A new report from athenahealth’s athenaInstitute reveals that artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving in healthcare, moving beyond administrative automation to become a strategic tool for clinical decision-making. The research, titled “AI on the Frontlines of Care,” draws on national survey data and insights from clinicians and practice administrators to highlight how AI is transforming ambulatory care delivery. The findings show that clinician trust in AI is growing, leading to more advanced use cases. Early adopters are now leveraging AI to anticipate patient needs, close gaps in care, and manage the increasing complexity of healthcare systems. While AI was initially seen as a way to reduce clerical burdens, it is now being used to enhance clinical judgment and improve patient outcomes. Key insights from the study include: AI is accelerating clinical decision support. Despite earlier predictions that such capabilities were years away, clinicians are already using AI tools to quickly access information (60%), integrate fragmented data like lab and imaging results (55%), and retrieve up-to-date clinical evidence (56%). These capabilities are helping providers make faster, more informed decisions. Clinicians trust AI most when it enhances their ability to see the full clinical picture. An overwhelming 86% of respondents feel comfortable either fully delegating (26%) or having AI assist (60%) with identifying overlooked details in patient records. This reflects a growing view of AI as a reliable second opinion that complements, rather than replaces, human expertise. Interoperability remains the biggest barrier to AI’s full potential. Despite AI’s ability to surface relevant information, many clinicians struggle to access timely, accurate data across systems. Fifty percent report difficulty finding relevant clinical information, and only 2% say it is not challenging to access data across platforms. Incomplete or outdated data limits AI’s effectiveness, just as it does for clinicians. The clinical workforce is entering a new phase of AI integration. Among adopters, 23% report faster decision-making and treatment planning, 21% have seen fewer billing and coding errors, and 22% are developing new skills. However, nearly a quarter of clinicians find the learning curve challenging, indicating a critical transition period as AI becomes embedded in daily workflows. Despite its technical capabilities, the real promise of AI lies in improving the human side of care. Many clinicians say AI’s greatest value is not in automating tasks, but in freeing up time for meaningful patient interactions. By reducing administrative friction, AI allows providers to focus on the personal, empathetic aspects of care that define high-quality medicine. “AI has existed for years, but only recently has it proven effective in helping physicians cut through the noise and move beyond busywork to support real patient care,” said Dr. Ciarán DellaFera of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center. “AI can spot patterns humans might miss, and these insights are helping us make more confident decisions. But it will never replace the human connection—AI’s role is to clear the clutter so we can deliver care as it should be.” The research is based on a national survey of 501 physicians and practice administrators, conducted by athenaInstitute and fielded by Sago Health, along with interviews with frontline clinicians and practice leaders. The findings underscore the importance of designing AI tools with clinicians at the center—ensuring they enhance, rather than hinder, the care experience. With over 20% of the U.S. population served by clinicians on the athenahealth network, the company has a unique vantage point into the realities of ambulatory care. The athenaInstitute continues to drive innovation by publishing insights, convening experts, and promoting solutions that reduce complexity and improve outcomes for providers and patients alike.