2025 AMA Survey Results

AI Usage Among Doctors Has Nearly Doubled

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is evolving at a remarkable pace. A recent American Medical Association (AMA) survey highlights this shift, revealing that AI usage among physicians has nearly doubled in the last year. The findings underscore how AI is transforming various healthcare functions, from visit documentation to tackling administrative burdens, while also addressing key concerns that hinder widespread adoption.

This shift raises a critical question—how can you best leverage AI tools to streamline operations, reduce workload, and improve patient care? Let’s take a look.

AI Adoption in Healthcare is Skyrocketing

According to the AMA’s data, AI usage among physicians has surged from 38% in 2023 to 66% in 2024. This increase highlights the growing confidence in AI’s potential to improve healthcare workflows and patient outcomes. Physicians are mostly using AI for tasks such as visit documentation, discharge summaries, care plans, and medical research. These applications not only enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery but also allow doctors to focus more on clinical care.

Key Benefits of AI Adoption

One of the most significant findings from the survey is that 57% of physicians identified tackling administrative burdens as AI’s biggest opportunity. Here’s how AI is making a tangible impact in this area:

Documentation Automation: Tasks like creating discharge instructions and progress notes are now faster and less time-consuming with AI-powered tools.
Billing and Coding: AI simplifies documentation, ensuring accurate billing codes and streamlining reimbursement processes.
Prior Authorization: Complex procedures like prior authorizations are being expedited through AI, significantly reducing operational delays.

Dr. Patty Smith, an internal medicine physician, acknowledges, “With the integration of AI into our practice, we’ve reduced visit documentation time by 40%, allowing us to spend more time with patients.”

Physicians Excited, but Cautious

The AMA survey revealed increased positivity toward AI, with 68% of physicians now recognizing its benefits in patient care, up from 63% the year before. Even more telling, 36% of respondents in 2024 expressed more excitement than concern about AI, compared to 30% in 2023.

Physicians see AI as a tool to augment their expertise, not replace it. For example, it can provide data-driven recommendations for care plans, diagnose rare diseases more accurately, and offer precision medicine insights based on individual patient needs.

Addressing Concerns

While enthusiasm for AI is growing, concerns remain, particularly around data privacy, system integration, and reliability. Nearly 47% of doctors surveyed emphasized that strengthened oversight would build greater trust in AI technologies.

Some of the most pressing concerns include:

Data Privacy: Safeguarding sensitive patient information remains a top priority, and practices need to ensure that AI platforms comply with HIPAA regulations.
Seamless Integration: Doctors want AI systems to work seamlessly with existing platforms like EHRs (Electronic Health Records). Disruption to workflows can deter adoption.
Education and Training: Proper training on how to effectively use AI tools is essential for both clinicians and administrators.

To address these concerns, investing in robust feedback systems, secure data protocols, and comprehensive training programs will be critical.

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What Should You Do?

If you’re considering or already adopting AI in your practice, here are three actionable steps to maximize its potential while addressing key concerns:

Prioritize Data Security: Choose AI platforms that comply with data protection laws and offer end-to-end encryption. This will ensure that sensitive patient data remains safe and secure.
Focus on Workflow Integration: Opt for AI tools designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing EHR systems and administrative processes. Platforms that work without disrupting workflows can speed up adoption and improve satisfaction among healthcare staff.
Invest in Training and Support: Ensure your practice provides adequate training so everyone feels confident using AI tools. Many providers also offer ongoing customer support, so take advantage of these resources.