , alongside nearly 50%  of Medicaid lives, reflecting significant regional adoption of VBC models. CMS spending on End-Stage Renal Disease  highlights targeted resources in value-based care initiatives, such as the End-Stage Renal Disease Quality Incentive Program , which ties payment to the quality of care provided. The Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program  uses a 2% withholding  as a financial incentive for hospitals to meet performance metrics, illustrating how value-based payment systems are employed to drive quality improvements. Since 2010 , Congress has mandated systematic reductions in Medicare Advantage risk scores , resulting in lower per-patient payments even when health conditions remain constant. In 2026 , the Health Equity Adjustment  will introduce a new factor in value-based care payments , aiming to directly address and reduce health disparities. The 2027 deadline for interoperability and data sharing underscores a push toward coordinated, outcome-focused care across healthcare providers, supporting the goals of value-based care. 4. Patient Outcomes and Quality Improvements In 2022 , value-based care patients experienced 30.1% fewer inpatient admissions  compared to those on Original Medicare , demonstrating the effectiveness of VBC in reducing hospitalizations. Humana's research  found that patients treated by value-based care physicians  had notably lower levels of acute care usage and fewer potentially avoidable events . Preventive screenings  were completed at a 14.6% higher rate  among value-based care patients compared to Medicare Advantage members outside of a VBC arrangement . Risk-bearing primary care groups  in value-based care frequently employ a high-touch care model  with smaller patient panels, contrasting with the larger panels typical of traditional fee-for-service primary care . The 2022 expansion  of the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model  sets a standard for quality-driven healthcare and reinforces value-based reimbursement practices across the sector. SOURCES: Humana McKinsey Oracle Medical Economics

Key Takeaways The 2024 Open Enrollment Period (OEP) saw a total of 21,446,150 Marketplace plan selections , with HealthCare.gov recording 16,363,133 and State-based Marketplaces (SBMs) seeing 5,083,017 selections. Plan selections rose 31%  from 2023 to 2024, adding 5.1 million more enrollees, with a cumulative 79% increase from 2021 to 2024 , resulting in 9.4 million new enrollments. 92% of consumers  received Advance Payments of the Premium Tax Credit (APTC) in 2024, with the average monthly premium after APTC at $111 , a 32% reduction from $164 in 2021. Almost 100% of consumers below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)  could access plans at $0 or near-$0 in 2024. The average healthcare cost per person has risen from $150 annually in 1960  to approximately $13,000 per year today . 1. Open Enrollment Timing and Duration 77% of employers  initiate open enrollment in October or November , marking these as the peak months for enrollment activities. 52% of employers  set a two-week enrollment period , with three-week and four-week periods as other commonly chosen durations. 2. Consumer Engagement and Behavior On average, employees dedicate 18 minutes  to benefit enrollment, a stark contrast to the four hours spent selecting a new smartphone. New consumer plan choices for 2024 account for 24%  of enrollments nationwide. 45%  of consumers actively returned to select their plan in 2024, while 31%  were automatically re-enrolled. One open enrollment campaign done via a two-way texting solution had a 78% enrollment response rate. 3. Enrollment Volume and Growth The 2024 Open Enrollment Period (OEP)  saw a total of 21,446,150 Marketplace plan selections . HealthCare.gov Marketplaces  recorded 16,363,133 plan selections , and State-based Marketplaces (SBMs)  saw 5,083,017 plan selections  for 2024. Plan selections rose 31%  from 2023 to 2024, adding 5.1 million  more enrollees. A notable 48% growth  from 2022 to 2024 added 7 million new selections , and a 79% increase from 2021 to 2024 brought 9.4 million new enrollments . 5,215,764 new consumers  enrolled in 2024, marking a 41% jump from the 3,699,749 new consumers in 2023 . Returning enrollees hit 16,230,386 in 2024, up 28% from 12,657,281 in 2023 . A total of 38,036,483 Marketplace applications  were submitted for 2024 OEP. 68%  of applicants were eligible to select a Marketplace plan in 2024. 4. Financial Aspects and Premiums 92% of consumers  received Advance Payments of the Premium Tax Credit (APTC)  in 2024. The nationwide average monthly premium after APTC stands at $111  for 2024, a 32% reduction from $164 in 2021 . 44% of consumers  chose plans costing $10 or less per month  after APTC, reaching nearly 9.4 million  enrollees. HealthCare.gov’s average monthly premium after APTC is $81 in 2024 , showing a 43% drop from $143 in 2021 . On HealthCare.gov, 51% of consumers  selected plans costing $10 or less monthly  after APTC. For SBM consumers, the average monthly premium post-APTC is $207 , with 20% choosing plans for $10 or less . APTC recipients in 2024 saved an average of $59 monthly , totaling $705 annually  due to the ARP/IRA. 48% of HealthCare.gov consumers  in 2024 saw savings from the IRA’s expanded APTC. Almost 100% of consumers below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)  could access plans at $0 or near-$0  in 2024. Among HealthCare.gov users, 42% selected $0 premium plans  post-APTC in 2024, up from 32% in 2023 . 5. Plan Selections by State and Regional Differences The states with the highest plan selection growth from 2023 to 2024 include West Virginia (80%) , Louisiana (76%) , Ohio (62%) , Indiana (60%) , and Tennessee (59%) . States with the smallest increases are California (3%) , Nevada (3%) , Hawaii (2%) , Oregon (2%) , and the District of Columbia (0%) . Maine saw the only decline, with a 1% decrease  in plan selections from 2023 to 2024. In 2024, non-expansion Medicaid states  contributed over half of the total plan selections during OEP. 6. Demographics of Enrollees 22% of enrollees  in 2024 identified as Hispanic/Latino . 9% of enrollees  identified as Black . 44%  of consumers fell within the 100%-150% FPL income range in 2024. 7. Basic Health Program Enrollment 1,302,034 individuals  enrolled in the Basic Health Program (BHP) during the 2024 OEP, marking a 33% rise from 975,337 in 2021 . Minnesota's BHP enrollment grew by 9% from 2023 to 2024 , while New York saw a 7% increase  in the same period. 8. Historical Cost Comparison In 1960, the average healthcare cost was $150 per person annually . Today, the average healthcare cost has surged to approximately $13,000 per person per year . SOURCES: CMS Dialog Health

Key Takeaways Healthcare call centers handle an average of 2,000 calls daily , with peak staffing levels meeting only 60% of required coverage , resulting in a shortfall of 23 agents. The average hold time  in healthcare call centers is 4.4 minutes , significantly exceeding the HFMA’s target hold time of 50 seconds. Only 1% of healthcare call centers  achieve a First Call Resolution (FCR) rate between 80% and 100%, against an industry standard of 70-79%. Patients experiencing negative phone interactions  are four times more likely to switch providers , emphasizing the importance of customer service in patient retention. A 7% abandonment rate  on 2,000 daily calls results in an average of 140 abandoned calls each day, potentially translating to a daily revenue loss of up to $45,000  due to high ASA. The average annual operating cost  of a healthcare call center is $13.9 million , with 43% allocated to labor costs for hiring, training, and benefits. Healthcare call centers using automation for 34% of calls could achieve daily savings of around $43,702 . Call Volume and Handling Metrics Multi-practice healthcare centers handle an average of 2,000 calls daily , which breaks down to about 220 calls per hour during standard operating hours. Typical staffing in healthcare call centers meets only 60% of the necessary coverage  during peak times, leaving them 23 agents short  of the required number. To keep the average speed of answer (ASA) under one minute during peak periods, healthcare call centers with 2,000 daily calls need around 57 agents . In the U.S., the average hold time in healthcare call centers stands at 4.4 minutes , which is notably longer than the HFMA’s target of 50 seconds . VHA call centers saw a decrease in ASA, dropping from 87 seconds to 69 seconds . ASA quartiles are as follows: Q1  – up to 34.7 seconds ; Q2  – 35.9 to 58.9 seconds ; Q3 – 59.0 to 107.6 seconds ; and Q4  – 107.7 to 351.3 seconds . The call abandonment rate (AR) at VHA decreased  from 12.0% to 8.3% . AR quartile cutoffs include Q1  – up to 6.1% ; Q2  – 6.1 to 10.2% ; Q3  – 10.3 to 16.2% ; and Q4  – 16.3 to 29.1% . Industry leaders recommend excluding calls under 5 seconds from abandonment rate calculations to minimize data interference from accidental hang-ups . On average, patients make 3.5 calls for each scheduling need they have. Addressing two scheduling needs within a single call can reduce the overall call volume by two  calls. The average first call resolution (FCR) rate sits at 52% , meaning half of patients make multiple calls  to address their issues fully. Only 1% of respondents achieve an FCR rate between 80% and 100% , compared to the industry standard of 70-79%  in healthcare. Healthcare call centers face transfer rates of up to 19% . The average handle time (AHT) is 6.6 minutes , which is consistent across call centers of varying agent sizes. With an average cost of $4.9 per call , a 350-agent center  handling 75 calls per agent daily  incurs a daily cost of approximately $128,625 . Automating 34% of calls could yield daily savings of around $43,702 . Only 19% of healthcare call centers operate 24/7 , while 53% offer near-round-the-clock service (24/5 or extended hours) . A study by Hyro of 300,000 patient calls  showed that 11% of calls took place outside regular hours or on weekends . The top three reasons for calls in healthcare centers are billing and payments (52%) , insurance questions (41%) , and medication-related queries (34%) . 84% of respondents  agree that identifying the main reasons for calls is vital, with 49% using manual tracking and 49% using agent surveys  to gather this information. According to a survey of healthcare call center leaders, 93% of call centers are managed internally . CASE STUDY: CONTACT CENTER OBTAINS 52% SURVEY REPLY & 84% SATISFACTION RATE FOR HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATION Monthly ASA and AR data for the VHA are recorded, with smaller sites without dedicated call centers using data from larger affiliated facilities . Customer Service and Patient Satisfaction In healthcare, a substantial 96% of patient complaints center around issues with customer service . Over 95% of consumers consider customer service one of the most crucial factors  influencing their healthcare provider choice. More than 65% of patients  report their expectations for customer service have risen  compared to the previous year. Surveys reveal that a negative phone experience  in a center handling 2,000 daily calls can impact as many as 1,240 patients , with 837 patients potentially delaying  their next visit and 725 patients considering a new provider . Research suggests that two negative phone experiences  can significantly harm patient loyalty . Patients unhappy with their healthcare call center experiences are over four times more likely to switch providers . Customers facing customer service issues  are 400% more likely  to take their business elsewhere. For a healthcare call center managing 2,000 daily calls , a 74% retention rate on poor-performance days  means up to 1,480 patient relationships could be at risk . The First Call Resolution (FCR) benchmark for healthcare call centers  is set at 71% , leaving 29% of patient concerns unresolved  on the first call. A single transfer reduces satisfaction ratings by 12% . It is five times more costly to acquire a new patient than to retain an existing one . Surveys indicate that 42% of patients identify the difficulty in reaching their provider  as the largest barrier to good healthcare communication. Approximately 80% of healthcare organizations utilize patient satisfaction surveys , such as HCAHPS and Press Ganey , to measure service quality and satisfaction. 