Taking AI’s Pulse in Healthcare

Author: Beth Schultz, VP of Research & Principal Analyst

Generally, the healthcare industry is known for being conservative in its approach to technology adoption. Concerns such as patient privacy, regulatory compliance, and complexity of integrating new technology into existing systems are among the oft-cited—and readily justified—reasons for a cautious approach. While the industry’s historical preference for taking it slow with new technology wouldn’t seem to bode well for AI adoption, Metrigy’s AI for Business Success 2025-26 research study of 1,104 companies shows the opposite to be true.

In fact, the study shows healthcare to be among the top five industries already using AI extensively across their businesses. Most healthcare companies studied said they are using AI in a few (38.8%) or across all or most (55.1%) business units. The remainder use AI in at least one business unit (4.1%) or are running pilot tests (2.0%).

This report explores where healthcare is moving ahead on AI and where it’s lagging compared to other industries. It will examine:

• Where and what types of AI are in use
• Spending, ROI, and business benefits
• Organizational strategy
• AI optimization

Table of Contents

• AI’s Strategic Scope in Healthcare
• Where AI Is in Use
• AI Spending and Benefits Achieved
  • Good News, Bad News on Spending
  • Outlook on Return on Investment (ROI)
  • AI’s Effect on Four Business Metrics
• Organizational Approach to AI
  • AI Center of Excellence
  • Chief AI Executive
  • Data Readiness and Results Optimization
• Heat Map and Recommendations
• Working With Metrigy