AI, cybersecurity dominate rural healthcare leaders’ 2025 agenda

Rural healthcare executives are cautiously optimistic about the future, with workforce shortages stabilizing and the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic behind them, according to a Feb. 4 report from advisory and accounting firm Wipfli.

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The “State of Rural Healthcare” report for 2025, based on a national survey of rural healthcare C-suite executives across the U.S., highlights key challenges and strategies shaping the rural healthcare landscape.

Key takeaways from the report:

  • While staffing concerns have eased, financial pressures remain a top issue, leading organizations to explore AI-driven solutions to increase efficiency. According to the survey, 32% of rural healthcare leaders have adopted AI tools to streamline operations.
  • Cybersecurity has become a growing concern, with a twofold increase in network breaches over the past year. The report found that 56% of surveyed executives view cybersecurity as a significant threat, up from about 50% in previous years.
  • Many organizations plan to invest in network security, digital applications and AI-based security tools over the next 12 months.

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

The hidden cost of lost clinical time and how leading health systems are responding

Friday, August 7
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Kassaundra McKnight-Young, Zebra TechnologiesGregory Carras, Zebra TechnologiesJennifer Gene, Levata

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