77.8% of patients report “always” or “usually” receiving urgent care when they need it. Only 36.9% of patients seeking urgent care  report being seen within one day . For routine care, 62.4% of patients say they “always” or “usually” get an appointment as soon as needed . 27.8% of patients  report they could “always” or “usually” receive a same-day answer  to medical questions when calling during office hours. Around 66.5% of patients rate their healthcare provider a 9 or 10 out of 10 . No significant link was observed between abandonment rate (AR) and patient satisfaction  in the study. VHA’s ASA  showed no significant association with patients’ ratings of their access to routine care, same-day answers, or provider satisfaction . Healthcare organizations with a focus on patient satisfaction drive over twice the revenue growth  of those with lower satisfaction scores in the same field. Positive customer service experiences prompt approximately 150% more spending  than after negative experiences. 69% of respondents  with high patient satisfaction levels reported better-than-expected profit margins . Abandonment Rates and Wait Times Most patients are unwilling to wait longer than 2 minutes on the phone, with longer wait times increasing frustration and leading to drop-offs . About two-thirds of patients won’t wait on hold longer than two minutes , with 13% unwilling to wait at all . At least 60% of patients will abandon calls  if they have to wait longer than one minute. The average hold time  for healthcare call centers is approximately 50 seconds . Healthcare call centers experience an average abandonment rate of nearly 7% . With a 7% abandonment rate on 2,000 calls , this results in around 140 calls abandoned each day . For healthcare centers handling 2,000 calls daily , extended hold times could lead to 381 patients hanging up , with about 95 potentially being new patients . Lost revenue from 225 abandoned calls per day  due to high ASA could amount to $45,000 daily or $11.5 million annually  in lost revenue from new patients. CMS evaluates call center performance quarterly  for Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug Plan sponsors, and Medicare/Medicaid insurers; a passing score  requires an average hold time of under 2 minutes  and an abandonment rate of below 5% . The VHA , as the largest integrated healthcare system in the U.S., aims for an average speed of answer (ASA) of 30 seconds or less and an abandonment rate (AR) of 5% or less  in its call centers. VHA data indicated improvements  in telephone access, showing decreases in both ASA and AR  over time. By the end of the study period, nearly 80% of VHA centers had not met performance targets  of a 30-second ASA  or a 5% AR . Regression analysis revealed that patients at VHA centers with an ASA in the highest quartile (107.7 seconds or longer)  were less likely to report they could “always” or “usually” access urgent care appointments  when needed (odds ratio: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76–0.95). Patients in centers with fourth-quartile ASA times (107.7–351.3 seconds)  were also less likely to secure same-day urgent care (odds ratio: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77–0.92). Approximately 11% of SHEP responses  originated from visits to “covered” facilities  that rely on a nearby VHA medical center for telephone metrics management. Staffing and Operational Costs The average annual operating cost  for a healthcare call center is $13.9 million , with $6 million (43%) allocated to labor costs  covering hiring, training, and benefits. Operating with a 23-agent shortfall for eight hours  can save a call center around $3,128 per day , adding up to approximately $813,280 in annual savings . Marketing costs  for a three-physician practice to attract new patients average over $32,000 annually . Only 0.6% of the annual budget  is dedicated to technologies aimed at preventing agent burnout and turnover , amounting to an average of $85,000 . 22% of respondents reported having no technologies  to address burnout and turnover, while 30% invest between $50,000 and $100,000  in these preventative measures. Staff burnout and turnover  were identified as the top sources of inefficiency in call centers by 39% of respondents . Revenue and Financial Impact Each new patient generates approximately $200 per physician visit , and with an average of four visits per year , a single new patient can contribute $800 in annual revenue . The lifetime value of an established patient is estimated at $12,000 . Healthcare practices typically see an annual patient growth rate of 25%  with a patient loss rate of around 10% . For a three-physician practice with a 6,000-patient panel , this translates to a new patient growth potential of approximately $1.2 million annually . Poor phone experiences  in practices with a 74% retention rate  could result in financial losses up to $57 million over three years  due to patient turnover. In healthcare, ineffective scheduling and customer service contribute to more than $150 billion in lost revenue  every year. 67% of call center leaders anticipated profit growth in 2023 , with an average projected gain of 6% . 74% of call center leaders feel pressured to prove  that their call centers function as revenue generators rather than cost centers. 67% of call center leaders find it challenging to demonstrate ROI within their organizations. The primary tools for measuring call center ROI include call tracking software (39%) , employee monitoring software (35%) , and performance/analytics dashboards (33%) . Technology and Automation Interactive Voice Response (IVR)  systems are utilized by 84% of respondents , while Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) is used by 82% . 46% of respondents  are in the process of evaluating, deploying, or have already implemented LLM-based solutions, such as ChatGPT . Respondents reported they would be satisfied if AI-powered solutions could automate an average of 34% of inbound calls , although certain AI technologies have the capability to resolve up to 85% . Industry Standards and Benchmarks A survey of healthcare call center leadership revealed that 93% of call centers are managed in-house . The average ASA (Average Speed to Answer) for healthcare call centers is 3 minutes and 22 seconds , notably higher than the general industry standard of 28 seconds . Best practices recommend excluding calls shorter than 5 seconds from abandonment rate (AR) calculations to help reduce data noise from accidental hang-ups . SOURCES: Envera Health NCBI American Health Connection Hyro

Key Takeaways: 83% of consumers say that having more digital communication options will significantly influence their decision when selecting future healthcare providers. 92% of patients expect personalized reminders and messages  from their healthcare providers, underscoring the need for tailored communication. An analysis by CRICO Strategies of 23,000 medical malpractice lawsuits determined that over 7,000 cases were directly tied to communication breakdowns, leading to $1.7 billion in costs and nearly 2,000 preventable deaths. 100% of clinical executives and 84% of physicians, nurses, and other clinicians agree that clinician burnout poses a public health emergency,  calling for immediate action from institutions, governments, and regulatory bodies. The integration of chatbots into healthcare communication has already led to $3.6 billion in savings for health systems. Digital Communication Preferences and Trends 80% of healthcare consumers  express a strong preference for having the ability to engage with providers using digital tools such as SMS, online forms, and other virtual communication methods. 61% of healthcare consumers  desire a communication experience in healthcare that mirrors the convenience and functionality of their favorite online retail platforms. 83% of consumers  say that having more digital communication options will significantly influence their decision when selecting future healthcare providers. A majority— 64% of patients —favor conversational messaging in healthcare over traditional, transactional text interactions. 78% of patients  rated their experiences with conversational messaging as either "excellent" or "good," showcasing its popularity. 79% of patients  express a desire for their providers to offer the option of initiating text-based conversations on any topic of their choosing. Only 17% of patients  rely exclusively on landlines, underscoring the importance of providers offering a variety of communication channels. When it comes to pre-appointment instructions, 30% of patients  prefer phone calls, 25% opt for texts , another 25% choose portals , with others divided among alternative options. 80% of patients  lean toward digital methods like emails, texts or patient portals for receiving appointment reminders and follow-ups. Among healthcare organizations, 79% utilize smartphones  for communication, 53% rely on tablets , and 65% make use of wi-fi phones.  Conversely, only 49% use on-site pagers , 35% depend on wide-area pagers , and 21% utilize encrypted pagers. 57% of patients  expect their doctors to send automated reminders through text, voice messages, or emails. 68% of consumers  prefer healthcare providers who offer the flexibility to book, reschedule, or cancel appointments online. 41% of consumers  identify live chat as their preferred method of customer support. 52% of patients  access their health information via healthcare chatbots. Patient Expectations and Frustrations 81% of patients  reveal that their expectations around healthcare communication have shifted significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic. 55% of patients  indicate they might consider switching healthcare providers if their preferred communication channels are unavailable. 69% of patients  expressed frustration about not being able to have conversational texting with their healthcare provider. 66% of patients  report that basic and transactional communication exchanges with their providers fall short of meeting their expectations. 31% of patients  state that their communication expectations are unmet about half the time or more. After experiencing incomplete communication exchanges, 81% of patients followed up via phone, 31% turned to email , and nearly 20% abandoned the issue  or couldn’t get the necessary information through other methods. Among frustrated patients, 79% described their frustration as “moderate” or “extreme,”  highlighting the intensity of dissatisfaction. 92% of patients  expect personalized reminders and messages from their healthcare providers, underscoring the need for tailored communication. 