AI is Already in Your Doctor’s Office, Even if No One Said a Word

A 2026 survey by the American Medical Association revealed that 81% of physicians now use artificial intelligence (AI) in their practice, primarily for summarizing medical research, writing discharge instructions, and documenting visit notes. Despite this widespread adoption, only 9% of adults aged 50 and older report that their healthcare provider has ever explained AI’s role in their care. In 2024, just 8% of older adults believed their providers used AI, while 75% were unaware. By 2026, awareness remained low, with only 19% recognizing AI’s use and 60% still unsure. Older adults who suspect AI is involved most commonly imagine it as a scribe transcribing appointments (69%) or generating patient portal messages (55%). Comfort with AI varies by task: 54% accept its use for administrative work like billing, but only 38% trust AI for diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Privacy concerns are high, with 68% worried about their health data after AI processing and 53% wanting to know if doctor communications were AI-assisted. Trust in providers remains relatively stable, though 32% say AI’s impact depends on its application, while 27% report decreased trust. However, 90% of older adults insist on transparency, demanding the right to know when AI influences their care. Some older adults already use AI independently, with 23% relying on generative tools in the past year to research diagnoses (64%), medications (62%), or interpret provider advice (41%). Fewer use AI to prepare for appointments (21%) or track treatments (10%). To build trust, older adults urge clearer communication about AI’s role, accountability for outcomes, data handling, patient rights, and safeguards aligning with privacy expectations. Policymakers and health systems are encouraged to address these concerns while expanding AI’s responsible use in healthcare.