Pediatric hospitals are one of the most important segments in the industry to watch right now. Although children’s hospitals make up only 5% of total hospital market share, more than 40% of U.S. children rely on Medicaid, leaving pediatric organizations disproportionately exposed as the Medicaid-related provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act take effect.

The pressures inside pediatric care were mounting even before this moment. After years of outperforming adult hospitals, children’s hospitals have seen margins fall from double digits to just 1% last year. Rising bad debt, higher supply and labor costs, a rapid shift toward lower margin outpatient care, and emerging challenges like declining birth rates and vaccine policy upheaval have created a perfect financial storm. While some of these dynamics are unique to pediatrics, the sector also offers an early warning signal for the rest of healthcare — and an opportunity to translate lessons across both worlds.

In this episode, host Abby Burns and Advisory Board expert Vidal Seegobin break down why pediatric leaders must simultaneously manage immediate-term margin pressure, prepare for a more ambulatory-dominant model, and futureproof their organizations amid shifting demographics. Vidal also shares actionable steps leaders can take now, along with the critical lessons pediatric hospitals offer the wider healthcare ecosystem.

We’re here to help:

• 5 insights on the state of pediatric hospitals today
• 12 things CEOs need to know in 2026
• The State of the Healthcare Industry in 2026
• Read Advisory Board's 2026 research agenda
• 3 trends shaping healthcare in 2026 (and how to respond)
• 278: Dr. Emily Oster on fighting misinformation and rebuilding trust in healthcare
• 277: Patient distrust is costing you. Here’s how to rebuild it.

Learn how outpatient shifts can impact your organization by using Advisory Board’s Market Scenario Planner tool.

Sign up today for this Optum Health Webinar: Scaling your EHR: How Optum Health built an enterprise platform to redefine care delivery.

A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.