20% of patients  feel that reaching their doctor’s office is not an easy process, reflecting barriers in communication accessibility. Patients spend an average of 8 minutes on the phone  when scheduling medical appointments, with 63% of calls being transferred  at least once during the process. Provider Communication Challenges and Limitations 66% of healthcare providers  still depend heavily on traditional communication methods like paper documents and phone calls, with nearly half refraining from using social media in a professional capacity. 71% of healthcare providers  acknowledge minimal or no integration between the different systems they use for patient engagement. Only 22% of patients  reported receiving replies to their questions via text from their healthcare providers. A significant 75% of patients  shared that their text exchanges with healthcare providers were basic and automated, often limited to simple, one-time responses like "Y" or "N." On average, healthcare systems work with over 11 digital vendors  to communicate with patients, creating fragmented and often confusing interactions. 68% of patients  reported receiving redundant messages from their healthcare providers across multiple communication channels. 65% of patients  encountered disorganized communication strings, with messages arriving out of order. 48% of healthcare institutions  are either planning or actively considering an upgrade in communication devices or technology within the next year, while 16%  are not. 37% of physicians  revealed that language barriers sometimes led patients to withhold important information. In Norway, 43.2% of physicians  and 36.5% of nurses  reported a need for interpreters to assist patients with limited local language proficiency, yet 21% of medical providers  highlighted inadequate access to interpreter services. Back in 2019, 54% of healthcare communication solutions  were deployed on-premise, highlighting a preference for localized systems at the time. Impact of Communication Failures A study of online reviews revealed that physician-patient communication  is one of the four primary factors influencing whether a healthcare provider receives positive or negative ratings. Following incomplete communication exchanges, 81% of patients  resorted to phone follow-ups, 31% turned to email , and nearly 20% abandoned the issue or were unable to secure the information they needed through other means. An analysis by CRICO Strategies of 23,000 medical malpractice lawsuits  determined that over 7,000 cases  were directly tied to communication breakdowns. Communication failures in these malpractice lawsuits led to $1.7 billion in costs  and contributed to nearly 2,000 preventable deaths. According to research by the Joint Commission, 80% of serious medical errors  can be traced back to miscommunication during caregiver handovers. Technological Integration and Advancements 93% of healthcare providers  agree that automating document management would significantly enhance both accuracy and efficiency within their practice. Patients who receive personalized, automatically generated communications are 60% more likely  to participate in recommended clinical programs. 92% of healthcare-related businesses  prioritize investments in technology to improve consumer satisfaction and foster better engagement. The integration of chatbots into healthcare communication has already led to $3.6 billion  in savings for health systems. Data Privacy and Security Concerns There has been a 75% year-over-year increase  in the use of unsecure or personal communication tools to transmit protected health information (PHI). In 2021, 76% of organizations  reported concerns about patient information and proprietary health system data being shared through unsecure or personal communication tools, while only 13% of organizations  expressed no concern. A year earlier, 74% of organizations  voiced similar concerns, with this increase likely linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which 81% of respondents  indicated that the pandemic influenced the transfer of personal health information over unsecure or personal communication tools. 32% of individuals  are willing to or have already changed companies or providers due to dissatisfaction with their data privacy policies. Healthcare Staff Burnout and Workflow Integration 92% of healthcare staff  report that burnout has risen at least moderately since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant 95% of physicians, nurses, and other clinicians  have observed an increase in burnout levels. 100% of clinical executives  and 84% of physicians, nurses, and other clinicians  agree that clinician burnout poses a public health emergency, calling for immediate action from institutions, governments, and regulatory bodies. 66% of respondents  identify poor integration into clinical workflows as a factor in burnout, while 41% point to poor adoption or use , and 36% blame poor implementation  as contributing issues. 73% of respondents  highlight that increased or burdensome workloads unrelated to direct patient care lead to alarm fatigue or exacerbate clinician burnout when using clinical tools and technology. Language Barriers and Accessibility 20% of medical professionals  reported that language barriers consistently impact health outcomes, leading to errors, reduced trust, and lower patient satisfaction. 25% of foreign patients in Saudi Arabia  noted difficulties in communicating with healthcare professionals, resulting in decreased satisfaction with their medical care. A striking 94.3% of nurses  emphasized that understanding their patients’ language is essential for effective communication within their work environment. Online translation tools such as Google Translate and MediBabble boosted satisfaction rates among both medical providers and patients to 92%,  while also enhancing healthcare delivery and patient safety. SOURCES: VentureBeat TechTarget Healthcare IT News IQVIA HIPAA Journal PubMed Central (PMC) AllTech News Harvard Business Review (HBR) Accenture

Key Takeaways Burnout Prevalence Among Healthcare Workers : Nearly half of surveyed healthcare workers (49.9%) met the criteria for burnout, reflecting the widespread and critical nature of the issue within the sector. Impact of Work Overload : Work overload was identified as the strongest predictor of burnout across all healthcare roles, increasing the risk of burnout by up to 2.90 times in non-clinical staff and significantly affecting both clinical and non-clinical roles. Burnout Rates Among Specific Roles : Nurses reported the highest rates of burnout, with 56.0% meeting burnout criteria, followed by clinical staff excluding physicians and nurses at 54.1% and physicians at 47.3%. Intent to Leave : Among nurses, 41.0% expressed a strong intent to leave their jobs within two years, the highest rate among healthcare roles, highlighting workforce instability. Emotional and Physical Exhaustion : Emotional exhaustion was reported by 54% of healthcare workers as a significant contributor to burnout, while 35.5% reported physical exhaustion to a very high degree, further exacerbating workplace challenges. Prevalence of Burnout in Healthcare Roles Burnout levels among healthcare professionals range from 16% to 86% , with an average burnout score of 57.4% . Moderate burnout affects 61.2%  of healthcare professionals, low burnout affects 29% , and high burnout affects 9.6% . Among doctors, 75% experience low burnout, and 25% experience high burnout. Moderate burnout affects 72.7%  of allied health professionals, low burnout affects 18.1% and high burnout affects 9% . Among nurses, 68.7%  report moderate burnout, 25%  report low burnout, and 6%  report high burnout. In 2022 , 46%  of health workers reported often feeling burned out, compared to 32%  in 2018 . A survey of 40,301 healthcare workers , representing 93.6%  of the total sample, found that nearly half of respondents experienced burnout . Among the healthcare workers surveyed, 49.9% (21,469 individuals) met the criteria for burnout, indicating a widespread issue within the sector. Nurses reported high rates of burnout, with 56% (5,672 out of 10,122 nurses) meeting burnout criteria. Clinical staff, excluding physicians and nurses, reported a burnout rate of 54.1% (2,928 out of 5,415 clinical staff) , highlighting high stress levels in this group. Among surveyed physicians, 47.3% (6,514 out of 13,780) met the criteria for burnout, reflecting nearly half of the physician workforce experiencing significant stress. Non-clinical healthcare staff, such as administrative personnel, reported a burnout rate of 45.6% (5015 out of 11,005 non-clinical staff) , demonstrating that burnout is not limited to direct patient care roles. Work overload was associated with a 2.90 times greater risk of burnout for non-clinical healthcare staff. Nurses experiencing work overload were at significantly higher risk of burnout . Intent to Leave the Job Of the 15,465 healthcare workers (35.9% of the sample)  who responded to the survey's question about their intent to leave their jobs, 28.7% expressed a high likelihood of leaving their roles. Nurses  were the most likely among healthcare roles to express an intent to leave their jobs, with 41.0% (935 out of 2,280 nurses surveyed on this topic)  planning to leave within two years. Clinical staff excluding nurses and physicians reported an intent-to-leave rate of 32% (565 out of 1,759 respondents) , showing significant workforce instability in this group. Among non-clinical healthcare staff, 32.6% (662 out of 2,033 respondents)  expressed a strong intent to leave their jobs, indicating turnover challenges even in non-patient-facing roles. Physicians were the least likely to plan to leave, but 24.3% (2,280 out of 9,393 responding physicians) still reported a high likelihood of leaving their roles within two years. Impact of Work Overload Work overload was identified as the strongest predictor of burnout across all healthcare roles, increasing the risk of burnout by up to 2.90 times  in non-clinical staff. Work overload also independently increased the likelihood of healthcare workers expressing a strong intent to leave their jobs , with non-clinical staff experiencing up to a 2.10 times greater risk  of intent to leave. Non-physician and non-nurse clinical staff reported the highest prevalence of work overload among healthcare roles, with 47.4% (2,715 out of 5,728 individuals)  feeling overburdened. Among surveyed nurses, 47% (5,164 out of 11,011) reported experiencing work overload, indicating nearly half of this critical workforce feels overburdened by their responsibilities. Among non-clinical healthcare staff, 44.5% (4941 out of 11,103 respondents)  reported experiencing work overload, underscoring stress in administrative and support roles . Among surveyed physicians, 37.1% (5,616 out of 15,137) reported experiencing work overload, representing over a third of doctors  feeling overburdened by their duties. Demographics and Burnout For non-clinical healthcare staff, work overload was associated with a 2.90 times greater risk of burnout , with a 95% confidence interval of 2.77 to 3.05 , representing the highest risk among all groups surveyed. Physicians experiencing work overload were at a 2.42 times greater risk of burnout  compared to their peers without work overload, with a 95% confidence interval of 2.33 to 2.50 . Among non-physician and non-nurse clinical staff, work overload was associated with a 2.29 times greater risk of burnout , with a 95% confidence interval of 2.16 to 2.43 . Nurses experiencing work overload were 2.21 times more likely to experience