As artificial intelligence continues reshaping industries, AI in healthcare is finally gaining momentum. Once considered slow to adopt new technologies, hospitals and health systems are now embracing agentic AI—a new generation of intelligent, autonomous digital agents designed to streamline operations, relieve workforce pressure, and improve patient care.
With the healthcare workforce stretched thin and the demand for better outcomes rising, AI in healthcare offers a timely and transformative solution. In 2025, we’re seeing healthcare organizations across the country actively invest in this technology—not just as a trend, but as a cornerstone for the future of care delivery.
What Is Agentic AI—and Why Now?
Agentic AI refers to intelligent software agents capable of performing complex tasks, learning from data, and interacting with humans in meaningful ways. Unlike simple automation scripts, these AI systems can:
- Make real-time decisions
- Adapt to changing scenarios
- Interact with patients and staff via natural language
- Integrate with EHR and CRM systems
- Handle clinical, operational, and administrative tasks
The urgency for AI adoption is clear. Health systems are navigating shrinking margins, persistent staffing shortages, and increasing operational complexity. Agentic AI helps bridge the gap by enabling hospitals to do more with less—while maintaining high standards of care.
Leading Health Systems Are Already Moving Forward
Leading Health Systems Are Already Moving Forward
Mayo Clinic has long been a pioneer in healthcare innovation. In 2025, they’re doubling down on intelligent automation with a focus on scalable AI agent frameworks. Their goal? Seamlessly integrate digital agents into clinical and administrative workflows.
According to Dr. Anjali Bhagra, Mayo’s Medical Director for Automation, the next phase is all about architecting agentic systems that are secure, sustainable, and built to enhance—not replace—human talent.
They’re also exploring next-gen experiences like holographic interfaces and digital avatars to enhance how care is delivered and how patients engage with providers.
Mount Sinai’s Responsible AI Roadmap
Mount Sinai Health System in New York is co-creating AI tools alongside their frontline staff. Robbie Freeman, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, emphasizes building responsible AI governance to ensure every deployment is safe, ethical, and impactful.
Their digital strategy focuses on:
- Enhancing user experience for patients and staff
- Streamlining administrative bottlenecks
- Coordinating personalized care more effectively
Mount Sinai is prioritizing AI systems that are not only smart but also scalable and user-centric.
Real-World Use Cases Driving Efficiency
Parkview Health: Workforce Augmentation, Not Replacement
At Parkview Health, Dr. Darrell Keeling sees agentic AI as part of the solution to workforce challenges. But he’s clear—these tools must go beyond basic automation to prove their value.
Rather than eliminating jobs, Parkview is focused on training staff to integrate AI into daily workflows—delegating repetitive tasks while leveraging human expertise for nuanced care. For healthcare systems still recovering from COVID-related financial stress, this kind of augmentation can improve productivity without harming workforce morale.
Lincoln Hospital: AI as a Safety Net for Budget Cuts
With potential Medicaid cuts looming, NYC Health + Hospitals’ Lincoln Hospital is exploring agentic AI to maintain service quality on leaner teams. Dr. Lewis Marshall sees AI as a means to:
- Automate routine procedures
- Support clinical conversations
- Improve diagnosis accuracy
While automation can reduce staff workload, human oversight remains essential. Success hinges on deploying AI thoughtfully, with a focus on staff well-being and patient satisfaction.
UT Southwestern: Reinventing the Revenue Cycle
In Texas, UT Southwestern is applying agentic AI to overhaul their revenue cycle. According to Michael Laukaitis, director of analytics and quality assurance, the hospital now uses voice-driven AI agents for:
- Real-time conversations with payers and patients
- Automated call transcription and summarization
- Zero-click documentation synced with Epic and CRM tools
This allows staff to enter every interaction with full context, reducing friction and increasing operational speed. Even better, custom AI models trained on regional dialects and medical terminology enhance accuracy and personalization.
What Makes Agentic AI Integration Successful?
While the promise of AI is exciting, implementation is where many hospitals stumble. Leaders across health systems are now prioritizing AI literacy—educating teams on how to use these technologies effectively and ethically.
Key pillars of successful AI integration include:
- Clear training for staff to work alongside AI
- Repeatable processes that scale across departments
- Strong governance to ensure compliance and safet
- Commitment to augmentation, not replacement
As Dr. Keeling notes, it’s not just about individual gains. It’s about building systems that support sustainable, organization-wide change.
Final Thoughts
2025 is shaping up to be a turning point for AI in healthcare—with agentic AI at the center of this transformation. By focusing on thoughtful implementation, collaborative design, and staff empowerment, hospitals can move beyond buzzwords and achieve real, measurable improvements in care and efficiency.
Whether it’s revenue cycle automation, clinical support, or operational streamlining, AI agents offer a path toward a more agile, resilient, and human-centered healthcare system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Agentic AI involves smart agents that can make decisions, interact with users, and adapt in real time. Traditional automation typically follows fixed rules and can’t learn or respond dynamically.
No. Most health systems are using AI to augment staff by handling repetitive tasks. The focus is on supporting—rather than replacing—human workers.
Yes, when implemented with proper protocols. Leading hospitals prioritize data governance, compliance, and security frameworks to protect sensitive health information.
For more expert-backed healthcare insights, scroll below and explore our latest blogs.
Stay connected—follow us on social media for more!
