Artificial intelligence is changing the world as we know it. Especially in healthcare, agentic AI is revolutionizing the industry. In 2024, less than 1% of software applications included agentic AI. However, by 2028, usage is expected to surge to 33%.

What is the Difference Between a Healthcare AI Agent and a Chatbot?

A healthcare AI agent is different from a chatbot. It is an autonomous aid system that can perform tasks on behalf of a human or other agent.

Unlike a typical automation system, it is given autonomy to complete tasks, capable of working without human input, and can improve its performance based on the outcome. Due to these capabilities, AI agents are gaining popularity for use in both front- and back-office operations.

These systems can help streamline administrative workflows, including inbound referral processes, indexing incoming documents, processing lab requisition forms, and more.

For the healthcare industry, this is beyond the abilities of generic AI models. Typical models are trained on limited data and face regulatory barriers due to HIPAA.

With agentic AI, physicians can now utilize technology to alleviate administrative burdens.

Time and Cost Savings of a Healthcare AI Agent

There are several time and cost savings to consider when integrating AI with healthcare processes. Because doctors no longer have to spend time on mundane administrative tasks, they can spend more time with their patients.

This shift in responsibility has led to a 20% increase in revenue, resulting from increased productivity, over 50 hours saved for providers, 40%-70% cost savings, and a decrease in referral processing time from 24 hours to 24 seconds.

Do Patients Benefit From Agentic AI?

Patients also benefit from the use of Agentic AI. Because doctors are less preoccupied with paperwork, patients experience faster diagnoses, customized treatment, more time spent face-to-face with human care staff and overall increased patient satisfaction.

Studies show that 71% of healthcare workers think that Agentic AI will be essential to the industry in the next five years.

However, doctors agree that to bring Agentic AI to the industry, the technology must help save time, ensure efficiency, provide access to reliable data, be easy to use, include proper training, and be trustworthy and accurate.

With these points in mind, the healthcare industry has the potential to soar. Especially in the wake of recent years’ harmful labor shortages, it is crucial to rely on the companies leading the charge in AI integration.

With patient care at the forefront, it won’t be long before the industry is revolutionized.