There is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence is all the rage in healthcare. AI utilizes computers and machines as an adjunct to Human Intelligence (HI). AI is not just robots, which is what many of us think of in terms of AI (Rosie from the Jetsons anyone?). AI can be algorithms, content creation, pattern recognition, data integration, and practical applications such as virtual assistants or speech processing. The goal of AI is to limit the amount of human intelligence required, reduce decision fatigue, and perform menial tasks which humans either do not want to perform or do not have the time to perform.
We have firmly left the Industrial Age, moved swiftly past the early Digital Age, and are currently speeding through the advanced Digital and Informational Age. With advances in technology happening at warp speed, we as mere mortals put the “cart before the horse” (to use a term from previous centuries and eras) at times. Is AI a bad thing then? Absolutely not. Advances in technology will continue to dominate, and people will continue to be fascinated with what AI is able to do for them. An industry which is embracing AI with relish is healthcare. Based on a McKinsey survey from 2024, professional services (aka providers) and healthcare/pharmaceuticals/medical products (aka facilities, medicine, and supply chain) utilized AI at 80% and 63% respectively.
With the burnout rate for providers rising since the Covid 19 virus took hold, it’s no wonder providers are lapping up AI regarding diagnostics, treatment, and remote monitoring. As an early clinician, I pulled many textbooks or printed resources from my shelf, and I observed other providers in nursing and medicine do the very same. We were at cubicles, nursing stations, call rooms, and tucked in hallways frantically trying to find answers to what would make our patients better.
The time burden to find answers to our questions could be immense. Enter AI for professionals to help reduce the time burden and keep up with the advancements with facilities, supplies, and operations. In a study published in Health Science Reports (2025), AI was found to “enhance the skills of medical professionals” by assisting with diagnosis and creating more individualized treatment plans. AI usage regarding remote monitoring and analysis improved operational efficiency and patient engagement. Based on current legislation, patients are required to receive their lab results when they are processed. At times, the lab results make it to the patient before the provider can review the labs themselves.
At a fully staffed, well-resourced health system or medical practice the provider can swiftly review results and interpret them to patients. But what if this is not the case-What if the provider is in a rural space and community? What if there are financial constraints stemming from reduced reimbursement to support marginalized populations? What if there is a lack of infrastructure when it comes to data privacy and security? The benefits of AI are here to stay, so how do we mitigate the risks stemming from such rapid expansion? Our colleagues in the technology sector are creating, refining, and scaling AI faster than providers and healthcare can keep pace.
Clinicians are being asked to “pick their brains” on top of already exhausting schedules by investors and startups. Healthcare compliance and information technology systems professionals are welding shields made of paper to fend off under, and unregulated oversight. Operational healthcare professionals are asking if they can trust the information that AI produces and must again research to ensure operational effectiveness. Where does AI triumph? When it is run through the HI f ilter first. It is in the listening, critical thinking, communication, business savviness and evidence-based principles which create the HI foundation. If we run AI through the HI filter f irst, our created algorithms, content, and practicality are based on HI from our trusted medical providers, healthcare professionals, and support teams. How do we do these things? The following is a list of tactics which could help those of us in healthcare today.
• Provider Mentorship and Shadowing-Large health systems, academic centers, and urban cities are brimming with extremely bright providers and professionals. If you are in one of these areas, consider reaching out to mentor new or rural clinicians. This would be a much better use of your time vs having an investor take 30 minutes to “pick your brain”. If you are a provider in a rural area, reach out in the opposite direction to find a mentor who can help you and your community.
Large and staffed hospitals and clinics could “adopt” a nearby rural hospital or clinic. Shadowing can assist with on-the-job training and assist in eliminating the extra hours. Why does this help and how does AI support this tactic? Providers who are mentors and mentees do not have to second guess AI generated information and reduce the time lag involving patient care.
• Financial Management-It is important to meet with financial professionals and understand the financial pillars in your organization. From the CFO to the Billing and Coding Specialist, you will glean important information as to the financial tactics which could prove useful. Is the electronic medical record doing its job regarding revenue cycle management? Is it laborious and due for an upgrade, vetting of a new one, or adding additional software? Is the spending truly supporting the revenue? Are all services needed in your medical space? What are you offering which others do not offer? Do you have too many or not enough of the right positions? Are your services supporting your demographic? Why does this help and how does AI support this tactic? Once you collect this information, it can be populated using AI. Running proformas, budgets, profit and loss statements, denial rates, and write-offs can be eye-opening. AI can assist with solutions to begin to bring your finances in perspective.
• Systems Management-The number of departments, and therefore systems which must integrate to make healthcare run daily is staggering. Compliance, HR, finance, operations, marketing and more rely on electronic systems to record, produce and track work. IT healthcare professionals have the job of making sure the interoperability, security, risk reduction, and safety of systems keeps the health system, hospital, or clinic secure. These professionals are needed and critical to healthcare, as we are tasked with sensitive patient information. It is imperative, whether as a healthcare provider, professional or support team member, to know, review, and follow IT recommendations to minimize catastrophic occurrences such as malware or data breaches. Why does this help and how does AI support this tactic? By knowing the systems your organization uses, AI can integrate, analyze, and coordinate information across patient intake to documentation, supply chain needs to inventory reconciliation, and lab draws to patient communication. Information can be collaborated in “real time”. If you notice, all these tactics start with human intelligence. AI and HI both have their place and often can be used together. What comes first? HI always.