Thanks to technological advancements, scientific research and demands for work-life balance, the healthcare industry is constantly evolving. Healthcare trends in 2025 will be no exception.

While the future is not set in stone, the start of a new year gives medical providers, hospitals and medical practices the opportunity to embrace new trends, from ways to incorporate technology to best practices for hiring medical staff.

As you and your teams prepare for 2025, here is what you can expect for the healthcare industry outlook.

Increased use of AI in healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly enabling computers to perform functions that were previously only conducted by people. Outside of healthcare, AI is used to translate languages, assist with financial decisions and act as a chatbot, just to name a few examples. In healthcare, AI is helping with patient care in a multitude of ways.

In healthcare, AI can play a role in:

• Diagnosing patients: AI can analyze patient records along with clinical data and then use an algorithm to diagnose patients and predict the nature of the diagnosis.
• Treatment plans: Along with diagnosing patients, AI can list accurate treatment options and provide personalized treatment plans based on a patient’s medical history and specific diagnosis.
• Data management: To help healthcare professionals focus on patients, AI can streamline data entry, schedule appointments and process insurance claims.
• Cybersecurity: While technology dependency creates the risk of data breaches, AI can help defend organizations against cyber attacks.

Athena Health predicts that investments in AI for healthcare will increase from $20 billion in 2024 to $150 billion over the next five years. The effects of this investment could be seen as early as 2025, with AI features like improved data analytics, pattern recognition to diagnose patients, and patient communication tools emerging.

Rising healthcare costs in 2025

Following current healthcare trends, operational costs are expected to rise again this year. In fact, PwC estimates that commercial health care spending growth will “grow to its highest level in 13 years.” This increase is attributed primarily to the rising cost of prescription drugs, inflation and an industry focus on behavioral health.

From a patient perspective, people can expect to pay higher premiums and more for prescription drugs in 2025. As a result, medical professionals should expect that patients might have tighter budgets regarding their healthcare, which can limit treatment options and the number of scheduled appointments.

Health systems and medical practices should adjust their budgets accordingly to account for this reduction, prepare for an increased cost of supplies, and possibly delay large technology investments.

Changes in patient care will continue in 2025

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been drastic changes in the healthcare industry, ranging from burnout among physicians to a focus on telehealth. Going into 2025, healthcare professionals can expect to see a continuation of certain trends in patient care:

Urgent care

One thing COVID-19 changed is how much people value their time. In the same way people do not want to commute far to work and prefer working remotely, patients want faster medical care whenever possible.

This change in preference has created a larger demand for urgent care facilities and urgent care providers. When someone does not need an ER visit and cannot see a primary care physician within a reasonable time, urgent care can offer same-day treatment.

Behavioral health

Patients wanting quick and easy access to care is not the only shift in the healthcare industry. Over the years, mental health has become increasingly important to patients, and there is less of a stigma about getting professional help for mental illness.

Due to both the mental strain of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased flexibility of virtual care, behavioral healthcare is more accessible than ever. This accessibility and the growing need for behavioral health resources are expected to support an increase in behavioral healthcare. Athena Health predicts that 25 percent of people in the United States will “utilize behavioral health services by 2027.”

Telehealth

Perhaps one of the most prolific healthcare trends in recent years is the expansion of telemedicine. Through telemedicine, patients meet with their providers virtually without an in-person appointment.

Virtual medical care provides both patients and providers with a range of benefits. Offering telehealth services is often cheaper for medical facilities, while patients can save money and time by not needing to travel for appointments. Telemedicine also makes healthcare delivery easier, especially for chronic disease management, post-operative care and mental health services.

Healthcare hiring trends in 2025

Due to many factors, including burnout and physicians retiring, there is a high demand for healthcare workers and a continuing workforce shortage. While rising costs may negatively impact operational budgets, embracing AI and telemedicine could help combat burnout and other healthcare recruitment and retainment challenges.

The healthcare sector will prioritize candidates with a digital background in 2025. The most qualified candidates will be experienced in AI, medical coding and transcribing telehealth visits. To attract and retain employees with these talents, organizations must offer benefits that support a work-life balance along with a competitive salary.

Prepare for 2025 with the help of TinkBird Healthcare Staffing

As you consider your hiring needs for the next year, let TinkBird help you find the right healthcare professionals for your team. Contact us today to have a trusted resource by your side in 2025.