September 21 - 25
Below the Surface: Insights Beyond the Obvious
Healthcare’s most visible challenges rarely tell the whole story. Beneath financial pressures, workforce shortages, operational bottlenecks, and shifting patient expectations are deeper forces shaping performance.
At Microscope’s 2026 Annual Healthcare Conference, we’ll look beyond the symptoms to uncover what is really driving today’s most pressing challenges. Through timely insights, shared experiences, and practical strategies, our sessions will explore the hidden opportunities within healthcare finance, operations, workforce, technology, and patient care. You’ll gain fresh perspectives and actionable solutions designed to strengthen performance and support smarter decision-making. Walk away prepared to ask better questions, see the bigger picture, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. For even more insight read our article: Below the Surface: Insights Beyond the Obvious
Join us virtually for a week of 10 programs focused on the Latest Healthcare Industry trends.
MONDAY 9.21
10:00-11:00 AM (EDT)
The Global State of Healthcare: Trends & Realities for 2026
Meghan K. Bankowski, CPA, Richard T. (Terry) Lang, CPA, FHFMA, Joanne M. Waters, FHFMA, and William N. Wildridge III, CPA, Microscope
Healthcare entered 2026 amid unprecedented financial, operational, and regulatory uncertainty. Our panel will challenge conventional thinking and examine the forces reshaping the industry—from mounting reimbursement and inflationary pressures to workforce instability, policy disruption, rapid advances in AI, shifting care models, and continued consolidation. Which changes represent temporary challenges, and which signal a permanent transformation in how care is funded, delivered, and accessed? Through candid discussion and data-driven insights, panelists will explore what today’s realities mean for the financial viability, operational strategy, and long-term positioning of healthcare organizations.
1 CPE Credit
MONDAY 9.21
2:00-3:00 PM (EDT)
Beyond the Demographic Cliff: The Reimbursement Implications of America's Changing Population
Kyle Lake, CHFP and Ryan Corey, Microscope
For nearly two decades, declining fertility rates, an aging population, and evolving care delivery models have been quietly reshaping the healthcare landscape. While these demographic shifts have received significant attention in higher education through the "Enrollment Cliff," their long-term implications for hospital reimbursement are only beginning to emerge. This webinar explores how changing population trends are influencing payer mix, labor costs, inpatient utilization, service line performance, and Medicare reimbursement. Through real-world examples and reimbursement insights, attendees will learn how to identify the emerging implications, uncover strategic opportunities, and incorporate demographic forecasting into long-term financial and operational planning.
1 CPE Credit
TUESDAY 9.22
10:00-11:00 AM (EDT)
The Future-Ready Physician Practice: Financial Resilience, Value-Based Care, and Strategic Growth Opportunities
Meghan K. Bankowski, CPA and Michelle Hammerle, CPA, CMA, Microscope
Healthcare is evolving rapidly, requiring practices to adapt to changing reimbursement models, rising costs, and new care delivery expectations. Join us to explore practical strategies to strengthen financial performance, prepare for value-based care, and evaluate strategic opportunities that support long-term growth and sustainability.
1 CPE Credit
TUESDAY 9.22
2:00-3:00 PM (EDT)
The (Growing) Immateriality of Savings
Richard Kunnes, MD, Microscope
As one hospital CEO recently put it: “We’re out of savings.”
With new legislation and regulatory changes compounding inflationary pressures, cost savings alone cannot offset the magnitude of the financial losses facing hospitals. Even where reductions provide temporary relief, they are not a sustainable long-term strategy—after all, a hospital can only close labor and delivery once. This session will explore practical, innovative ways to replace lost dollars with new sources of net cash—quickly, with minimal operational burden, and without added financial risk. Leaders of rural, small, independent, safety-net, and essential hospitals will learn actionable strategies to strengthen cash flow while preserving the services their communities depend on.
1 CPE Credit
WEDNESDAY 9.23
10:00-11:00 AM (EDT)
AI Without the Blind Spots: Building Stronger Internal Controls
Jeff Richie, CPA, FustCharles
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare operations, organizations must ensure that innovation does not outpace oversight. AI can introduce risks related to data privacy, accuracy, bias, security, regulatory compliance, and accountability. This session will examine the internal control considerations associated with AI and provide practical strategies for strengthening governance, evaluating third-party tools, maintaining appropriate human oversight, and supporting the responsible use of AI across the organization.
1 CPE Credit
WEDNESDAY 9.23
1:00-2:00 PM (EDT)
The Reimbursement Outlook: Medicare Changes and What’s Ahead
Richard T. (Terry) Lang, CPA, FHFMA and Colin R. Conklin, CHFP, Microscope
Medicare reimbursement continues to evolve, bringing new financial pressures, funding considerations, and strategic questions for healthcare organizations. This session will examine the latest Medicare payment and policy updates, emerging funding developments, and potential changes on the horizon. Attendees will gain practical insight into what these shifts could mean for reimbursement, financial planning, and long-term sustainability—and how healthcare leaders can begin preparing now.
1 CPE Credit
WEDNESDAY 9.23
3:00-4:00 PM (EDT)
Investing in What’s Next: Planning and Funding Technology, Data and Innovation in Nonprofit Healthcare
Healthcare organizations face growing pressure to modernize aging technology, strengthen their use of data and pursue innovation—often without the resources to fund all three. This session will explore how nonprofit healthcare providers can assess their current capabilities, identify and prioritize critical investments, and determine where innovation can deliver the greatest value. Attendees will also learn practical approaches for balancing competing needs and securing support through grants, philanthropic donors and other funding opportunities.
1 CPE Credit
THURSDAY 9.24
10:00-11:00 AM (EDT)
Signals Beneath the Surface
Kristen Mucitelli-Heath | Senior Vice President, Population Health, Advocacy |Trinity Health NY- St. Joseph’s Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners
Policy developments often begin quietly, but can quickly become financial and operational imperatives for healthcare organizations. This session will examine emerging legislative, regulatory, and reimbursement trends that healthcare leaders should be watching now, along with the potential implications for funding, compliance, workforce strategy, access to care, and long-term planning. Attendees will gain practical insight into what may be coming next, where the greatest risks and opportunities could emerge, and how organizations can begin preparing before policy shifts demand immediate action.
1 CPE Credit
THURSDAY 9.24
2:00-3:00 PM (EDT)
Below the Claim: AI, Payor Pressure & the New Revenue Cycle Reality
Joanne M. Waters, FHFMA & Kathleen D. Hoffman, CPA, Microscope
Behind every denial, delayed payment, and unpaid balance is a deeper story. In this session, we’ll explore the forces reshaping hospital revenue cycle in 2026—from increasing payor scrutiny and an emerging “AI versus AI” environment to workforce constraints, front-end breakdowns, and growing patient financial responsibility. You’ll learn why technology alone cannot solve today’s revenue cycle challenges and where hospitals should focus to prevent denials, protect revenue, and build greater operational resilience. Walk away with practical strategies to uncover what is happening below the surface and strengthen financial performance from patient access through final payment.
1 CPE Credit
FRIDAY 9.25
10:00-11:00 AM (EDT)
10X: The Forces Reshaping Healthcare — 10 Challenges. 10 Lessons. 10 Opportunities for Hospital Leaders.
William N. Wildridge III, CPA, Microscope
In this session we’ll examine the most significant forces impacting hospitals and health systems today. Through real-world examples from leading healthcare organizations, attendees will explore workforce challenges, reimbursement pressures, AI, cybersecurity, revenue cycle performance, and financial sustainability while gaining practical leadership strategies to help their organizations adapt, innovate, and thrive.
1 CPE Credit