2026 Healthcare Trends: Faster, Smarter and More Human

Frank Harvey, Chief Executive Officer, Surescripts

In 2026, we will innovate and collaborate, so instead of moving at the speed of paperwork, patients and clinicians will have technology that empowers them to move at the speed of care.

Prior authorizations are the perfect example of a process benefiting from speed.

Prior authorizations are notoriously challenging, especially when they impact a patient’s ability to access the treatment they need. I predict that in 2026 we’ll see more prescribers adopt automated prior authorization technologies, leading to faster approvals—minutes or even seconds in some cases, rather than entire days—and a growing number of in-scope medications, meaning patients will have one less barrier to overcome and a greater ability to access their prescription therapy without delay.

Interoperability is possible with collaboration, and we’ll continue sharing and connecting as we’ve done for over 20 years.

When we talk about healthcare interoperability, what we mean is the connection between people, between providers and between the patient and the provider who cares for that patient. This is the kind of connection that matters. In 2026, we can aim to make life at least a little better—if not a whole lot better—for patients and the providers who care for them when we begin to see interoperability not just as a technical challenge, but a very human one.

• 2026 Bottom Line: We have the technology that can deliver the speed patients expect and deserve. From faster submission and approvals of prior authorizations to innovations in communication channels, connections are bettering healthcare for everyone.

Lynne Nowak, M.D., Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Surescripts

Data insights and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) have incredible potential to continue improving how patient care is delivered in 2026. But to be successful, the healthcare industry—every organization, clinician and care manager—will need to continue building trust in these capabilities through an ongoing commitment to upholding responsible governance standards that keep patients at the center.

In the same way med students study medical ethics as part of their clinical education, in 2026, we should support clinicians and care providers to train not just in the mechanics but also the ethical use of new AI technology to support care decisions and improve patient care.

• 2026 Bottom Line: Data insights improve patient access, affordability and care delivery. When we add in the ethical use of AI, we deliver real results that improve patient care.

Andrew Mellin, M.D., Vice President, Chief Medical Information Officer, Surescripts

AI, interoperability and innovations in healthcare technologies have seen tremendous progress in the last few years, enabling us to rethink how we can better support patient care.

In 2026, I expect to see major steps forward to improve access to medications for patients and even remove potential barriers to care much earlier in the journey. There is a human cost to waiting for care, and it is incumbent upon those of us working in healthcare to leverage these innovations to meaningfully reduce delays and obstacles that may impact care.

• 2026 Bottom Line: Benefit and price intelligence solutions share accurate, up-to-date prescription information at the time of prescribing. By simply knowing the cost and coverage of medications, access and adherence can be improved.