AI Misconceptions: Automation can’t ease physicians’ workload

Michael Blackman, M.D., MBA, chief medical officer of Greenway Health, spoke with Medical Economics at the MGMA Leaders Conference 2025 in Orlando about how artificial intelligence (AI) can help relieve physicians’ overwhelming workloads. Citing a University of Chicago study showing it would take more than 26 hours a day for a primary care physician to deliver all guideline-recommended care, Blackman said the data illustrate why automation is essential.

He noted that AI-enabled tools like ambient documentation can save up to two hours daily, while automating task lists, coding and patient correspondence can further reduce administrative pressure.

“There are lots of opportunities to start knocking away at it one piece at a time,” he said.