AI is changing healthcare for both professionals and patients: Here’s how
A 2026 American Medical Association report found 81% of physicians now use or are aware of AI in healthcare, up from 66% in 2024, with AI improving diagnostics but raising concerns over skill loss and privacy. Nearly one-third of adults have used AI chatbots for health advice, often due to cost barriers, though experts like Mayo Clinic warn against relying on AI for complex diagnoses due to accuracy risks.
The adoption of generative AI in healthcare is accelerating, with 81% of physicians reporting awareness or use of AI in their practice by 2026, up from 66% in 2024, according to the American Medical Association. AI tools are increasingly assisting with diagnosis, patient monitoring, data interpretation, and administrative tasks, with one study showing AI detecting pancreatic cancer faster than human doctors. Another case highlighted by NPR involved an AI model diagnosing a blood clot before a team of physicians. Despite these advancements, only 37% of physicians expressed more excitement than concern about AI growth, citing risks to clinical skills, patient privacy, and the physician-patient relationship. Patients are also turning to AI for health guidance, with nearly one in three adults using AI chatbots for medical advice, per the Kaiser Family Foundation. Many rely on these tools due to immediate access and privacy, particularly among low-income or uninsured individuals who cannot afford doctor visits. Gallup data revealed 41% of recent AI health users cited cost or inability to pay as their reason. However, Mayo Clinic staff warn against using AI for diagnosing illnesses, emphasizing its limitations in handling complex medical tasks and potential for biased or inaccurate results. The clinic advises AI chatbots be used only for explaining medical terms or general wellness advice, while urging users to verify information and protect personal data. While physicians generally accept AI for basic health questions, nearly half said they would never or rarely allow patients to use AI for complex medical tasks. The American Medical Association’s report underscores a growing divide between AI’s diagnostic capabilities and the ethical concerns surrounding its widespread use in patient care. Experts stress the need for caution, balancing AI’s efficiency with the risks of over-reliance and misinformation in healthcare decisions.
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