Blog

Specialty healthcare practices are heading into 2026 under growing financial pressure. Reimbursements continue to tighten, payer scrutiny is intensifying, administrative workloads are rising, and margins are thinner than they’ve been in years. For ophthalmology, dermatology, and plastic surgery practices in particular, these challenges are compounded by complex payer mixes, evolving medical necessity rules, and a growing share of patient financial responsibility.

The economy is on a wild ride. Government policies have been announced and rescinded at a pace that could give a watcher whiplash. Markets are swinging wildly on a mix of reality and conjecture that has consumers clutching their wallets. The Great Recession of 2008 showed us that while it’s more resilient than some sectors, healthcare is far from recession proof. Savvy practices are taking steps now to protect their businesses, whatever the economy has in store.

The healthcare reimbursement environment is shifting rapidly, and the pressure for specialty providers to optimize both clinical and financial performance has never been greater. Practices are being asked to do more with less while dealing with regulatory updates, payer-driven changes, and tightening margins. At the same time, patients are demanding greater access, more personalized care, and flexible payment options. For many practices, it has become a matter of adapting their reimbursement strategy now, or risking falling behind competitors who are faster to adjust.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has officially been signed into law. Congressional Budget Office estimates indicate the bill will slash more than $1 trillion from healthcare over the next decade and increase the number of people without health insurance in 2034 by 10 million, according reports from the Center for Medicare Advocacy and the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Growth and profitability all starts with having solid financial data. Without it, you’re basically flying blind.

A new year has arrived and so have fresh chances for business growth. Specialty healthcare practices have a prime opportunity to set themselves up for financial success by leveraging the right technology. The key lies in evaluating past performance, setting clear goals, and aligning the appropriate tools to meet these objectives. Here’s how your practice can make 2025 your most profitable yet.

In the complex world of healthcare, professional service providers face a critical challenge: managing claim denials. These disruptions impact cash flow, increase administrative burdens, and create operational inefficiencies.

Coding and billing pro John Gwin shares the most useful key performance indicators (KPIs) to help your practice grow and succeed. Hear John’s money-saving insights on: Advice for dealing with the complexities of insurance billing The need for strong financial controls and regular checks on your accounts How to decide whether your practice should accept insurance or focus on cash pay services How to protect your practice from risks like embezzlement and fraud Why it's crucial to stay on top of your practice's finances and plan ahead for potential challenges