Key Findings from Healthesystems’ National Comp 2026 Survey Report: What’s Top of Mind for Workers’ Comp Professionals

The workers’ compensation industry is at a pivotal moment. As industry professionals juggle rising medical complexity, workforce challenges, and rapidly advancing technology, understanding what matters most to those on the front lines has never been more important. To capture a clearer picture of the current landscape, Healthesystems conducted a survey of workers’ compensation professionals at the National Comp conference in Nashville in 2025, gathering insights on their priorities, the obstacles standing in their way, and how they view emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

The findings paint a nuanced portrait of an industry balancing tradition with transformation — one where industry professionals are eager to adopt new tools but remain cautious about the pace and implications of change.

Part One: Priorities Shaping Workers’ Comp Medical Programs

When asked about their top priorities in managing workers’ compensation medical programs, respondents pointed to a familiar but evolving mix of concerns. Improving the injured worker experience remained a leading focus, reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to putting the patient at the center of the claims process. Additionally, respondents emphasized the importance of streamlining claims operations to improve efficiency, and being better positioned to manage claims complexities such as patient comorbid factors.

Data-driven decision-making also emerged as a rising priority. Professionals indicated a growing recognition that leveraging analytics and actionable insights is essential to identifying trends, flagging risk factors early, and guiding smarter interventions. Many respondents noted that as claims grow more complex – particularly those involving comorbidities, mental health considerations, or prolonged recovery – having better data at their fingertips is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury.

Looking ahead, respondents expressed a clear interest in expanding their focus on whole-person care, integrating behavioral health considerations into claims management, and finding better ways to engage injured workers throughout the recovery journey. The report also points to the importance of better information flow and integration across the workers’ comp medical ecosystem, particularly as stakeholders look for ways to reduce friction, improve injured worker communication, and support more coordinated care.

Part Two: The Obstacles Standing in the Way

While priorities are clear, the survey findings underscore the reality that workers’ compensation professionals are managing increasingly complex claims in a complex environment. In fact, many of the industry’s top concerns trace back to a common theme: understanding and managing the factors that can influence a claim’s trajectory.

Poor worker health and comorbidities remain a significant challenge. Survey respondents ranked comorbidities as the top barrier to recovery, the most concerning claim complexity, and one of the leading challenges facing the industry overall. Mental health conditions, psychosocial factors, and social determinants of health continue to add layers of complexity that can impact treatment, recovery timelines, and claim outcomes.

Compounding these challenges is a persistent information gap. Data silos and system integration issues were also identified as major hurdles. Even as organizations collect more information than ever before, respondents noted that fragmented systems and disconnected data sources make it difficult to translate that information into meaningful action. The result is often duplicated efforts, delayed decisions, and missed opportunities to intervene earlier in the claim lifecycle.

Cost pressures were also cited. Workers’ compensation litigation was ranked as the industry’s top challenge, while medical and pharmacy cost concerns remained prominent. Respondents also identified transparency into medical and pharmacy spending as an important need, reflecting a growing desire for greater visibility into the factors driving claim costs and outcomes.

Taken together, the findings suggest that the industry’s greatest obstacles are not isolated issues but interconnected challenges. Balancing cost containment with quality care remains one of the most persistent tensions in the industry.

Part Three: Mixed Feelings on Technology and AI

Perhaps the most revealing findings centered on how workers’ compensation professionals view technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence. The survey showed that attitudes toward AI and emerging technology are largely positive but tempered by substantial reservations.

On the optimistic side, respondents recognized the significant potential of AI to reduce administrative burden, automate routine tasks, and free up claims professionals to focus on higher-value work. Others highlighted the potential for AI-powered tools to identify potential fraud/waste/abuse, summarize and share medical records, and enhance the overall efficiency of the claims process.

At the same time, respondents voiced concerns that leaders in the space might want to pay attention to. Data privacy and security were top of mind, along with questions about the transparency and explainability of AI-driven decisions. Several respondents worried about the potential for bias in AI models and the implications for injured workers if algorithms are not carefully designed and monitored.

There was also a recurring theme around the human element of workers’ compensation. While technology can support and enhance the work of claims professionals, respondents emphasized that empathy, judgment, and personal connection remain irreplaceable — particularly when working with injured workers who may be navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

The overall sentiment was one of cautious optimism: professionals want to embrace new technologies, but they want to do so thoughtfully, with clear guardrails, strong data governance, and a continued focus on the injured worker experience.

Moving Forward Together

The findings from the Healthesystems survey reflect an industry working through a complex set of priorities. Workers’ compensation professionals are focused on improving outcomes, controlling costs, and harnessing the power of data—while contending with workforce challenges, system limitations, and the complexities of a rapidly changing technological landscape.

What is clear is that the path forward will require partnership. Solutions that combine advanced technology with human expertise, that break down data silos, and that keep the injured worker at the center will be best positioned to help the industry meet its evolving priorities.

As workers’ compensation continues to evolve, insights like those captured in this survey serve as an important reminder of what matters most to the professionals doing this critical work every day. By listening to their priorities and understanding their obstacles, the industry can chart a course that supports both better outcomes and stronger organizations.

Click here to view the full report from Healthesystems. &