Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Alan Condon on HCA’s Record Year, the AI Race in Revenue Cycle and Key Industry Moves
Dec 5, 2025
Alan Condon, Editor-in-chief at Becker's Healthcare and a keen observer of hospital trends, shares insights on HCA's impressive financial performance. He reveals how disciplined leadership and a focus on outpatient services are driving growth. The conversation also dives into the competitive AI race between payers and providers, highlighting UnitedHealth's extensive use of AI and Cleveland Clinic's success in reducing claim denials. Alan emphasizes the critical need for collaboration to enhance efficiency and lower friction in healthcare operations.
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HCA's Market Momentum Explained
- HCA's stock surge reflects sustained operational and financial momentum after the pandemic.
- Investors reward disciplined cost control, strong outpatient growth and clear leadership under Sam Hazen.
Focus On Outcomes, Access And Cost Discipline
- Emphasize quality outcomes, access and disciplined cost control to win investor confidence.
- Focus on outpatient expansion and strong leadership to sustain growth into 2026.
AI Race Shaping The Revenue Cycle
- An AI arms race is reshaping the revenue cycle as providers try to catch up to payers.
- Payers' earlier AI adoption in claims and call centers forces providers to build embedded tools and agents to protect finances.