Generative AI technology is transforming many industries, and healthcare is at the forefront of this trend.
In 2026, 81% of physicians reported awareness or use of AI in their practice, an increase from the 66% who reported awareness or use in 2024, according to data released by the American Medical Association.
Many physicians see advantages related to the use of AI, including by assisting in diagnosis, monitoring patients, interpreting data and streamlining administrative tasks.
One recent study showed AI technology was able to detect pancreatic cancer quicker than the human eye could. Similarly, NPR reported that an AI model correctly diagnosed a blood clot before a team of physicians.
Despite these advancements, however, only 37% of physicians polled by AMA said they were more excited than concerned about the growth of AI use, recognizing drawbacks to the use, especially concerning skill loss, patient privacy and the physician-patient relationship.
What does this mean for patients?
Patients are also increasingly looking to AI for health guidance.
Nearly 1 in 3 adults say they have used artificial intelligence chatbots for health advice, according to a recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Many look to chatbots because of the immediate access and privacy they provide.
Using chatbots as a substitute for visiting a physician is common among low-income or uninsured patients who cannot afford to see a practitioner. Data released by Gallup said that of adults who used AI for health-related information or advice in the past 30 days, 41% of them said they did so because they either did not want to or were unable to pay for a doctor’s visit.
Mayo Clinic staff recently warned users about the limitations of using AI in this way. The staff said diagnosing illness is too complex of a task for AI technology and it will often produce biased or inaccurate results.
For users who turn to AI for advice, the clinic recommends using chatbots only for explaining medical terms or receiving general wellness advice. They also encouraged users to verify information and protect their personal privacy.
While many physicians said they were comfortable with patients using AI for general health questions, nearly half said they would never or rarely want patients to use AI for more complex health-related tasks.