U.S. healthcare providers and payers are increasing investments in AI aimed at improving profit margins, according to an Oct. 9 report from Bain & Company and KLAS Research.
The “2025 Healthcare IT Spending” report found that 70% of providers and 80% of payers have an AI strategy in place or in development — up from 60% for both groups in 2024. The findings are based on a survey of 228 provider and payer executives across the U.S.
Here are four key findings from the report:
- Healthcare organizations are moving from exploring AI to deploying tools that deliver measurable financial results, according to the report. Providers cited revenue cycle management and clinical workflow as key priorities, while payers are focused on utilization and network management.
- Among providers, revenue cycle management has re-emerged as a top investment area after cybersecurity and IT infrastructure spending took precedence in 2024 following the Change Healthcare data breach.
- The most common use cases include ambient documentation, clinical documentation improvement, coding and prior authorization.
- Both providers and payers report positive early results from AI deployments, though many said it is still too soon to quantify financial returns. Bain and KLAS found fewer than 5% of providers said their AI solutions failed to meet expectations.
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.