As the dust settles on 2026 ASA ADVANCE in Las Vegas, we’re energized by the conversations and strategic insights shared by hundreds of anesthesia physician leaders. Across sessions and hallway discussions, one theme was unmistakable: the year ahead will be defined by strategic revenue cycle innovation, advanced analytics, and stronger payer engagement — all critical areas highlighted in Ventra’s 2026 RCM Trend Report on Becker’s Hospital Review.
1. AI & Data — Not Hype, Real Strategy
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation were everywhere at ASA ADVANCE so we were ecstatic to be there after recently launching vCision™ — Ventra’s Revenue Intelligence Platform powered by AI & Automation.
As we all know, AI isn’t just a buzzword — it’s becoming a transformative force in RCM. Physician usage of AI tools has surged dramatically, and providers are increasingly asking tough questions about integration, oversight, and ROI.
At Ventra’s booth and in sessions, leaders shared that their groups are:
- Looking to integrate AI thoughtfully — focused on real-world benefits like reducing denials, accelerating claims processing, and improving revenue predictability.
- Pairing advanced analytics with human expertise to spot denial trends and payer behavior before they erode revenue.
- Prioritizing tools that enhance both clinical documentation and operational efficiency.
Consensus was that AI can be beneficial with strategic planning and human oversight.
2. Economic Realities & Practice Viability
Providers are navigating an increasingly complex reimbursement landscape. Conference attendees echoed a core theme from our report — independent practices, especially anesthesia groups, are feeling intensifying pressure from rising operational costs, declining margins, and payer unpredictability.
Leaders talked about:
- The need for leverage through scale — collaboration and strategic partnerships continue to be a key strategy to maintain financial health.
- The practical impact of reimbursement changes and payer negotiation tactics.
- The importance of using benchmarking, such as data from the No Surprises Act and IDR processes, to strengthen payer contracts.
Many agree that the practices best positioned for success are those that leverage data and partner expertise rather than go it alone.
3. Turning Data Intelligence into Action
While the buzz in Vegas was about AI and automation, a quieter but equally important thread running through many conversations was the need for better visibility into performance metrics. Practices want dashboards and predictive tools that actually drive decisions — not just reports.
Those deeply involved in the business side of their practices are focused on being able to:
- Track data trends in real-time
- Consistently monitor denials, payer patterns, and payment lag
- More accurately forecast cash flow and revenue outcomes
Having clarity into revenue cycle performance was a big theme, and our team heard again and again: data must be not only accessible, but operationalized.
4. Patient Financial Experience Matters More Than Ever
Patient financial responsibility was another hot topic. With premiums and out-of-pocket costs rising, practices are rethinking how they approach self-pay workflows and patient billing. The emerging reality is that patient payments can now represent up to a third of physician revenue, and friction in this part of the cycle directly affects satisfaction and retention.
5. The Power of Community & Shared Ideas
Beyond technology and trends, what stood out most at ASA ADVANCE was community. Leaders weren’t just talking diagnostics and denials — they were sharing how they are adapting staffing models, process improvements, and new payer strategies to keep their practices thriving in 2026.
Whether discussing independent practice sustainability or data-driven decisions, one idea came through clearly: no one in the room wanted to face these complex headwinds alone. Strategic partnerships, whether through RCM providers, technology platforms, or industry alliances, are becoming part of the fabric of success.
Looking Ahead
The conversations at ASA ADVANCE affirm what Ventra’s RCM Trend Report calls out — 2026 will be defined by rapid change, deeper data integration, payer strategy refinement, and intentional use of AI to support financial health and patient experience.
To every practitioner and leader we met:
Thank you for your insights, your questions, and your commitment to advancing patient care while tackling some of the toughest economic and operational challenges in modern healthcare. We’re energized by the future — and excited to stand with you as we work toward more resilient, data-driven, and patient-focused revenue cycles.
