MGMA: Payment Uncertainty Dampens Physician Spending

And, he says, there are other "clouds on the horizon," including issues over ICD-10, privacy and security concerns, compliance questions over heightened government scrutiny, and ongoing healthcare reform implementation, he said.

But still, there's some reason for optimism. "There's more care coordination and better communication and data sharing," Gilberg says.

In a separate panel discussion, Richard Umbdenstock, FACHE, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association agreed. "We're seeing collaboration on a variety of levels and it's only going to continue to grow," he said, referring to providers and payers teaming up on cost-cutting and innovative programs.