By Francesca Mathewes

Advancements in physician ownership models and AI are a few of the things that physicians are eyeing with anticipation in the year ahead.

Two physicians recently convened to discuss what is exciting them in healthcare.

Daniel Decker, MD. Urologist (Mountain Home, Ark.): At the current state of healthcare in the United States, from a superficial level, there is not much to be excited about with a dysfunctional system and increasingly inadequate workforce. There is some hope on the horizon in 2026, however. Improved efficiency in a healthcare world where there never seems to be enough time is imminent and critical. In 2026, the tools to employ are there: artificial intelligence in healthcare, less invasive surgeries and transition to ASCs, telemedicine advances, EMR integration networks, expanding physician extenders, pharmacology advances and progression to preventive strategies/less intervention, quality-based reimbursement incentives, etc.

As a provider that works in a rural, medically underserved population the opportunity that the rural health transformation program as part of the [One Big Beautiful Bill Act] allocates $50 billion is pivotal. The structure of fund disbursement idealistically seeks transformational change to healthcare and not just backfilling operational losses. To seek optimal efficiencies, quality-of-care incentives and more focus on preventative care over interventions is truly an exciting opportunity.

Rhett McLaren, MD. Premier Pediatric Consultants (San Antonio): In spite of the abundance of negative trends in healthcare there is one positive trend that has been growing.

This positive trend is the recognition by physicians and patients alike that healthcare created by third-party payers and investors is not adequate or desirable. The physician-patient relationship can only improve and return to its traditional likeliness by returning all aspects of healthcare, including financial, to matters to be negotiated between the patient and their caregivers.

Two ways in which this has begun to occur is through subscription-based care modes (direct care and concierge) and physicians opting out of insurance “in-network” status. In direct-care and concierge models patients and physicians negotiate subscription-based rates and physician practices are paid directly by the patient. When physicians opt out of insurance networks, they negotiate rates with patients on a fee-for-service basis and are again paid directly. Notably, patients are often able to submit out-of-network charges to their third-party payer to be reimbursed at least in part. This returns the relationship of third-party payers back to with the patient as originally conceived.

Although the direct-pay [model] will help reduce administrative burden and provide patients with improved care options, it cannot be the long-term solution to the problems of healthcare economics. Ultimately, there will need to be widespread messaging to stakeholders and politicians alike that the status quo is unacceptable.