Tower Physicians Solutions and CEO Antone Crasto at the 2026 RPA Annual Meeting
Last weekend, Antone Crasto had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Renal Physicians Association (RPA) Annual Meeting in Atlanta — a premier gathering for clinicians, administrators, and thought leaders in nephrology dedicated to advancing excellence in practice and patient care. This year's conference, hosted by the RPA — the leading advocate for nephrology professionals — brought together hundreds of practitioners to explore the latest innovations, regulatory changes, and practical tools shaping the future of kidney care.
Connecting, Learning, and Leading in Nephrology
The four-day event featured a packed agenda of interactive sessions, practical workshops, and engaging general lectures designed to help nephrology professionals navigate both clinical and business challenges. Attendees participated in learning labs, roundtable discussions, and panel sessions covering topics such as value-based care, patient engagement strategies, workflow optimization, staffing and retention approaches, and advanced practice provider leadership.
What stood out at every turn was the ubiquity of conversations around artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform the way nephrology practices deliver care, manage operations, and support clinicians. From sessions explicitly focused on adopting AI into practice to discussions about data-driven decision support and how AI tools will shape billing, care delivery models, and administrative processes, it was clear that AI is no longer a fringe topic — it's now front-and-center in the evolution of nephrology practice management.
AI: Not Just a Buzzword — A Practice Reality
Whether in formal sessions or informal conversations in the hallways, the theme of AI permeated the meeting. Attendees debated practical strategies for responsibly introducing AI tools into clinical environments and business operations, and explored how practices can start leveraging AI to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance decision-making in both clinical care and practice management. The excitement was palpable — many agreed this was one of the most forward-looking aspects of the meeting.
Tower PS — Bringing AI to Practice Visibility
At Tower PS, Antone has been deeply involved in how AI can enhance the way prospective clients learn about services and solutions. Tower's website now incorporates AI-driven support features that help visitors quickly understand what Tower offers, whether it's advanced billing and coding support or tailored practice management strategies. By leveraging conversational AI tools and intelligent content guides, Tower PS makes it easier for medical practices to explore services, ask questions, and connect with the right solutions — all without the friction that often comes with traditional contact forms or static pages. This forward-looking use of AI not only elevates the user experience but also reflects the same innovative spirit showcased throughout the RPA Annual Meeting.
Key Takeaways from RPA 2026
- Innovation is essential: AI and technology integration continue to reshape practice operations, from administrative workflows to clinical decision support.
- Community matters: Participants emphasized the value of peer-to-peer learning, whether in business management labs, clinical workshops, or networking lunches.
- Leadership and advocacy remain critical: With evolving policies and reimbursement environments, RPA's role in shaping the future of nephrology practice was a consistent reminder of the power of collective voice and insight.
Attendees left energized, equipped with new connections, practical insights, and a clear sense of where the field is heading — especially when it comes to innovation and artificial intelligence.
We look forward to meaningful conversations, new partnerships, and advancing the future of kidney care—together. Reach out to Antone at antone.crasto@towerps.com