2026 Physician Sentiment Survey: Healthcare's annual checkup

What’s the prognosis for healthcare in 2026?

After surveying over 1,000 physicians across the nation, we heard a mix of frustration, resilience, and cautious optimism. The full report dives into these insights, revealing an industry making steady progress while facing several challenges.

You’ll discover that many physicians are gaining confidence in digital tools and AI, yet still encounter persistent obstacles like fragmented care coordination, administrative burdens, and ongoing policy issues around making care more affordable and accessible for patients. Financial volatility continues, even for organizations that seem stable, raising concerns about long-term sustainability and readiness for value-based risk.

But beneath these challenges, physicians are actively adapting and innovating — finding strategic ways to navigate complexity while staying committed to quality care. Early tech investments are starting to pay off, and the right partnerships and tools are turning uncertainty into opportunity.

The findings offer a nuanced look at an industry that’s learning and evolving, even when the path forward isn’t always clear.

Peek inside the physician mindset

• 80% say lack of data sharing between information systems adds stress
• 52% identify access to affordable care as a top policy issue
• 49% worry more about denials than reimbursement
• 32% feel optimistic about the future of healthcare in the U.S.
• 69% want to learn about VBC, but only 36% feel comfortable with shared risk

The complete picture is worth your time

Whether you’re a clinician, healthcare leader, innovator, or simply curious about where healthcare is headed, this report gives you a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities physicians face every day.

You’ll gain valuable insights into what’s driving change and what will help leaders move healthcare forward.