Physicians, Pathologists

Pathologists rely on looking at microscope images and writing reports. Today, AI is starting to help with some of these tasks. For example, researchers have built AI algorithms that can scan digital slides and identify cells or patterns, even suggesting disease features ^{[1] [2]}.

Such tools can automate routine image analysis and speed up diagnosis without the doctor doing each task by hand ^{[1] [1]}. In one recent study, AI (using ChatGPT) processed free-form pathology reports and extracted important facts at about 99% accuracy ^[3]. Another project converted text reports into a structured “synoptic” checklist format with about 99% accuracy ^[2].

These results show AI can handle parts of report writing and data extraction. At the same time, experts stress that AI is a helper, not a replacement. For instance, a 2023 review notes that AI tools “provide support” and aid consistency, but are “not to replace” the pathologist ^{[1] [2]}.

More complex tasks – like teaching students, judging why a disease started, or supervising lab staff – still rely on human expertise and judgment.

Bringing AI into pathology labs may happen slowly. Digital pathology (scanning slides) requires expensive equipment, so many hospitals hesitate because insurers often don’t cover these costs ^[4]. In fact, one industry report notes that AI in pathology “lags behind” fields like radiology largely because of the high upfront expense and low reimbursement ^[4].

Only a few tools are FDA-approved so far – for example, a prostate-cancer scanning algorithm got approval in 2021 ^[1] – and most labs have not implemented them yet ^[2]. Regulatory hurdles and the need for proven accuracy mean doctors proceed cautiously ^{[2] [4]}. On the other hand, AI promises long-term benefits: studies suggest it could speed up testing and improve consistency, “increasing cost-effectiveness” by saving pathologist time ^{[1] [4]}.

In practice, adoption will likely be gradual. As AI tools become more affordable and doctors gain trust in them, pathology labs may increasingly use AI to handle routine parts of the work while leaving final decisions to human experts ^{[1] [2]}.