Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, industry leaders are facing a convergence of rapid innovation, regulatory shifts, and heightened cybersecurity concerns. Matt Cybulsky, LBMC Healthcare AI and Product Innovation expert, highlights key trends shaping 2025, including AI’s expanding role in diagnostics, an anticipated surge in mergers and acquisitions, and the increasing pressure on healthcare organizations to integrate technology while safeguarding sensitive data.
Key Healthcare Trends for 2025
- AI’s Growing Contribution to Personalized Care and Diagnostics
AI-driven technologies are improving healthcare procedures, customized treatment regimens, and diagnostics. AI-assisted imaging enhances decision-making, efficiency, and predictive analytics. It is anticipated that automation will also transform administrative duties and responsibilities. - The Year of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
Digital health, biotech, and provider groups are seeing more M&A activity as companies seek scale, data integration, and new care models. Meanwhile, private equity-backed consolidations in healthcare services remain under close watch. Regulatory changes and a new administration are bound to impact hospital and tech acquisitions, including market consolidation.
“The anticipated resurgence in healthcare M&A for 2025 is driven by declining interest rates, significant PE investor ‘dry powder,’ and a more lenient regulatory environment, paving the way for transformative deals that could redefine patient care and industry standards,” says Lisa Nix, LBMC Shareholder and Practice Leader, Transaction Advisory Services.
- GLP-1s, SGLT-2s, and the New Era of Consumer-Focused Healthcare
Despite the incredible advantages of these medications, demand has sparked worries about supply shortages, insurance coverage, and price. Conversations are dominated by alternative access models and weight-loss platforms that place a greater emphasis on appearance and makeup. As 2025 progresses, access and costs will be impacted by coverage for these from all payors, including the government. - Decision Support Tools Rooted in AI for 2025
Multi-function decision support tools, including text, imaging, genomic data, and patient history, enhance diagnostic capability and, ultimately, efficiency. - Possible Effects of the New Administration on Healthcare Policy
Key discussions include Medicare and Medicaid policy, AI regulation, and medication pricing negotiations. Leaders are closely observing how healthcare economics will be affected by CMS, HHS, and FTC decisions. - Integration of AI to Address Staffing and Continued Workforce Challenges
AI-powered scheduling, clinical documentation tools, and virtual assistants are already in use, with further expansion expected in nursing, radiology, and primary care. The rise of digital hospitals is set to reshape healthcare delivery across the industry as challenges for the workforce continue to mount. - AI and Healthcare Cybersecurity Vendor Risk
Healthcare cybersecurity is crucial as AI adoption rises and firms continue their digital transformations.
“With growing reliance on AI, data architecture is changing, data repositories are multiplying, new identities are being created, and our overall threat surface is expanding. Healthcare organizations must embed cybersecurity into digital transformation efforts to harness AI’s potential while also protecting critical data,” says Van Steel, LBMC Shareholder and Healthcare Cybersecurity Leader.
Key Healthcare Leader Considerations:
- AI: Risk & Opportunity — AI improves efficiency but creates new vulnerabilities. Healthcare data must be protected by GenAI policies. Vendors must disclose AI’s role in handling PHI and ensure HIPAA compliance.
- Supplier Contracts — Many SaaS systems now use AI, but contracts signed before late 2022 may not safeguard AI. Leaders must reevaluate agreements for accountability.
- PE-backed healthcare enterprises need cybersecurity.
- Regulatory & Insurance Pressures — Rising cyber risks are driving stricter compliance. Neglecting AI security could result in financial and reputational damage.
“As AI becomes increasingly integral to healthcare, organizations must balance its transformative potential with rising cybersecurity threats and ever-changing regulations. Those that master this balance—leveraging AI while safeguarding data security, ensuring high data quality, and maintaining compliance—will lead the industry forward,” says Jon Hilton, LBMC Shareholder and Practice Leader, Consulting and Business Intelligence.
Get insights on the future of healthcare and how your organization can adapt by downloading our 2025 Business Outlook Report today.
For more insights or to connect with LBMC’s healthcare industry experts, visit our website.
About LBMC
LBMC is one of the Southeast’s largest accounting and business consulting firms and an Accounting Today Top 40 Firm in the Nation serving more than 11,000 clients with diverse needs across a spectrum of industries. Primary client groups include privately-owned and private-equity-backed middle market companies in the healthcare, manufacturing/distribution, real estate, and technology spaces. At the forefront of innovation, LBMC leverages advanced business intelligence and AI technologies to drive growth, efficiency, and strategic insights for our clients. Founded in 1984 as a traditional accounting firm, LBMC today is an industry leader in audit, tax, advisory, technology, human resources, and wealth advisory services for businesses and individuals. LBMC has more than 900 team members, with offices in Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Memphis, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; and Charlotte, North Carolina and remote offices. For more information on LBMC’s experts and comprehensive services, visit our website or call 615.377.4600. Discover career opportunities or learn more about how LBMC’s services and culture can support your business goals. Connect with us on LinkedIn for the latest insights on talent, client engagement, and business growth.
- AI, Innovation, and the Future of Healthcare in 2025
