Findings from THMA’s latest Finance and Budgeting Survey reveal that more than nine in ten finance leaders (93%) cite cost containment as their top focus for navigating economic headwinds, and 88% are prioritizing revenue cycle optimization over longer-term growth plays. Even as 43% anticipate shrinking operating budgets, leaders aren’t pulling back on efficiency investments—they’re demanding faster, measurable returns. For industry partners, that means every proposal now doubles as a business case: tools that drive immediate savings, automate core processes, or lift net revenue will earn attention in a budget environment where every dollar has to defend itself.  

Health system counterparts are feeling tight margins, heightened scrutiny, and the pressure to prove ROI fast. Start a dialogue around real-time budget pressures and how that’s showing up in 2026 planning. Demonstrate your attunement to the same financial signals driving their decisions.