burnout  compared to those without work overload, with a 95% confidence interval of 2.12 to 2.30 . Male healthcare professionals have an average burnout score of 60% , while females  have an average burnout score of 56% . Healthcare workers aged 30–39 years report the highest average burnout scores , while those aged 20–29 years report the lowest . Nurses’ age is significantly positively correlated with burnout scores ( r = 0.56, p = 0.025 ). Age is weakly positively correlated with burnout scores among healthcare workers ( r = 0.16, p = 0.387 ). Duration of work is weakly positively correlated with burnout scores ( r = 0.11, p = 0.955 ). Among nurses, duration of work is weakly positively correlated with burnout scores ( r = 0.20, p = 0.452 ). Allied health professionals with high burnout are all male , aged 40–49 years , and have worked at their hospital for more than 10 years . Nurses with high burnout  are aged 40–49 years  and have worked at their hospital for more than 10 years . Among doctors with high burnout , all are aged 20–29 years  and have worked at their hospital for 1–3 years . Emotional and Physical Exhaustion Physical exhaustion is linked to burnout, with 35.5%  of healthcare professionals reporting it to a very high degree and 32.3%  to a high degree . Emotional exhaustion is a major contributor to burnout, with 54%  of healthcare workers reporting high levels of emotional attachment to patients and 32.3%  describing their work as emotionally exhausting to a very high degree . Work overload  also independently increased the likelihood of healthcare workers expressing a strong intent to leave their jobs , with non-clinical staff experiencing up to a 2.10 times greater risk of intent to leave . Clinical staff excluding nurses and physicians were 2.04 times more likely to plan to leave their roles  if experiencing work overload, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.74 to 2.38 . Nurses experiencing work overload were 1.87 times more likely to report an intent to leave  compared to those without work overload, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.65 to 2.11 . Physicians experiencing work overload were 1.73 times more likely to express a strong intent to leave their jobs  compared to those without work overload, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.61 to 1.87 . Frustrations in Patient Care and Interactions Limitations in patient care are associated with burnout, with 58.1% of healthcare workers finding these limitations frustrating to a very high degree and 19.4%  to a high degree. Burnout is linked to difficulties in working with patients, with 45.2% of healthcare workers finding it somewhat frustrating and 22.6% finding it frustrating to a low degree. Among healthcare workers experiencing moderate burnout, 79% report sometimes finding it frustrating to work with patients, and 10.4% report frustration to a high or very high degree. Among individuals with high burnout, 66.6%  report sometimes finding it frustrating to work with patients, while 33.3% report frustration to a high degree. Among nurses experiencing work overload, 53.4%  working in inpatient settings expressed a strong intent to leave their jobs, compared to 45.2% in outpatient settings, a statistically significant difference. Among physicians experiencing work overload, 34.3%  working in inpatient settings expressed a strong intent to leave their jobs, compared to 31.1% in outpatient settings, a statistically significant difference.   SOURCES: Nature PubMed Central (PMC)

Key Takeaways from Telehealth Statistics Market Growth : The telehealth industry, valued at $49.9 billion in 2019, is projected to reach $459.8 billion by 2030, reflecting its explosive growth potential. Physician Adoption Surge : Telemedicine usage among physicians jumped dramatically from 15.4% in 2019 to 86.5% in 2021, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient Utilization Growth : Telehealth visits increased from 14 million in 2019 to 62 million in 2020 and were expected to reach 200 million in 2021. Outpatient Telehealth Expansion : Outpatient telehealth visits were 78 times higher in late 2020 than pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the shift to virtual care. Broad Adoption Across Demographics : Nearly three-quarters (74%) of millennials prefer telehealth over in-person visits, and 76% of adults over 55 have used telemedicine services. Economic Impact : Telehealth technologies could save the U.S. healthcare system $305 billion annually by reducing emergency visits, travel costs, and other inefficiencies. Behavioral Health Utilization : Behavioral health visits via telehealth grew from 41.4% of total telehealth usage in Q1 2020 to 67.0% by Q3 2023, demonstrating its vital role in mental healthcare. Telehealth Adoption and Utilization Rates The telehealth industry , worth $49.9 billion in 2019 , is forecasted to grow substantially, reaching $194.1 billion by 2023  and an impressive $459.8 billion by 2030 . In 2020, the global telehealth systems market for wearable devices was valued at $16.6 billion , with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.8%  from 2021 to 2028. By 2026, telehealth software and fitness markets  are anticipated to expand to $14.7 billion , reflecting a CAGR of 23% . The percentage of physicians using telemedicine surged from 15.4% in 2019  to an extraordinary 86.5% in 2021 , driven by the COVID-19 pandemic . Telehealth visits skyrocketed, increasing from 14 million in 2019 to 62 million in 2020 , and were projected to reach 200 million in 2021 . Outpatient telehealth visits during the final quarter of 2020 were 78 times higher than pre-pandemic levels . The utilization of virtual care is now 38 times greater than it was before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic . In 2020, healthcare providers conducted 50 to 175 times more telemedicine visits  compared to previous years. Telehealth usage reached its highest levels in the second quarter of 2020, but by the third quarter of 2023, volumes were 54.7% lower than the peak . Although telehealth spiked during the pandemic, its use in doctors' visits decreased from 52% in 2020  to just 11% after the pandemic’s peak . Between 2010 and 2022 , the number of Americans utilizing telehealth services grew from 0.3 million to 27.6 million . 76% of U.S. hospitals  now use video and other telehealth technologies to connect with patients and consulting practitioners at a distance. A significant 86% of hospitals  and 79% of general practice offices  offer telehealth options to help remove barriers to care for patients. 80% of U.S. doctors  reported adopting telehealth services in their practices. In 2023, 96% of HRSA-funded health centers  used telehealth to deliver primary care services. Among medical specialists, 41.5%  utilized telemedicine for less than 25%  of their patient visits. For primary care physicians, 53.9%  reported using telemedicine for less than 25%  of their consultations. 63.3% of surgical specialists  used telemedicine for less than 25%  of their patient appointments. 25.1% of medical specialists  employed telemedicine for 25% to 49%  of their visits. 27.9% of primary care physicians  reported using telemedicine for 25% to 49%  of their patient visits. Among medical specialists, 27.4%  used telemedicine for 50% or more  of their patient visits. 14.7% of primary care physicians  reported using telemedicine for 50% or more  of their consultations. 5.5% of surgical specialists  reported using telemedicine for 50% or more  of their visits, though this figure did not meet statistical reliability standards . 37.0% of adults aged 18 and over  reported using telemedicine within the past year. Among women aged 18 and older, 42%  reported telemedicine usage in the past 12 months. Among men aged 18 and older, 31.7%  reported using telemedicine over the same period. Telemedicine usage increased with age, starting at 29.4% among adults aged 18–29  and peaking at 43.3% among adults aged 65 and over . Adults residing in the West  reported a telemedicine usage rate of 42.4%  within the past year. In the Northeast , 40.0% of adults  reported telemedicine usage over the same period. In the South , 34.3% of adults  reported using telemedicine in the past 12 months. In the Midwest , 33.3% of adults  reported utilizing telemedicine services. Nearly three-quarters of millennials, or 74% , expressed a preference for teleconsultations over in-person visits, according to a GlobalMed report . Telemedicine adoption increased by 12% among individuals over 55 and by 13% among rural residents , as highlighted by a Rock Health report . 76% of adults aged over 55  reported having used telemedicine services. 73% of rural residents  indicated that they have used telemedicine. 80% of consumers  reported having used telemedicine at least once. In 2022, 67% of people  reported using telemedicine, a significant increase from 37% before the pandemic , according to a J.D. Power study . Over 20% of adult patients  reported having a telehealth visit in July 2022 . A survey found that 69% of respondents  would use telehealth to diagnose and treat general infections such as the flu or common colds. 66% of surveyed individuals  said they would utilize telehealth for follow-up visits with their doctors. 61% of patients  prefer telemedicine for prescription management, while 51%  use it to receive care for minor illnesses. 23.1% of survey respondents  reported using audio and video telehealth services in the last month. The reduction in telehealth demand highlights its most effective use as a complement to in-person care , especially for low-acuity conditions in behavioral health . The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs  has conducted over 2.29 million telemedicine interactions , serving more than 782,000 veterans . In Ontario, Canada , telehealth visits surged from 11 per 1,000 rural patients  and 7 per 1,000 urban patients pre-pandemic to 147 per 1,000 rural patients  and 220 per 1,000 urban patients  during the pandemic’s peak. A remarkable 98% of transgender patients  reported having used telemedicine services. 63% of patients  expressed interest in expanded digital health options, such as online scheduling and digital-first healthcare plans . 44% of survey participants  said they would use telehealth for managing chronic conditions. Demographics and Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Telehealth Usage Women  were significantly more likely to use telemedicine, with 42%  relying on it compared to just 31.7% of men . 37% of adults over 18  reported using telemedicine within the past year. Telemedicine usage among adults over 18 increases with age, starting at 29.4% for those aged 18–29  and reaching 43.3% among adults aged 65 and older . Non-Hispanic White adults  reported a telemedicine usage rate of 39.2%  over the past year. Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native adults  had the highest usage rate, at 40.6% , within the past 12 months. Hispanic adults  utilized telemedicine at a rate of 32.8% over the past year. Non-Hispanic Black adults  reported a telemedicine usage rate of 33.1%  in the last year. Similarly, Non-Hispanic Asian adults  had a telemedicine usage rate of 33%  over the same period. Adults with family incomes below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL)  reported a telemedicine usage rate of 33.1%  in the past 12 months. Adults with incomes between 100% and 200% of FPL  had a slightly lower usage rate of 32.1% . At the higher end, adults with incomes 400% or more of FPL reported the highest telemedicine usage rate, at 40.7% . Telemedicine usage increases with education, from 28.7% of adults without a high school diploma  to 43.2% of those with a college degree or higher . The likelihood of using telemedicine decreases with urbanization, from 40.3% among adults in large central metropolitan areas  to 27.5% among those in noncore areas . Regional differences show 40% of adults in northern states and 42.4% in western states  relied on telemedicine, compared to 34.3% in the South  and 33.3% in the Midwest . Among respondents, 29.8% of Medicaid users  and 27.4% of Medicare users  reported relying on telehealth services. A remarkable 74% of millennials  expressed a preference for telehealth over in-person visits. 