In recent years, healthcare CFOs have traditionally relied on cost reduction to drive profitability. However, a new trend is emerging as CFOs prioritize improving operating margins over cutting costs. According to a Deloitte survey, only 10% of CFOs named cost reduction as a top priority, down from 30% in previous years. Instead, they're focusing on strategic growth, revenue growth, and capital deployment to boost profitability.

This shift in approach is a much-needed response to the healthcare industry's low profitability, with operating margins averaging only 1-4% over the past five years. To achieve their ambitious financial improvement targets, CFOs are exploring new strategies, such as adding new products and services, discontinuing unprofitable offerings, forming alliances, and leveraging digital and AI technologies.

One of the most significant opportunities for margin improvement lies in building an efficient workforce. This involves optimizing employee roles, leveraging emerging technologies like generative AI, and addressing employee burnout and turnover. As CFOs navigate this new landscape, they must also consider the broader implications of their decisions on patient care and the overall healthcare system.

Healthcare CFOs Shift Focus from Cost-Cutting to Profitability

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