Rural hospitals and clinics are no longer in COVID-19 crisis mode, and the labor shortage is easing. Leaders are feeling optimistic about the future. However, a new alarm bell is sounding: cyberattacks. Wipfli surveyed C-level executives at rural healthcare organizations across the United States to inform our third annual “State of rural healthcare” report. In this year’s research, cybersecurity rose to the top of leaders’ concerns, while ongoing worries about service reimbursements mounted in intensity. Leaders also indicated a growing interest in digital and AI tools.

New research shows “cautious optimism” among rural healthcare providers, as many tackle 2024 without the COVID-19 funding that helped them meet increased healthcare demands despite steep inflation and higher expenses.

Wipfli surveyed more than 100 rural healthcare organizations in 26 states to learn how they’re navigating this “new normal.” Download the report to learn their top financial concerns and their planned strategic responses.