Healthcare systems are moving toward agentic AI, which is a smarter type of artificial intelligence that can work on its own to complete tasks. Unlike regular AI that just helps doctors, agentic AI can do entire jobs by connecting different computer systems and organizing workflows all by itself.

One big way agentic AI is helping is with prior authorization, which is when insurance companies need to approve treatments before patients get them. Right now, doctors spend lots of time filling out forms and waiting for approval. Agentic AI can fill out these forms automatically, send them to insurance companies, and tell doctors when approval happens. A company called Waystar said their agentic AI already stopped $15.5 billion in insurance denials in less than a year.

Oracle Health improved its Clinical AI Agent to help doctors order lab tests, imaging, and prescriptions just by listening to conversations. Another company, Lotus Health AI, raised $41 million to offer free 24-hour primary care using AI that helps doctors see 10 times more patients.

AI is also helping with patient engagement. Amazon One Medical created a Health AI helper that explains test results and helps patients schedule appointments. OpenAI launched ChatGPT Health, which talks to patients about their health using their medical records.

In Canada, the government introduced new laws to help hospitals use AI innovations to improve patient care and make the healthcare system work better. Around the world, healthcare leaders see AI as a growth driver for 2026, especially in diagnostics and workflow improvements.

However, experts warn that too much automation could cost a lot of money and make patients less trusting of doctors. The biggest challenge is that many hospitals have old computer systems that don't talk to each other, making it hard for agentic AI to work properly.