4 Healthcare Trends to Watch in 2023

As we enter the new year, healthcare organizations are facing many challenges including an economic downturn, competitive pressures from new entrants, continuing workforce and resource shortages. Organizations are having to address these challenges while also looking to modernize their approaches to consumer engagement, reducing administrative burden, and managing evolving regulatory pressures. Every year, we wonder if this will be the tipping point for radical change in healthcare. 

As we look into the crystal ball for the year ahead, we see organizations focused on a few key priorities that we believe will drive change forward. 

1. Managing Financial Pressures

As medical costs continue to rise and the economy continues to struggle, there will be increased pressures to manage cost while improving quality. The industry continues to deal with the aftermath of COVID including the impact of Americans with exacerbated chronic conditions due to delaying care. Healthcare organizations need efficient and cost-effective digital solutions that can help members navigate and manage their care and improve the care experience. 

 2. Renewed Interest in Value-Based Care

In response to rising medical costs, there will be renewed interest to move away from the traditional fee-for-service reimbursement  model. However, clinician and staffing shortages and burnout may impact progress toward new payment and risk arrangements. Value-based care offers a path to improve patient care, quality and outcomes and incentivize early chronic condition prevention and management. However, the system needs better ways to support member self-management and increase visibility in between care visits.  Which can help decrease inpatient utilization and mitigate staffing challenges the industry is currently facing.   

  3. Continued Revitalization of Healthcare

In recent years, especially post pandemic, consumerism and a more retail model in healthcare has gained more traction. Stakeholders across the industry including consumers, employer groups, and the government are driving payers and providers to increase their focus on the consumer experiences and their needs. This trend will accelerate in 2023, with new entrants and disruptors, rising consumer expectations, and changes in Medicare Star ratings to increase the weight of member experience. Healthcare organizations need granularity that goes beyond traditional claims and clinical data sources. They need solutions that deliver actionable insights into the full member experience to improve member satisfaction rates and provide them with personalized services that meet them where they are, on their time. 

 4. Focus on Improving Health Equity

Health equity and ensuring ALL consumers have access to care will continue to gain traction in the coming year. We believe the industry will double down on  its efforts to ensure all consumers can access care regardless of geographical location, in-person appointment availability, and transportation needs. Given clinician shortages and continued struggles with  Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), we believe that digital solutions can help organizations reduce barriers to care, augment their care team and increase access for all.  

At Lark, we built our company with the belief that technology can help personalize, modernize, and improve healthcare for all.   

As we think about 2023 and the priorities for the marketplace, we remain even more optimistic that tech-led solutions can help address these key industry priorities and support the entire ecosystem with compassionate healthcare for all. 

Reach out to learn how Lark can help your organization today.