With expenses rising for individuals and businesses alike, it’s not uncommon to hear about hospitals dealing with financial challenges as well. These challenges are explored in the National Hospital Flash Report, released in early 2026.
U.S. Hospitals’ Financial Challenges Come from Multiple Sources
According to the National Hospital Flash Report, data collected from over 1,300 hospitals agreed that a combination of challenges are negatively impacting hospitals’ revenue generation. This report’s sample includes hospitals of all sizes and in all regions of the U.S., making this data a good representation of America’s hospital situation overall.
Hospitals’ current financial challenges include increased bad debt and charity care; increased expenses in the form of supplies, medications, and labor; and treating fewer patients.
The Profitability Operating Margin year-over-year data, from January 2025 to January 2026, shows a nationwide decrease of 17%, giving hospitals less money to fund their work. The decrease in margins differs by region: the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic decreased 10%, the South decreased 11%, the Midwest decreased 17%, the Great Plains decreased 23%, and the West decreased 24%. Comparatively, hospitals nationwide had profitable operating margins in 2023.
How CBE Helps Healthcare Organizations Succeed
CBE understands the challenges that healthcare organizations are facing and that’s why we prioritize efficient, effective revenue recovery. Our smart IVR and online payment portal are available 24/7 for patients to make a payment, allowing for fast revenue recovery.
CBE also understands that high prices elsewhere in patients’ budgets can make it difficult for them to pay immediately. If a patient cannot pay their debt in full, we can offer payment plans that realize some revenue for clients right away while also giving patients the opportunity to pay down some of their medical debt, helping both clients and patients see positive progress.
Financial headwinds won’t resolve overnight, but healthcare organizations don’t have to face them alone. CBE combines compliance-driven practices with compassionate patient engagement to help clients recover revenue without compromising the patient relationship. Ready to learn more about how CBE can support your organization? Contact us today.