76% of individuals over 55  reported having used telemedicine. 73% of rural residents  indicated they have utilized telemedicine services. Approximately 40% of rural residents  in the U.S. lack access to sufficient broadband, a critical barrier to telehealth adoption. Telemedicine adoption increased by 12% among individuals over 55 and by 13% among rural residents , according to Rock Health. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, 27% of patients  reported feeling more comfortable with telemedicine, based on a Doximity report from September 2020. Specialist-Specific Telehealth Usage 27.4% of medical specialists  used telemedicine for 50% or more of their patient visits , a rate higher than that of both primary care physicians and surgical specialists . 50.6% of surgical specialists  reported being able to provide a similar quality of care through telemedicine as they could during in-person visits, "to some extent or a great extent." Among medical specialists, 73.1%  stated they could deliver a comparable quality of care via telemedicine as in-person visits, "to some extent or a great extent." 42.4% of surgical specialists  felt that telemedicine allowed them to provide a similar quality of care compared to in-person visits "not at all or to a small extent." For medical specialists, 20.4%  indicated that telemedicine visits provided a comparable quality of care to in-person visits "not at all or to a small extent." Nearly half of surgical specialists, 49.7% , reported that telemedicine technology was not suitable  for their specialty or patient needs. 26.7% of medical specialists  also felt that telemedicine technology was inappropriate  for their specialty or patient requirements. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a study by the American Academy of Neurology found that only 5% of telemedicine appointments for children  required an in-person follow-up. According to a ResearchGate paper from 2019, 52.5% of healthcare professionals  believed teleconsultations were more effective for delivering treatment and follow-up care for established patients. Video telehealth usage was highest among young adults aged 18–24 at 72.5% , followed by individuals earning up to $100,000 annually at 68.8% , those with private insurance at 65.9% , and white individuals at 61.9% . Patient Satisfaction and Perception of Care Quality 96% of telepsychiatry patients  report being satisfied with the care they receive in a virtual mental health setting. 93% of telepsychiatry patients  feel they can convey the same information virtually as they would during in-person appointments. 85% of telepsychiatry patients  are comfortable sharing personal information with mental health professionals in a virtual environment. 80% of patients  who regularly receive primary care through telemedicine express satisfaction with the quality and level of care . Among telehealth users, 42%  described their experience as extremely satisfying, while 36%  felt somewhat satisfied. A remarkable 94% of digital healthcare users  stated they would utilize these services again. 93% of patients  are interested in managing prescription medications via telemedicine. 91% of people  believe telemedicine supports them in keeping appointments, refilling prescriptions, and adhering to medical protocols. 55% of patients  think the quality of telehealth care surpasses that of traditional in-office visits. 60% of patients  consider telemedicine more convenient than attending in-person health appointments. 40% of patients  plan to continue utilizing telemedicine services even beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. 63% of patients  are interested in expanded digital health solutions, such as online appointment scheduling and digital-first healthcare plans. Physician Satisfaction and Perception of Care Quality 93% of clinicians  consider telehealth an acceptable approach to patient care, with 60% stating they are "very satisfied"  with their experiences. 89% of clinicians  find telemedicine to be a satisfactory method for providing follow-up care. 76.7% of primary care physicians  reported they were able to deliver a similar quality of care during telemedicine visits compared to in-person appointments "to some extent or a great extent." 19.2% of primary care physicians  indicated that telemedicine allowed them to provide similar care quality compared to in-person visits "not at all or to a small extent." 52.5% of clinicians  believe virtual healthcare visits result in more effective treatment outcomes compared to traditional in-person care. According to McKinsey, only 32% of clinicians  feel telemedicine enhances patient experiences, while 36% agree that telehealth services are more convenient than in-person appointments. Among primary care physicians, 65.5% reported satisfaction with telemedicine technology for patient consultations. 18.5% of primary care physicians  expressed dissatisfaction with the telemedicine technology used for patient visits. 15.6% of primary care physicians  indicated they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied  with telemedicine technology for their consultations. 63.6% of medical specialists  expressed satisfaction with telemedicine technology for patient visits. 20.6% of medical specialists  reported dissatisfaction with telemedicine technology during patient visits. 15.6% of medical specialists  noted they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied  with telemedicine technology. Among surgical specialists, 49.5% were satisfied  with the telemedicine technology used for patient appointments. 25.2% of surgical specialists  reported being dissatisfied with telemedicine technology during their consultations. 25.1% of surgical specialists  indicated they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied  with telemedicine technology for their visits. Economic Impact and Cost Savings By 2023 , the telehealth industry  was projected to achieve a market value of $194.1 billion . Profits from telehealth services  are expected to soar to $559.52 billion by 2027 . Telehealth technologies  have the potential to save the U.S. healthcare system an impressive $305 billion annually . Investment in telehealth skyrocketed to $4.2 billion in Q1 2021 , doubling from $2.2 billion in the same quarter of 2020 . The Congressional Budget Office  estimated that continuing pandemic-era telehealth policies could lead to $2 billion in excess Medicare spending . Over 50% of healthcare providers  agree that telemedicine helps patients avoid emergency room visits . Telehealth services  saved patients between $19 and $121 per visit  by reducing emergency room trips. The telemedicine platform JeffConnect  by Jefferson Health generated cost savings of $300 to $1,500 per visit for the hospital and $19 to $121 per visit for patients . Telemedicine  cuts the cost of doctor visits by 10-15% . Cancer patients using telehealth  save between $147 and $186 per doctor visit . Teledentistry appointments  cost an average of $233 , significantly less than the $662 for in-person visits . Uninsured patients pay an average of $79 per telemedicine consultation . Remote patient monitoring in one diabetes cohort improved outcomes while achieving cost savings of $3,855 per patient annually . Virtual health visits with veterans led to a 25% reduction in inpatient care days  and a 19% drop in hospital admissions . Banner Health’s Ambulatory Care program , integrating telehealth, reduced hospitalizations by 49.5%  and decreased 30-day readmissions by 75%  in its first year. The same Banner Health program  achieved an overall 34.5% reduction in costs  in its first year. Swedish Health Care  estimates potential annual cost savings of up to 25%  through increased use of virtual care visits. The virtual healthcare platform  introduced by Frederick Memorial Hospital in 2016 lowered patient care costs by 50% . Technological and Accessibility Challenges According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) , 34 million Americans  still lack access to adequate broadband services . In rural areas across the United States, approximately 40% of residents  are without adequate broadband services , posing significant challenges to telehealth expansion. Technical issues arise in 40% of telehealth encounters , highlighting a key area for improvement in virtual care. Nearly half ( 49.7% ) of surgical specialists indicated that telemedicine technology is not suitable  for their specialty or their patients. Among medical specialists, 26.7%  reported that telemedicine technology was inappropriate  for their specialty or patient needs. For primary care physicians , 15.5% expressed that telemedicine technology was unsuitable  for their specialty or patients. A significant 63% of healthcare professionals  identify cloud-based systems , such as electronic health records, as being the most vulnerable to security breaches . Cybersecurity attacks targeting the healthcare sector surged by 74% between 2021 and 2022 , reflecting escalating risks in digital health infrastructure. Regulatory and Policy Influence on Telehealth Telehealth usage surged during the pandemic thanks to new Medicare reimbursement flexibilities , but as of 2023, Congress has only extended these policies through the end of 2024 . Pandemic-era telehealth policies  enabling remote prescriptions for controlled substances, such as opioids and stimulants , led to an increase in tele-prescriptions . The continuation of remote prescribing for controlled substances depends on forthcoming decisions by the Drug Enforcement Administration , as the current flexibilities are set to expire at the end of 2024 . Behavioral Health and Mental Health Telehealth Services A remarkable 96% of telepsychiatry patients  report being satisfied with the quality of virtual mental healthcare services. 93% of telepsychiatry patients  affirm that they can share the same information during virtual visits as they would in face-to-face appointments. 85% of telepsychiatry patients  feel at ease communicating with mental health professionals in a virtual setting. The number of Americans utilizing telehealth for mental healthcare grew from 49% in 2020  to 59% in 2021 , reflecting increased adoption of virtual care. Nearly half of respondents, 49% , indicated they would consider using telehealth for therapy or psychiatric consultations. Behavioral health visits as a portion of total telehealth utilization surged from 41.4% in Q1 2020  to 67.0% by Q3 2023 . As of the third quarter of 2023, 30.3% of antidepressant prescriptions  were issued through telehealth consultations. 38.9% of stimulant prescriptions  originated from telehealth visits as of the third quarter of 2023. Telehealth accounted for 5.4% of opioid prescriptions  as of the third quarter of 2023. Pandemic Influence on Telehealth Adoption During the final week of the first quarter in 2019, telehealth service usage rose by an astounding 154% , compared to the same timeframe the year prior. The adoption of telemedicine by physicians  saw an extraordinary leap from 15.4% in 2019  to 86.5% in 2021 , largely attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic . Tele-prescribing  has experienced significant growth across all major drug categories , including antidepressants, stimulants, and opioids , since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic . The telehealth industry  is undergoing a strategic shift, prompted by declining demand  and the realization that pandemic-era market predictions were misaligned  with current trends.   SOURCES: McKinsey Doximity Neurology GlobeNewswire Statista American Well AT&T Business BMC Health Services Research FCC PMC J.D. Power

