Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Waystar scored 9.75/10 across 18 KPIs in Black Book's Q1 2026 Agentic and Generative AI RCM benchmark — next competitor scored 8.27. On March 5, Waystar announced expanded collaboration with Google Cloud integrating Gemini models to accelerate "autonomous revenue cycle." Claims its AltitudeAI has prevented $15B in denials and cut appeal package generation time by 90%.

CMS finalized the CY2026 PFS with a 3.26% conversion factor increase (including a 2.5% temporary bump from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act). But a -2.5% "efficiency adjustment" hits non-time-based services — net loss for radiology, cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology. Hospital price transparency enforcement delayed to April 1, 2026. CMS also expanding site-neutral payments, projecting $290M in OPPS spending reduction.

Three state-level healthcare AI laws took effect January 1, 2026. California AB 489: AI developers/deployers cannot imply AI has a healthcare license. Texas: providers must disclose AI use in writing before or on date of service. Illinois: prohibits AI from making independent therapeutic decisions or interacting with therapy clients without licensed professional oversight. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's AI Executive Order directs the AG to challenge state AI laws, with a Commerce Department evaluation of "burdensome" state laws due March 11, 2026 (today).