Artificial intelligence tools are now part of routine medical practice for a large share of physicians, according to new survey data from the American Medical Association’s Center for Digital Health and AI.

The findings suggest rapid growth in adoption alongside cautious optimism about how the technology will affect clinical care.

The AMA’s 2026 Physician Survey on Augmented Intelligence found that 81% of physicians report using AI in their professional activities, up from 38% in 2023. The survey has been conducted annually since 2023 to measure how physicians view and apply AI tools in medical settings.
Use cases are also expanding. Physicians reported an average of 2.3 AI applications in their work this year, compared with 1.1 three years ago. The most common uses involve summarizing medical research and assisting with clinical documentation.

Confidence in the technology has increased during that period as well. More than three-quarters of physicians surveyed said AI improves their ability to care for patients, compared with 65% in the 2023 survey. Respondents most often cited diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency as potential benefits.

“AI has quickly become part of everyday medical practice. Physicians see real promise in its ability to support clinical decisions and cut down on administrative burden. But as this technology advances, it is critical that augmented intelligence be designed to enhance — not replace — physicians,” said John Whyte, M.D., MPH, CEO of the American Medical Association. “For doctors to trust and use these tools, they must be safe, effective, and used responsibly so they truly improve patient care. The AMA will continue leading this work so physicians help shape how AI is integrated into medicine.”

Despite growing adoption, concerns remain. Forty percent of physicians reported mixed views about AI, citing privacy risks and potential effects on the patient-physician relationship. Nearly 9 in 10 also expressed concern about possible skill erosion, particularly among physicians with fewer than 10 years of experience.

The survey also found physicians are generally supportive of patients using AI tools for basic health information or medication questions. However, many expressed opposition to patients using AI to interpret radiology or pathology results without clinical guidance.

Physicians identified data privacy protections, strong evidence of safety and effectiveness, and clear liability frameworks as key factors needed to support broader AI use in clinical practice. They also emphasized the importance of physician involvement in decisions about adopting AI technologies.

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