Health systems navigating post-merger or acquisition IT integrations find success by embedding IT and digital leaders from the outset, establishing governance frameworks, and adopting structured, human-centered strategies that balance business objectives with cultural alignment. Leaders emphasize beginning integration efforts by engaging personnel—listening to their needs, honoring existing systems, and avoiding hasty “rip-and-replace” tactics—while aligning technical roadmaps with clinical and operational value. Successes hinge on early wins, clear stakeholder roles, and cross‑functional teams that build trust, maintain morale, and focus on shared goals. Financial prudence also plays a pivotal role: transitioning to more cost-effective systems has yielded savings of up to 90%, while maintaining staffing and leveraging IT to reinforce strategy rather than merely serve operations.

Strategic IT Integration Key to Successful Healthcare Mergers Becker's Hospital Review

A report from Fortified Health Security reveals that 92% of healthcare organizations faced cyberattacks last year, with 70% of these incidents resulting in delayed patient care. The study notes that legacy technology continues to pose significant risks, as many organizations still rely on outdated systems despite increased attention and funding for cybersecurity. Additionally, ineffective risk management strategies, including poor supply chain monitoring and insufficient staff training, exacerbate vulnerabilities. The findings highlight the urgent need for healthcare professionals to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures, including the decommissioning of obsolete technologies and adherence to established frameworks like NIST.

Cyberattacks Threaten Healthcare: 70% Result in Delayed Patient Care Health Exec

A Datavant executive discussed the upcoming CMS 2026 Physician Fee Schedule, which proposes a substantial 90% cut in Medicare spending on skin substitutes and introduces mandatory risk-based care models for major conditions. This shift emphasizes the need for specialty care providers to adopt population health management strategies, potentially benefiting health tech companies involved in digital therapeutics and remote monitoring. Furthermore, CMS's move towards data-driven payment decisions over provider surveys may reward businesses that prioritize clinical evidence, encouraging innovation in healthcare technology. Overall, these changes could reshape the industry landscape and create new opportunities for both established players and startups.

CMS 2026 Proposal: A $9 Billion Opportunity for Health Tech Innovators linkedin.com

Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado is investigating a potential cyberattack that disrupted patient scheduling due to unusual network activity, prompting the engagement of a third-party cybersecurity team. This incident underscores a growing trend of cyberattacks affecting healthcare institutions nationally, posing risks not only to operational efficiency but also to patient data security. Experts highlight that healthcare providers are increasingly targeted for their financial vulnerability, particularly those holding cybersecurity insurance. As the investigation proceeds, the hospital has committed to informing patients if their personal information has been compromised.

Cyberattack Disrupts Operations at El Dorado Hospital; Investigation Underway KWCH

Health systems navigating post-merger or acquisition IT integrations find success by embedding IT and digital leaders from the outset, establishing governance frameworks, and adopting structured, human-centered strategies that balance business objectives with cultural alignment. Leaders emphasize beginning integration efforts by engaging personnel—listening to their needs, honoring existing systems, and avoiding hasty “rip-and-replace” tactics—while aligning technical roadmaps with clinical and operational value. Successes hinge on early wins, clear stakeholder roles, and cross‑functional teams that build trust, maintain morale, and focus on shared goals. Financial prudence also plays a pivotal role: transitioning to more cost-effective systems has yielded savings of up to 90%, while maintaining staffing and leveraging IT to reinforce strategy rather than merely serve operations.

Strategic IT Integration Key to Successful Healthcare Mergers Becker's Hospital Review

A report from Fortified Health Security reveals that 92% of healthcare organizations faced cyberattacks last year, with 70% of these incidents resulting in delayed patient care. The study notes that legacy technology continues to pose significant risks, as many organizations still rely on outdated systems despite increased attention and funding for cybersecurity. Additionally, ineffective risk management strategies, including poor supply chain monitoring and insufficient staff training, exacerbate vulnerabilities. The findings highlight the urgent need for healthcare professionals to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures, including the decommissioning of obsolete technologies and adherence to established frameworks like NIST.

Cyberattacks Threaten Healthcare: 70% Result in Delayed Patient Care Health Exec

A Datavant executive discussed the upcoming CMS 2026 Physician Fee Schedule, which proposes a substantial 90% cut in Medicare spending on skin substitutes and introduces mandatory risk-based care models for major conditions. This shift emphasizes the need for specialty care providers to adopt population health management strategies, potentially benefiting health tech companies involved in digital therapeutics and remote monitoring. Furthermore, CMS's move towards data-driven payment decisions over provider surveys may reward businesses that prioritize clinical evidence, encouraging innovation in healthcare technology. Overall, these changes could reshape the industry landscape and create new opportunities for both established players and startups.

CMS 2026 Proposal: A $9 Billion Opportunity for Health Tech Innovators linkedin.com

Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado is investigating a potential cyberattack that disrupted patient scheduling due to unusual network activity, prompting the engagement of a third-party cybersecurity team. This incident underscores a growing trend of cyberattacks affecting healthcare institutions nationally, posing risks not only to operational efficiency but also to patient data security. Experts highlight that healthcare providers are increasingly targeted for their financial vulnerability, particularly those holding cybersecurity insurance. As the investigation proceeds, the hospital has committed to informing patients if their personal information has been compromised.

Cyberattack Disrupts Operations at El Dorado Hospital; Investigation Underway KWCH