Beyond the Buzz: How AI Is Changing Healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere right now. From smartphone apps and internet searches to workplace productivity tools, AI has quickly become part of everyday life. Healthcare is no exception.
While AI is often associated with futuristic technology, it is already being used across healthcare settings today. From helping clinicians review medical images to supporting documentation and pharmacy operations, AI is becoming an increasingly common tool in healthcare delivery. As adoption continues to grow, understanding where AI is making a meaningful impact and where human oversight remains essential is becoming increasingly important. [1-3]
AI Is Already Part of Healthcare
One of the most visible uses of AI is helping healthcare professionals manage and interpret large amounts of information.
AI-enabled tools can assist with:
Analyzing medical images
Identifying patterns in clinical data
Supporting diagnostic decisions
Detecting patients who may be at higher risk for certain conditions
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), more than 1,600 AI-enabled medical devices had been authorized as of September 2026. These technologies span a variety of specialties and may assist with tasks such as detecting diabetic retinopathy, supporting skin cancer evaluations, and enhancing medical imaging workflows. [1,2]
Rather than replacing healthcare professionals, these tools are designed to help clinicians review information more efficiently and support informed decision making.
AI Is Transforming Everyday Clinical Work
The impact of AI extends beyond diagnosis and imaging.
Many healthcare organizations are using AI to assist with administrative and clinical workflows, including:
Creating progress notes
Summarizing patient charts
Drafting responses to patient messages
Reviewing medical literature
Supporting care plan development
The American Medical Association (AMA) reported that 81% of physicians surveyed in 2026 used AI professionally, demonstrating how rapidly these tools are becoming integrated into routine practice. [3]
For many providers, one of AI's greatest benefits may be reducing administrative burden and allowing more time to focus on patient care.
AI's Growing Role in Pharmacy
Pharmacy is another area where AI has generated significant interest.
AI and advanced analytics have the potential to support:
Clinical decision making
Workflow optimization
Medication safety initiatives
Drug utilization review
Identification of potential medication-related risks
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has highlighted several emerging applications of AI in pharmacy, including clinical documentation support, medication management tools, and systems designed to improve the accuracy of drug-interaction alerts. [4,5]
Importantly, AI is not intended to replace pharmacists. ASHP emphasizes the importance of pharmacist involvement in the design, implementation, validation, and ongoing evaluation of AI systems that may influence medication use. [5]
Key Takeaways
1. AI is already being used throughout healthcare.
From medical imaging and diagnostics to documentation and workflow support, AI has become part of everyday healthcare operations. [1-3]
2. Pharmacy is emerging as an important area for AI adoption.
AI may help support medication management, clinical decision making, and workflow efficiency, while pharmacists remain essential to oversight and implementation. [4,5]
3. AI is most effective when combined with human expertise.
While AI can process information quickly, clinical judgment, communication, and patient-centered care remain responsibilities that require human involvement. [5-7]
By Fatima Alukidi
PharmD Candidate (P3)
For questions, e-mail pharmd@prodigyrx.com
References
1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Medical Devices. Updated 2026. Accessed September 2026. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/digital-health-center-excellence/artificial-intelligence-enabled-medical-devices
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. List of Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Medical Devices. Updated 2026. Accessed September 2026. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/artificial-intelligence-enabled-medical-devices/list-artificial-intelligence-enabled-medical-devices
3. American Medical Association. More than 80% of Physicians Use AI Professionally: AMA Survey. Published March 12, 2026. Accessed September 2026. https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/digital-health/more-80-physicians-use-ai-professionally-ama-survey
4. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence Resource Center. Accessed September 2026. https://www.ashp.org/pharmacy-practice/resource-centers/digital-health-and-artificial-intelligence
5. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. ASHP Statement on Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy. Accessed September 2026. https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/policy-guidelines/docs/statements/artificial-intelligence-in-pharmacy.pdf
6. World Health Organization. WHO Calls for Safe and Ethical AI for Health. Published 2023. Accessed September 2026. https://www.who.int/news/item/16-05-2023-who-calls-for-safe-and-ethical-ai-for-health
7. American Medical Association. Augmented Intelligence in Medicine. Updated July 2026. Accessed September 2026. https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/digital-health/augmented-intelligence-medicine 