Key Takeaways on Patient Retention Statistics New patients are unlikely to return, with only a 5-20% chance of scheduling a second visit. An existing patient who is well-established has a 60-70% likelihood of booking their next appointment. Securing a new patient is 6 to 7 times more costly than retaining an existing one. A 5% increase in retention rates has the potential to boost profits by 25% to 95%. Physicians lose approximately 50% of their patient database over a span of five years. Patient Retention Rates and Patterns New patients  are unlikely to return, with only a 5-20% chance  of scheduling a second visit. Dentists typically maintain an average retention rate of 41%  among their patients. Over a span of five years, the average new patient retention rate is 43% . An existing patient who is well-established has a 60-70% likelihood  of booking their next appointment. In the first year , patients are expected to return within 7 to 365 days  of their initial visit. Starting from the second year onward , patients should revisit within 365 days following their last appointment. Patient Switching and Leakage The average healthcare organization experiences a 45% growth rate  while contending with a 48% churn rate . Physicians lose approximately 50% of their patient database  over a span of five years. Over the past two years, 36% of patients  have left their current healthcare provider. 30-40% of patients  are likely to switch to a different doctor for their ongoing healthcare needs. Only one-third of businesses report excelling in managing patient leakage at an "extreme" level. 47% of businesses  state they have only a moderate grasp of patient leakage issues. 20% of businesses  admit they are unaware of the causes and locations of patient leakage in their practice. 13% of healthcare leaders reveal that their organization lacks any strategy for monitoring or addressing patient leakage. Generational Differences in Patient Retention 24% of Baby Boomers  changed their healthcare provider in the past year. Looking ahead, 20% of Baby Boomers  anticipate switching practices within the next three years. Among Millennials, 42% are somewhat likely  to change their primary care physician in the next two years. A notable 40% of Millennials expect to switch their eye doctor during the same two-year timeframe. When it comes to dental care, 47% of Millennials  are likely to seek a new dentist within two years. Dermatology services see even higher turnover, with 56% of Millennials somewhat likely  to change dermatologists in the next 2-3 years. 44% of Generation X patients are expected to transition to a different practice in the coming years. Financial Implications of Retention and Churn Healthcare organizations spend an average of $286 per patient to attract new patients . Securing a new patient is 6 to 7 times more costly  than retaining an existing one. The lifetime value  of a patient typically ranges between $12,000 and $15,000 . 20% of current patients  account for approximately 80% of future profits  in medical practices. A 5% increase in retention rates has the potential to boost profits by 25% to 95% . For every 1% rise in retention , a 4% increase  in the projected lifetime value of a patient is observed. A 1% annual improvement in retention  leads to a 2% increase in value  over five years. 19% of healthcare organizations  report losing 20% of revenue  due to poor patient retention. 43% of healthcare entities  indicate that poor retention contributes to a loss of more than 10% of their revenue . 23% of healthcare organizations admit to being unaware of the financial impact  of losing patients. Referral and Follow-Up Challenges Just 16% of businesses  place a strong emphasis on retaining their clients . A significant 40% of patients who reach out to a referred doctor fail to schedule a follow-up appointment . Patients who experience personalized marketing  are 35% more likely  to remain loyal to their provider. An overwhelming 87% of healthcare leaders  view referral management as an increasingly important focus. Of those who prioritize referral management, 12% consider it moderately important . Customer Experience and Satisfaction 67% of customers  are inclined to stop engaging with a brand after experiencing poor customer service . 65% of consumers  end their relationship with a brand because of unsatisfactory customer service . In the United States, 44% of consumers  choose a competitor following a negative customer service experience . A significant 81% of patients  report feeling dissatisfied  with the care they received from their healthcare provider. Sean Roy - General Manager & Co-Founder Written by Sean Roy                                                                         Sean has 20 years in technology space with the past 15 years helping companies incorporate mobile into their technology and communication efforts. In addition to his extensive experience in developing and launching mobile marketing solutions, Sean is an active and respected member of the mobile community. Sean has provided mobile solutions for Vodafone, Twitter, Facebook, and Sky TV. SOURCES: Healthcare Finance News IntakeQ Blog Becker's Payer

Key Takeaways on Patient Experience Statistics Just 64% of people rated their healthcare experiences over the past year as either very good or good —marking the lowest level recorded in recent years. Clear communication and attentive listening were highlighted as essential for a positive patient experience, with 96% of individuals recognizing the importance of these qualities in healthcare providers. Nearly half of U.S. adults— 50%—have postponed or skipped healthcare , highlighting the widespread impact of access and cost barriers worsened by systemic inefficiencies. Patients aged 18–34 recorded an average "Likelihood to Recommend" score of 77.7 in 2023 , which is 7.7 points lower  than the score of 85.1 reported by patients aged 65–79. An overwhelming 92% of individuals stated that having a good patient experience is extremely or very important  to them, although this figure has experienced a slight decline compared to past years. Patient Experience Scores by Care Setting Just 64%  of people rated their healthcare experiences over the past year as either very good or good—marking the lowest level recorded in recent years . A notable 64% of adults expressed the wish for healthcare providers to dedicate more time to understanding their personal needs and unique circumstances during appointments. Courtesy, respect , and taking pain seriously were each identified as critical factors in healthcare by 94% of individuals . Fewer than half of individuals— less than 50% —considered amenities like good food, modern facilities, or on-demand TV as integral to their healthcare experience. In 2023, ambulatory surgery reached a five-year high  with a "Likelihood to Recommend" (LTR) score of 85.3 out of 100 , highlighting significant improvements in this care setting. Medical practices also achieved a five-year peak  in 2023, earning an LTR score of 84.1 out of 100 , reflecting improved patient experiences. Hospitals recorded an LTR score of 69.2 out of 100  in 2023, showcasing continued progress but still falling short of pre-pandemic benchmarks . Emergency departments achieved an LTR score of 66.6 out of 100  in 2023, demonstrating improvement yet remaining below pre-pandemic levels . Patient Demographics and Disparities in Experience 52% of respondents  expressed the importance of being treated with respect during their healthcare encounters. 46% of individuals  stated a preference to be addressed as people  rather than being reduced to symptoms, diagnoses, or diseases. Only 20% of individuals  identified themselves as customers in healthcare, stressing the need to be treated accordingly . A seven-point gap  in patient experience scores was observed between Asian and White patients in medical practices, with Asian patients scoring lower . In medical practices, Asian patients scored 6.3 points below average  for "Likelihood to Recommend," while White patients scored 0.7 points higher than average . Black or African American patients  reported below-average experiences in key areas such as staff teamwork, empathy, and privacy  during their healthcare visits. American Indian and Alaska Native patients  reported more negative experiences in most areas of care, except for information and amenities , where they rated slightly better. Hispanic or Latino and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander patients expressed lower satisfaction with the courtesy of room cleaning services in healthcare settings. 53% of Latino adults  reported delaying or skipping healthcare over the past two years, underlining a significant access disparity . Latino adults spend an average of 3 hours per week  managing their healthcare, compared to 2.6 hours for all BIPOC adults  and just 1.6 hours for White adults . Patients aged 18–34  recorded an average "Likelihood to Recommend" score of 77.7  in 2023, which is 7.7 points lower  than the score of 85.1  reported by patients aged 65–79 . In 2023, patients aged 35–49 reported a "Likelihood to Recommend" score of 80.3 , representing a middle ground  compared to both younger and older age groups. Adults diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, and obesity  reported facing unique challenges in healthcare, including timely access to care  and receiving personalized treatment . Geographic Trends in Patient Experience Over 70% of U.S. adults  believe that the healthcare system falls short in meeting their needs, according to exclusive findings shared with TIME  from a Harris Poll conducted for AAPA . Nevada  recorded a "Likelihood to Recommend" (LTR) score of 78.5  in 2023, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 2.3 points , the largest increase among all states. A notable 13.8-point gap separates Nevada, the state with the highest patient experience score , from the lowest-scoring state . Arkansas  made it into the top five states for patient experience in 2023, achieving an LTR score of 74.0 , which marks a 0.9-point increase  compared to the previous year. American Hospital Association Region 7 , covering Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, reported the highest average patient experience score of 72.9 in 2023 . Among American Hospital Association regions, Region 2 —encompassing New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania—showed the greatest year-over-year growth , with patient experience scores rising by 1.8 points in 2023 . Factors Driving Patient Experience An overwhelming 92%  of individuals stated that having a good patient experience is extremely or very important to them, although this figure has experienced a slight decline compared to past years . 