2025 healthcare predictions from our network

As 2025 approaches, it's time to pause and reflect on where we’ve been and look at the road ahead. We recently queried some of our healthcare provider and practice leader customers to gather their thoughts on the key trends and industry shifts shaping healthcare in the coming years. We delved into the opportunities and challenges they anticipate, the technologies they want to explore, and their advice for fellow providers navigating this evolving landscape.

What we found is an array of knowledge and insight – particularly across three key themes: Artificial Intelligence (AI), the changing role of Primary Care Providers (PCPs), and embracing new technologies and workflows – that can serve as a guide for the healthcare community.

The rise of AI in healthcare

One of the most significant trends our customers identified is the increasing integration of AI in healthcare. Roy Benaroch, a pediatrician and owner of Pediatric Physicians PC, hit the nail on the head when he revealed, “AI has been fun to talk about, fun to speculate, fun to use as a toy—but it’s time to get serious. How can genAI genuinely help doctors and patients? There’s much work to be done.”

Indeed, while AI has generated excitement, there’s a pressing need for practical applications that enhance patient care and streamline workflows. Matthew Fradkin, MD, owner of Puffin Pediatrics, pointed out that AI may be particularly useful for managing patient portal messages, prior authorizations, referrals, and note-taking. He also noted that AI is a tool that requires training and should not be viewed as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Liz Bauske, clinical information systems manager at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, emphasized that those practices willing to embrace AI technology will lead the way. AI is poised to touch every aspect of patient care; from the moment a patient contacts the practice to the revenue cycle that follows.

Martine Qualo Charlier, EHR manager and HIPAA compliance officer at Borinquen Health Care, believes that AI will transform healthcare, saying “AI is poised revolutionize the healthcare sector by enabling providers to prioritize patient care over administrative tasks such as data entry and documentation. This will lead to greater operational efficiency and an improved patient experience.”

Anthony Brooks, CEO of OrthoLoneStar, adds to this conversation by highlighting the role of digital transformation in healthcare. He states, “Digital transformation is going to continue to shape healthcare in 2025 and beyond. There are going to be more wearable devices and apps allowing for integration with EHRs offering real-time healthcare tracking and care navigation. AI and machine learning will also continue, hopefully having a favorable impact on patient outcomes by identifying risk factors sooner.”

However, our respondents also raised concerns. Dr. Fradkin mentioned a race among insurance companies to implement AI technologies to counteract the advancements made by physicians. This competition may lead to challenges as both sides strive to leverage AI for their respective benefits.

The evolving role of Primary Care Providers

The role of PCPs is undergoing significant transformation. Mohammad Kahn, CEO of Independent Physicians of Wisconsin, noted that as the Medicare population grows, PCPs will have increasing responsibility in managing healthcare costs and improving care coordination. This shift is crucial, especially as more individuals become eligible for Medicare and with the goal of 100% of Medicare Part B beneficiaries being in Value-Based Care programs by 2030.

Dr. Kahn encourages PCPs to take ownership of patient care and to avoid unnecessary referrals for minor issues that they can address. This approach not only lightens the load for specialists but also improves patient access to timely care.

Dr. Benaroch shared his perspective on the challenges facing primary care. He pointed out the proliferation of alternative medical care venues, such as urgent care or pharmacies for vaccinations, which gives patients many choices. As a result, primary care practices must demonstrate more efficient and effective care. His advice? “Concentrate on the basics of customer service. The rest is a distraction.”

Embracing new technologies and workflows

As we look to the future, it’s clear that openness to new technologies and workflows will be essential. Our customers expressed a strong desire to test various solutions, including ambient AI scribe technology and AI-powered responses for patient portal messages. Liz Bauske emphasized the importance of being willing to explore ‘any and all’ solutions that apply to their practice. She also encourages others to do the same to address areas for improvement.

Dr. Benaroch echoed this sentiment, stating, “I want to test anything that reduces the amount of time I’m expected to work outside of patient encounters.” The message is clear: innovation is key, and providers should embrace it with an open mind.

And when using new technologies, platforms, and workflows, Bauske says “Change may take time, but with patience and constructive feedback, providers can harness new technologies to improve patient care.”

Your trusted guide to the future

As we stand on the brink of 2025, the healthcare landscape is filled with opportunities and challenges. The integration of AI, the evolving role of PCPs, and the need for innovative technologies will shape the future of healthcare. Exciting product innovations and new capabilities on the horizon, such as ChartSync and athenaConnect, are on the horizon, with nearly half of athenahealth’s product enhancements driven by customer feedback.¹ The advancements reflect our commitment to ensuring that athenaOne is purpose-built to address the unique needs of healthcare providers through AI.

The path ahead may be unsure, but with the right tools and insights, you can thrive in this evolving landscape. Embrace the changes, stay informed, and let’s navigate the future of healthcare with confidence and purpose. As Brooks advises, “Continue to ensure your practices are providing the best care for the communities they serve. That should be your focus. Your patient populations ultimately know who provides the best care in your markets.”

At athenahealth, we are committed to being your trusted guide through these changes.