WARNING: Healthcare's "slow adopter" reputation just got shattered

🌟 Editor's Note

Healthcare just went from industry laggard to AI leader overnight. While competitors debated "readiness," smart health systems deployed AI agents that are now banking millions and stealing patients. This week: the exact strategies early movers used to leapfrog the competition, plus why being six months late in healthcare AI could be career-ending.

Dear healthcare leader,

2025 Is Fast Becoming the Year of AI Agents in Healthcare

Healthcare has traditionally trailed other industries in adopting new technologies. But this time, health systems big and small are using artificial intelligence and agentic AI solutions to leap ahead.

For example: Mount Sinai in New York City is creating an agentic AI roadmap. Chief Digital Transformation Officer Robbie Freeman explains: "Our top focus for the second half of this year is advancing our digital strategy to better support our workforce, patients, consumers and care teams. We're prioritizing tools that enhance experience, streamline workflows and enable more personalized, coordinated care."

McKinsey concurs: In an industry facing skyrocketing costs and a shortage of workers, AI agents have the power to tackle administrative work, coordinate care, and create new value. Read McKinsey analysis → 

The Increase in Healthcare Costs Is Inevitable and Coming

Employers are bracing for the largest annual increase in healthcare costs in a decade, with pharmacy spending accounting for 24% of all healthcare spend for employers.
Read more → 

The End of Medication Management Nightmares: AI Success Story

Hackensack Meridian had a staggering 74% of "sigs" (medication instructions) that required human intervention in their Epic EHR systems. Here's how they solved it using AI.

How "Find a Doctor" Has Moved Beyond Yelp and Google Search in the Age of AI

Instead of combing through multiple websites, reviews and maps, patients now can ask AI tools for provider recommendations and receive instant, synthesized answers.

Clear, patient-focused content on an organization's own website—optimized for Large Language Model queries—remains the single biggest influence on provider visibility and engagement. Read more →

Here's what this means for you:

Healthcare organizations that implement AI agents early are positioning themselves to capture significant cost savings, efficiency improvements, and enhanced patient experiences. Those who delay adoption may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage, potentially spending years and substantial resources trying to close the gap.

The data suggests that the window for being an early adopter is narrowing as AI becomes more mainstream across the industry.

Talk soon— Ram Menon, CEO of Avaamo