71% of respondents  shared that a good patient experience is vital because their health and well-being hold deep personal significance. 64% of individuals  expressed that they prioritize a good patient experience because they want their physical needs to be taken seriously . Nearly half— 49% of people —believe that a good patient experience directly influences their health outcomes, while 35%  indicated it shapes their future healthcare decisions. 40% of adults  admitted to feeling afraid to voice their concerns during healthcare appointments, underscoring a notable communication barrier  in patient-provider relationships. 27% of adults  reported delaying or skipping healthcare services because they did not perceive their condition as serious enough. Facilities with high employee engagement  are three times more likely  to achieve top patient experience scores when compared to facilities with lower engagement. Over the past five years, the primary drivers  of inpatient "Likelihood to Recommend" scores have been staff collaboration, responsiveness to concerns, attentiveness to patient needs, nurses’ attitudes toward requests, and effective communication from nurses . Healthcare Access and Barriers Nearly half of U.S. adults—50% —have postponed or skipped healthcare , highlighting the widespread impact of access and cost barriers  worsened by systemic inefficiencies. Cost concerns were the top factor  driving delays in care, with 40% of adults  naming financial worries as the primary reason for skipping or postponing healthcare in the past two years. One in three adults (30%)  cited being unable to step away from personal or professional responsibilities as a reason for delaying or avoiding healthcare over the last two years. A quarter of adults (25%)  reported that the length of time it takes to secure an appointment  contributed to their decision to delay or forgo healthcare. More than half— 56% of U.S. adults —wait longer than a week to see a healthcare provider, according to The Harris Poll commissioned by AAPA. Access-related challenges  were key reasons for declining trust in healthcare, with 43% of individuals citing long wait times  and 39% pointing to difficulties in obtaining care . Time and Complexity in Managing Healthcare U.S. adults spend an average of 8 hours each month  coordinating healthcare for themselves or their loved ones—equivalent to a full workday every month . According to AAPA research, the average U.S. adult devotes as much time each month to managing healthcare as they would to completing a standard 8-hour workday . Managing healthcare is perceived as overwhelming and time-consuming by 65% of adults , contributing to widespread dissatisfaction with the overall system. 37% of individuals  emphasized the importance of a positive patient experience due to the value they place on their time, while 35%  underscored the relevance of the financial investment they make in healthcare services. 95% of people  ranked having a clear plan of care  and an explanation for that plan as essential elements  of their healthcare experience. Trust and Perception of the Healthcare System According to the AAPA-Harris Poll survey, nearly 73% of U.S. adults  believe the healthcare system falls short in meeting their needs in at least one area. Trust in healthcare has taken a hit, with 68% of people  expressing that trust has declined over the past two years . Almost half—48% of individuals —cited the perception that the healthcare system prioritizes its own interests over patient care as a reason for their loss of trust. The COVID-19 pandemic  was singled out as a major factor contributing to eroding trust in healthcare by 44% of respondents . Importance of Patient-Centric Care According to the Harris Poll conducted for AAPA, patient dissatisfaction with the U.S. healthcare system is primarily driven by long wait times , high costs , and the complexity of care coordination . Clear communication and attentive listening  were identified as pivotal for a positive patient experience, with 96% of individuals  underscoring the significance of these attributes in healthcare providers. Courtesy, respect , and ensuring that pain is taken seriously were regarded as essential by 94% of individuals  when evaluating their healthcare experiences. Planned admission specialties, including cardiac surgery and obstetrics , earned higher loyalty and "Likelihood to Recommend" scores  compared to unplanned admissions like trauma care . Impact of Negative and Positive Healthcare Experiences Data from 6.5 million patient encounters  was thoroughly analyzed to evaluate the state of patient experience in 2024 . 76% of Americans  reported not having a positive healthcare experience within the past three months, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction  during this period. A significant 60% of Americans stated they had a negative healthcare experience over the same three-month timeframe. Among those who reported positive healthcare experiences, 61% expressed a willingness  to continue seeing the same provider. In comparison, 33% of individuals who experienced negative healthcare encounters indicated they would switch providers  as a result. 44% of individuals  with positive healthcare experiences said they would share their experiences, while a slightly higher 52% of those with negative experiences  noted they would do the same. SOURCES: AAPA The Beryl Institute Deloitte Angela Hoegerl, Sr. Director of Client Success Written by Angela Hoegerl With almost two decades of experience in client success and implementations for major hospitals and health systems, Angela has developed a deep understanding of how to drive successful outcomes for clients and ensure seamless execution of projects.Angela's commitment to her clients' success is evident in her meticulous approach and unwavering dedication to providing top-notch service. In her personal life, she is passionate about spending quality time with her family, three children and four cats.Balancing her professional and personal life has given her a unique perspective and the ability to bring empathy and understanding to her work.

Healthcare Cybersecurity Statistics - Key Takeaways: 92%  of healthcare organizations were targeted by cyberattacks in the past 12 months , an increase from 88%  in 2023 . 67%  of healthcare organizations believe phishing and business email compromise negatively impacted patient care quality, highlighting the critical consequences of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Ransomware attacks led to an average of nearly 19 days  of downtime for U.S. healthcare organizations, demonstrating the severe operational disruptions caused by such incidents. 90%  of healthcare organizations experience at least one security breach, with hacking/IT incidents accounting for 80%  of cases in 2022 . Healthcare data breaches cost an average of $408  per record, which is three times higher  than the cross-industry average of $148  per record. Between 2020  and 2025 , the healthcare sector is expected to invest $125 billion  in cybersecurity tools and services, reflecting a 15% annual growth rate . Organizations leveraging AI and automation tools in cybersecurity detected and contained incidents 98 days faster than average  and saved nearly $1 million  in incident response costs. Cybersecurity Spending and Resource Allocation The Biden administration has proposed $800 million  in funding within its 2025 budget to enhance cybersecurity in hospitals. Between 2020 and 2025, the healthcare sector is expected to invest $125 billion  in cybersecurity tools and services, reflecting a 15% annual growth rate . By 2025, spending on healthcare cybersecurity will reach $5.61 billion , driven by the adoption of blockchain technology. Cybersecurity budgets grew by 12% , averaging $66 million  in 2024, with 19%  of those funds dedicated to information security. 56%  of healthcare organizations devote less than 10% of their IT budgets to cybersecurity measures. 41%  of IT professionals in healthcare believe their organizations' financial commitments to cybersecurity are inadequate to support an effective strategy. For 40%  of cybersecurity teams in the healthcare sector, insufficient funding continues to pose a significant challenge, increasing organizational risk levels. IT and Security Staffing Challenges 53%  of organizations report a lack of in-house cybersecurity expertise. 46%  of organizations struggle with insufficient IT staffing to address cybersecurity challenges. Over 50%  of healthcare organizations indicate they require additional support with IT security, and 30%  report being understaffed or severely understaffed. Only 14%  of healthcare organizations state that their IT security teams are fully staffed. 49%  of organizations identified the lack of clear leadership as a hindrance to a robust cybersecurity posture in 2024, a sharp rise from 14%  in 2023. Nearly 1 in 5  insiders responsible for data breaches were employed through a business partner or as a contractor. System Vulnerabilities and Infrastructure Risks Outdated IT equipment, including legacy operating systems or unsupported software, was the initial access point in 24% of the most severe security incidents. Nearly half of organizations reported that more than 10%  of their infrastructure consisted of legacy systems. Legacy technology ranks as a top cybersecurity concern for 39% of healthcare cybersecurity professionals. 38%  of organizations face between 50-350 cybersecurity attacks annually , while 13%  report experiencing over 350 attacks. In 2024, 34%  of cyberattacks on healthcare organizations were due to vulnerability exploitation, 34%  involved compromised credentials, 19%  originated from malicious emails, 9%  from phishing, and 5%  were caused by brute force attacks. Over the past two years, 69%  of healthcare organizations experienced cloud or account compromises, averaging 20 incidents . 68%  of organizations reported supply chain attacks over the past two years, averaging four incidents . Internal issues like human error  accounted for 26% of healthcare attacks, while 22%  stemmed from IT failures, and 52%  were caused by malicious actors. 31%  of data loss or exfiltration incidents in healthcare in 2024 were due to employee negligence. Other causes of data loss/exfiltration included accidental loss (26%) , sending PHI/PII to unintended recipients ( 21% ), privilege access abuse ( 20% ), malicious insiders ( 15% ), social engineering ( 13% ), phishing ( 12% ), use of stolen credentials ( 11% ), and vulnerability exploitation ( 9% ). 38%  of organizations have fully implemented encryption safety controls for data at rest . 50%  of organizations implemented encryption for data in transit . Companies leveraging AI and automation tools in cybersecurity detected and contained incidents 98 days faster  than the average. Organizations employing AI and automation tools saved an average of nearly $1 million  in incident response costs. Phishing, Ransomware, and Cyberattack Trends 92%  of healthcare organizations were targeted by cyberattacks in the past 12 months, an increase from 88%  in 2023. Over 90%  of cyberattacks on healthcare entities involved phishing schemes. 88%  of healthcare employees opened phishing emails in 2024. Phishing-related incidents included 71%  general email phishing, 67%  spear-phishing, 27%  voice phishing, 27%  whaling, 23%  business email compromise, 21%  SMS phishing, 20%  phishing websites, 16%  social media phishing, 3% pharming, and 2%  deepfakes. Simulated phishing tests revealed that nearly 1 in 7  fake phishing emails were clicked on by healthcare staff. 