NYC Health + Hospitals CEO on Healthcare Challenges | Crain’s Panel Discussion

The chief executive of the largest public hospital system in the United States has stated a willingness to replace radiologists with artificial intelligence in specific cases, pending regulatory approval. Mitchell H. Katz, MD, president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, addressed the potential shift during a panel discussion held by Crain’s New York Business. The comments highlight a growing tension between technological efficiency and medical oversight within the healthcare industry.

Speaking at the forum on March 25, Katz outlined a future where AI could assume key radiology tasks. He noted that the technology is now being widely used to analyse mammograms and X-rays in hospitals. According to Katz, the infrastructure exists to implement these changes immediately, provided regulatory hurdles are cleared. This stance positions NYC Health + Hospitals at the forefront of a debate regarding the automation of diagnostic medicine.

We could replace a great deal of radiologists with AI at this moment, if we are ready to do the regulatory challenge.

Mitchell H. Katz, MD

The proposal centers on a workflow adjustment where artificial intelligence handles the initial readings of medical scans. Under this model, human radiologists would verify any unusual results identified by the software. Katz indicated that hospitals could save costs by letting AI handle first readings. This approach aims to manage the financial pressures facing public health institutions while maintaining diagnostic oversight.

Financial considerations play a significant role in the push for automation. Reporting from the event indicates that this offers hospitals a chance to reduce spending on radiologists. The cost of radiology services has become a concern as imaging demand increases. By integrating AI into the diagnostic pipeline, the hospital system aims to mitigate these rising expenses without completely removing human involvement from the process.

Beyond cost reduction, Katz emphasized the potential for improved patient access. He stated that AI has strong potential to improve access to breast cancer screening. Faster processing of imaging data could theoretically reduce wait times for patients seeking critical diagnostic services. This benefit is particularly relevant for large public health networks serving dense urban populations.

However, the proposition has met resistance from medical professionals. Radiologists have pushed back against the claim, warning of patient risks. Critics argue that relying on AI-only reads could risk patient safety. The medical community remains divided on the extent to which automated systems can be trusted with primary diagnostic responsibilities without human verification.

The discussion took place within the context of NYC Health + Hospitals, an 11-hospital organisation. Katz has been leading the organisation since 2018. As the head of the US’s largest public hospital system, his comments carry significant weight regarding future hospital administration strategies. The scale of the organisation means that any policy shift regarding radiology staffing could impact a large number of patients and providers.

Current applications of the technology already include mammogram and X-ray analysis. Katz noted that AI is now being widely used to analyse these specific types of imaging. The proposed expansion would build upon this existing usage. The distinction lies in the degree of reliance placed on the software versus the human specialist during the initial assessment phase.

Regulatory frameworks remain the primary barrier to implementation. Katz specified that the replacement of radiologists is contingent on whether regulations allow it. The regulatory challenge involves ensuring that patient safety standards are met when automated tools are used for primary diagnosis. Until these rules are adjusted, the workflow changes remain a strategic possibility rather than an immediate operational reality.

The dialogue underscores the broader intersection of healthcare economics and technological advancement. While some backed the move for cost and efficiency, the warning from doctors highlights the stakes involved. The balance between reducing spending and ensuring accurate medical diagnosis continues to be a central topic for hospital administrators. As imaging demand increases, the pressure to find sustainable staffing models grows.

Reporting on the event was published on April 01, 2026. The coverage details the specific comments made by Katz during the Crain’s New York Business panel. It also documents the immediate reaction from the radiology community. The situation remains developing as hospital systems evaluate the role of artificial intelligence in clinical settings.

NYC Health + Hospitals continues to navigate the integration of new technologies into public health services. The organisation’s approach may influence other public hospital systems across the country. Observers will be watching to see if regulatory bodies respond to the proposal. The outcome will determine whether AI becomes a primary tool for reading scans or remains a supportive adjunct to human expertise.