Patient access is improving in some areas, but the path is still determined by two main forces: administrative complexity and cost. Experian Health State of Patient Access Report 2026 indicates that improvements in patient access have plateaued, with an equal 18% of patients reporting that access has improved and worsened. At the same time, delays related to insurance verification, authorization and admission continue to impact how quickly patients can receive care.
Suppliers feel the same pressure points. Their primary patient access challenge is improving the speed, accuracy and completeness of insurance searches, followed by encouraging patients to use digital access tools and manage authorizations more efficiently.
To better understand where patient access is improving and where challenges remain, Experian Health surveyed more than 1,000 patients and more than 200 healthcare revenue cycle leaders. The findings highlight the growing importance of accurate estimates, reliable patient data and more seamless digital experiences throughout the patient journey.
Here are the results:
Download the State of Patient Access Report 2026 to discover insights healthcare leaders can use to improve the patient experience and protect revenue.