Carlos Hernandez, National Healthcare Industry Leader and Miami Office Managing Partner, RSM US LLP
Artificial Intelligence is going to have a profound impact on the healthcare sector going forward. As Carlos Hernandez, RSM US LLP’s national healthcare industry leader and Miami office managing partner, told Invest:, “Technology is only going to make the delivery of healthcare more efficient and effective.”
What are the most significant achievements in the South Florida market over the past year?
Our successes can be traced to two key factors: our people and our clients.
One major milestone was the opening of our new Coral Gables office in The Plaza. This state-of-the-art space fosters collaboration while offering flexibility for hybrid work. Although we provide remote options, we’re encouraging employees to return to the office, where they can benefit from collaborating in our modern conference rooms or utilizing private workspaces.
From a talent perspective, we’ve had a strong year in Miami, expanding our team at RSM with exceptional talent. On the client side, we continue to enhance our reputation as a first-choice advisor, providing additional service offerings focused on the needs of middle-market businesses. With steady growth in our audit and tax practice, we’re making considerable strides in consulting projects and solutions focused on artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare data analytics, risk management, internal audit, and cybersecurity. These areas are expanding not just in talent and capabilities but also in revenue.
Our success today is the result of strategic investments made over a decade ago when we recognized Miami’s potential for talent and business growth.
How are you investing in technology?
Healthcare technology is a major focus for us, and as the healthcare leader for the firm, I take great pride in serving some of South Florida and the region’s top healthcare systems. The sector is vast and critical, and we approach it from multiple angles — enhancing cybersecurity, fostering a culture of privacy and HIPAA compliance, and optimizing enterprise resource planning (ERP) and billing systems.
One of our most exciting initiatives is our partnership with Microsoft, where RSM is a leading provider of AI-driven solutions for healthcare. We’re currently implementing AI in over 25 different ways to streamline patient communications. For example, when a physician receives an email from a patient, AI generates a suggested response, allowing the doctor to review and send it with a single click. If the email involves a prescription request, AI drafts a prescription order for approval. If symptoms warrant an appointment, AI automatically notifies the scheduling team to coordinate a visit.
These innovations help our healthcare clients improve patient care while also enhancing operational efficiency and financial performance. By leveraging AI, we’re not just supporting healthcare providers — we’re helping them fulfill their mission and strengthen their bottom line.
How do you see developments in technology impacting the demand for biotechnology, medical devices, or other digital solutions?
Technology is making healthcare more efficient and effective, particularly in operations, billing, and patient engagement. While many providers are not yet using AI for charge capture or collections, they are increasingly leveraging healthcare data analytics to improve decision-making. Hospitals are using this data to optimize staffing, determine which implants to use, and identify patients who have missed routine follow-ups.
By analyzing vast amounts of information, hospitals, health systems, and physician practices can streamline operations and enhance patient care. Technology is not only helping providers work smarter but also improving clinical outcomes by delivering the data needed for better decision-making.
For patients, artificial intelligence is transforming diagnostics. AI can analyze X-rays and MRIs with greater precision, detecting abnormalities that may be too subtle for the human eye. In areas like mammography, AI can flag potential issues early, prompting further investigation and improving early detection rates.
What key trends are you seeing in the healthcare market right now?
A major trend in healthcare is consolidation, whether through private equity acquisitions of physician practices or hospital mergers. Private equity continues to show strong interest in healthcare, acquiring urgent care centers, dental facilities, and medical practices to create larger, more efficient organizations. These consolidations aim to streamline services, contracts, and business operations to improve financial performance.
We have already seen examples of this, such as Baptist Health’s acquisition of Boca Raton Regional Hospital in South Florida, and similar deals may continue. At RSM, we are working with private equity clients to help them manage these changes, whether through human capital integration or broader organizational transformation.
What is the impact of the current economic conditions on the healthcare sector?
Healthcare remains a constant necessity, regardless of economic conditions. Whether the economy is strong or struggling, people will always need medical services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, the government ensured hospitals continued to receive payments, even as much of the workforce was sidelined.
However, in an economic downturn without government intervention, hospitals may face financial strain as more patients seek care without insurance. This is a challenge that requires ongoing monitoring and regulation.
From a technology perspective, South Florida’s entrepreneurial spirit remains strong, even amid economic uncertainty. Technology often proves resilient during downturns as businesses look to innovation for efficiency gains. In challenging times, doubling down on technology can be a strategic way to overcome financial and operational obstacles.
What are your top priorities for the next few years in the South Florida market?
Our focus for the coming years is centered on our core values and strategic growth. We are committed to expanding, but with an emphasis on the right kind of growth. Investing in top talent remains a priority, and we are actively recruiting from some of the nation’s best universities, including those located right here in South Florida. Additionally, we are making strategic hires at the experienced professional level to strengthen our team with individuals who are passionate about delivering exceptional client service.
Beyond talent acquisition, our goal is to help clients navigate key challenges, whether related to economic conditions, regulatory changes, or advancements in technology, with confidence. We strive to stay ahead of industry trends, proactively bringing our clients innovative solutions and strategic insights to support their growth.
