News / Chief Medical Officer Patricia Hayes, M.D. discusses value-based care trends and how integrated models will improve care in 2026.
Imagine Pediatrics Shares 2026 Predictions with Industry Media
Dr. Hayes was invited to share her insights and predictions on pediatric value-based care trends in 2026 with industry media. Her commentary reflects her deep expertise in care delivery innovation, health technology, integrated care models, and outcome measurement for pediatric populations. She offers strategic perspectives on how Imagine Pediatrics partners with health plans, providers, community organizations and caregivers to improve outcomes and experiences for children with special health care needs while reducing total cost of care. Read highlights from her commentary below:
“In 2026 and beyond, pediatric innovation will be defined by care models that increase access to integrated and personalized care. Partnerships that link medical, behavioral and social supports across multidisciplinary pediatric specialists, primary care physicians and community organizations can expand access and deliver more personalized care for children with special health care needs. As workforce pressures grow, these partnerships will be essential to improving outcomes and reducing fragmentation across the care continuum.”
“In the coming year, patient experience strategies for children with special health care needs will shift from transactional care to relationship-based care that is accessible and personalized. Health analytics will play a critical role in identifying needs earlier, guiding care plans, and ensuring families receive the right support at the right time. Virtual care will expand families’ access to their pediatric teams, creating a consistent circle of support that extends beyond clinic walls. The organizations that embrace broader care delivery transformation through integrated and personalized care will see stronger trust, higher satisfaction, and measurable improvements in both outcomes and family well-being.”
“The future of interoperability lies in creating a connected analytics ecosystem that translates pediatric data into actionable whole-child insights. With those insights, and through integrating care across medical, behavioral, and social domains, care teams can provide proactive care that meets the lived reality of the patient and their family. In 2026, interoperability will move from basic data exchange that increases administrative burden toward a future where interoperability is the catalyst for personalized care, improved outcomes and better system efficiency.”
“Virtual pediatric care is evolving from transactional video visits to longitudinal, relationship-based care. The most effective care models will make data-informed care decisions and will integrate medical, behavioral health, and social supports to create long-term continuity for children with special health care needs, particularly those in rural or underserved areas. As telehealth policies stabilize, virtual care will become an essential bridge to access care for vulnerable populations rather than a temporary convenience. Ultimately, this will result in cost savings that are bolstered by better outcomes and experience.”
“Tech-enabled, integrated care models purpose-built for children with special health care needs are reshaping how data supports clinical decision-making. By connecting information from payers, providers, community organizations and families, we can deliver more personalized care and build trust with patients and caregivers. Tech-enabled care models turn complex pediatric data into actionable insights, leading to stronger alignment with existing care teams, better outcomes, and a care experience that reflects the unique needs of the child and family.”
“In 2026, improving safety and quality for children with special health care needs will depend on deeper integration across pediatric services and better data interoperability. When we integrate medical, behavioral, and social support and when data is interoperable between points of care, we’re able to more fully address whole-child and family needs to improve outcomes. The next phase of innovation will focus on measurable outcomes such as “safe days at home” as a standard of quality.”