64%  of healthcare IT professionals consider their organizations vulnerable to business email compromise or phishing spoofing. 67%  of organizations believe that phishing and business email compromise negatively impacted patient care quality. 45%  of healthcare cybersecurity experts identified phishing as the primary cause of the most critical data breaches. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, phishing incidents surged by 220% year-over-year. 62%  of organizations have incorporated ransomware threats into their cybersecurity strategies. Two in three  healthcare facilities reported ransomware incidents in 2022. Ransomware attacks targeting healthcare entities doubled between 2016 and 2021. In 2024, 67%  of healthcare organizations worldwide experienced ransomware attacks, compared to 34%  in 2021. Over 11%  of U.S. healthcare providers faced ransomware attacks in 2023. Ransomware attacks led to an average of nearly 19 days  of downtime for U.S. healthcare organizations. 36%  of healthcare facilities reported increased medical complications due to ransomware. 74%  of ransomware attacks focused on hospitals, while 26% targeted secondary institutions such as dental clinics and nursing homes. Smaller healthcare providers are disproportionately targeted due to perceived weaker defenses. 61%  of healthcare organizations paid ransom in 2021, up from 34%  in 2020. On average, only 64.8%  of data was restored after paying a ransom. Just 2%  of organizations that paid the ransom recovered all their data. 72%  of providers used backups to regain access to data post-ransomware attacks. The average ransomware payment in 2021 was $197,000 , a 33% increase from 2020. 65%  of healthcare ransom demands exceeded $1 million , and 35%  were $5 million  or more. In 2024, the median ransom demand for healthcare organizations was $4 million , with an average mean of $4.9 million . Healthcare organizations with compromised backups faced median ransom demands of $4.4 million , compared to $1.3 million for those with secure backups. The financial toll of ransomware attacks on U.S. healthcare organizations surpassed $14 billion . The average recovery cost for a ransomware attack reached $1.85 million . In 2024, the average financial disruption caused by cyberattacks was $1.47 million , a 13%  rise from $1.3 million in 2023. One in four  organizations required more than a month to recover from a ransomware attack, with the average recovery period being one week. In 2024, 59%  of organizations endured ransomware attacks, averaging four incidents across two years. While only 36%  of organizations paid ransom in 2024—down from 40%  in 2023—the average ransom climbed by 10% to $1.1 million . Healthcare Data Breaches and Impacts 90%  of healthcare organizations experience at least one security breach, with 30%  of these breaches occurring in large hospitals. 76%  of healthcare data breaches are caused by basic web application attacks, system intrusions, and miscellaneous errors. Hacking/IT incidents accounted for 80%  of cases in 2022, up from 4%  in 2010. Since 2014, hacking/IT incidents have been the leading cause of healthcare data breaches. 47%  of data breaches reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services since 2008 were linked to hacking/IT incidents. In 2022, 44 million  individuals were affected by hacking/IT data breaches, up from 900,000  in 2012. Since 2009, hacking/IT breaches have impacted 319 million individuals , equivalent to 96%  of the U.S. population. 58%  of the 77.3 million  individuals affected by data breaches in 2023 were due to attacks on healthcare third-party providers, a 287%  increase from 2022. More than 28%  of all data breaches occurred at healthcare organizations, with 35%  of these breaches reported at third-party vendors. The average hacking/IT breach compromised 131,100 records . In 2023, U.S. healthcare providers faced 809 cases  of data compromises. From January to November 2024, 520 resolved cases  of data violations involving U.S. healthcare organizations were reported. Between 2018 and 2023, healthcare ransomware attacks surged by 278% , hacking-related incidents rose by 239% , and data breaches increased by 93% . Unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive data is the second-most common  cause of healthcare information leaks. More than 34%  of data breaches in healthcare organizations were due to unauthorized access or disclosure. In the first half of 2024, 13 reports  of data breaches involving lost or stolen electronic devices and paper records containing ePHI were made, an 85.7%  increase compared to the first half of 2023. In the first half of 2024, 387 data breaches  involving 500 or more records  were reported to the Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights, marking an 8.4%  rise from the same period in 2023. In the first half of 2024, information stored on network servers was the most frequently breached  data source in U.S. healthcare. In 2015, more than 112 million health data records  were breached in the United States, the highest number  recorded in a single year. At least 14 million  patients in the U.S. were impacted by healthcare data breaches in 2024. Healthcare cyberattacks affected more than 100 million people in 2023. In 2024, approximately 45.6 million healthcare records  were compromised, compared to 50 million  in 2023. Healthcare data breaches cost an average of $408 per record , three times higher than the cross-industry average of $148 per record . The average cost for a healthcare data breach in 2024 was $9.8 million , down from $10.9 million  in 2023. Breached healthcare information can be 50 times more valuable than financial information. Complete medical information can sell for up to $1,000 . According to HIPAA, healthcare data breaches in the U.S. have decreased by 48% . Patient Care and Safety Impacts 70%  of IT professionals reported that cybersecurity attacks targeting their supply chains disrupted patient care. 67%  of organizations believe that phishing and business email compromise attacks negatively impacted the quality of patient care. 67%  of IT professionals think that technologies such as the cloud, big data, and IoT (internet of things) exacerbate threats to patient safety and information integrity. 74%  of ransomware attacks were aimed at hospitals, while 26% targeted secondary institutions like dental services and nursing homes. Nearly 25%  of healthcare IT staff indicated that ransomware attacks led to an increase in patient mortality rates. 28%  of organizations reported higher patient mortality due to cyberattacks in 2024, a 21% increase  compared to the previous year. 56%  of organizations experienced delays in procedures or tests caused by cyberattacks in 2024. 64%  of ransomware attacks resulted in procedural delays, and 48%  contributed to complications from medical procedures. 61%  of impacted organizations reported delays that caused poor outcomes, while 58%  noted extended hospital stays in 2024. 53%  of organizations saw an increase in medical complications stemming from cyberattacks in 2024. 36%  of healthcare facilities attributed medical complications to ransomware attacks. 51%  of these organizations linked data loss to heightened mortality rates, while 37%  connected delays to adverse outcomes. 37%  of healthcare IT professionals acknowledged not backing up sensitive data. 58%  of the 77.3 million individuals affected by data breaches in 2023 were impacted by attacks on healthcare third-party providers, representing a 287% increase  compared to 2022. In 2024, 389 U.S. healthcare institutions  experienced shutdowns or delays in medical procedures due to ransomware attacks. In 2024, 70%  of affected organizations reported negative impacts on patient care because of cyberattacks. 43%  of patients expressed concerns about privacy and cybersecurity in telehealth treatment. Cybersecurity Policies, Training, and Response Over 75%  of healthcare employees report receiving cybersecurity awareness training. 25%  of healthcare workers who believed they needed cybersecurity training were not offered any. 41%  of healthcare providers simulate phishing attacks to educate staff about cybersecurity risks. 48%  of healthcare providers incorporate prevention and response measures for phishing attacks into their cybersecurity strategies. Only 37%  of hospitals conduct annual cybersecurity incident response exercises. Just 50%  of healthcare organizations perform regular cybersecurity audits. 34%  of healthcare employees were unsure if their workplace had a cybersecurity policy. Only 13%  of healthcare organizations monitor cyber threats more than once per day. 44%  of organizations tracked 1–50 cyber threats annually , while 38%  tracked 50–350 threats annually . 98%  of healthcare organizations with encrypted data successfully recovered it, with 73% using backups , 53% paying ransom , and 29% employing other recovery methods . Organizations leveraging AI and automation tools in cybersecurity detected and contained incidents 98 days faster than average . 51%  of organizations include medical device security in their cybersecurity strategies. Only about 40%  of U.S. healthcare organizations using generative AI had policies governing its use. Insurance and Financial Implications In 2024, 67%  of healthcare organizations faced ransomware attacks, up from 60%  in 2023 and nearly double the 34% reported in 2021. Only 47%  of ransom payments were covered by cybersecurity insurance policies. Healthcare organizations incurred a mean recovery cost of $2.57 million  from ransomware in 2024, compared to $2.2 million in 2023. Median recovery costs for organizations with compromised backups reached $750,000 , which is double the $375,000  cost for those with secure backups. In 2024, just 22%  of ransomware victims in healthcare fully recovered within a week or less, down from 47%  in 2023 and 54% in 2022. 37%  of healthcare organizations required over a month to recover from ransomware attacks in 2024, an increase from 28% in 2023. 90%  of private sector healthcare organizations reported ransomware attacks caused losses in business and revenue. The average cost of a healthcare data breach in 2024 was $9.8 million , a decrease from $10.9 million  in 2023. The most expensive healthcare breach in the US amounted to $4.4 million , with the following breakdown: lost productivity ( $1.1 million ), disruption to operations ( $1 million ), damage to IT infrastructure ( $930,000 ), remediation activities ( $708,000 ), and mitigating patient care impacts ( $664,000 ). 50%  of healthcare data breaches result in identity theft, costing victims an average of $2,500  out-of-pocket. Healthcare data breaches cost an average of $408 per record , which is three times higher than the cross-industry average of $148 per record . Organizations using AI and automation reduced incident response costs by nearly $1 million  on average. Sean Roy - General Manager & Co-Founder Written by Sean Roy                                                                         Sean has 20 years in technology space with the past 15 years helping companies incorporate mobile into their technology and communication efforts. In addition to his extensive experience in developing and launching mobile marketing solutions, Sean is an active and respected member of the mobile community. Sean has provided mobile solutions for Vodafone, Twitter, Facebook, and Sky TV. SOURCES: HIPAA Journal Wired Healthcare Dive BDO Insights Security Intelligence IBM Reports SecurityScorecard Maine AG Viewer KPMG Statista Proofpoint Report