AI in Healthcare: Patients Want More Doctor Time
Patients are warming up to artificial intelligence in healthcare, but it hinges on one key factor: more face time with their doctors. A recent study reveals a meaningful shift, with a majority now supporting the use of AI if it allows physicians to focus on direct patient interaction. Explore how patients’ comfort levels with AI applications, from administrative tasks like appointment scheduling to potential use in diagnosis and treatment, are evolving. The research highlights the importance of openness, emphasizing patient desire to be informed about AI’s role in their care.News Directory 3 digs into the details of patient preferences, including the need for oversight and data source awareness. Discover what’s next as AI integration continues to reshape the patient experience.
Patients Warm to AI in Healthcare, Prioritize Doctor Face Time
updated June 27, 2025
While wary of artificial intelligence making critical clinical calls, a majority of patients are increasingly willing to accept AI in the exam room, provided it translates to more quality time with their physicians. This is according to a new study by ModMed, a healthcare technology firm, which surveyed 2,000 U.S. patients to gauge their feelings about the role of AI in medical practices.
The survey indicates a notable shift in attitudes. Where a 2023 Pew Research Center poll found 60% of Americans uneasy with AI in healthcare,ModMed’s data suggests 57% now support AI applications,such as ambient listening,if it frees up doctors for more direct patient interaction.
The desire for more personal attention appears to be a key factor. The modmed research revealed that 77% of respondents spend less than 15 minutes with their doctor during appointments. Further, nearly a third reported their doctor spends a important portion of that time-7 to 12 minutes-focused on documentation.consequently, 57% saeid they would prefer their physician to use AI for documentation if it meant more face time.
acceptance of artificial intelligence in healthcare hinges on the specific application. Patients are generally comfortable with AI handling administrative tasks. The survey found that 42% are receptive to AI assisting with prescription refills, 35% with appointment scheduling, and 31% with patient check-in. However, 55% remain uneasy with AI being used for diagnosis or treatment plans.
Clarity is also crucial. The survey emphasized that patients want to be informed when AI is involved in their care. Specifically, 81% want to know if their doctor’s office uses AI at all, and 55% expect notification if AI assists with diagnosis or treatment. nearly half want disclosure if AI is used for follow-ups, such as lab results. When asked how they prefer to be informed, 40% favored direct communication from their doctor, while others preferred a consent form (31%) or details on the doctor’s website (27%).
Beyond transparency, patients want oversight. A significant 83% believe AI used for diagnosis and treatment should meet safety and accuracy standards. Another 72% feel it is crucial to know the source of an AI model’s training data.
Even on the financial side of healthcare, patient sentiment is clear. While 34% are uneasy with AI accessing their credit card information, 57% support using AI to speed up claims processing, and 24% would be comfortable with AI helping to appeal denied insurance claims.
Dan Cane, co-founder and co-CEO of ModMed, said, “For too long, technology has put screens and paperwork between doctors and their patients. Our vision is to remove those barriers. This lets doctors and providers focus on patients, knowing intelligent systems work quietly in the background, anticipating needs and streamlining processes.”
What’s next
As AI continues to integrate into healthcare, providers will need to prioritize transparency and patient communication to build trust and ensure that technology enhances, rather than detracts from, the patient experience.