The Essential AI Readiness Checklist for Companies

For small and mid-sized healthcare providers, the pressure is immense. You are tasked with delivering exceptional patient care, managing complex data, and navigating stringent compliance. All of this must be done with limited resources. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize operations, from automating administrative tasks to enhancing diagnostic support. But jumping in without preparation is like performing surgery without sterilizing your instruments. The risks include data breaches, compliance failures, and wasted investment. These risks are too great.

AI readiness is not about having the biggest budget. It is about having a solid, secure, and strategic foundation. This checklist is designed specifically for healthcare SMBs to assess their position and take practical steps toward adopting AI confidently and safely.

What is AI Readiness? A Quick Definition

AI readiness is the state of having your technology infrastructure, data management, security protocols, and staff prepared to adopt, implement, and benefit from artificial intelligence tools. For healthcare, this means ensuring any AI solution integrates seamlessly with your clinical workflows while fiercely protecting Protected Health Information (PHI).

Think of it as preparing your practice for a new, highly intelligent team member. You need a defined role for them, secure access to the right information, and clear guidelines on how they interact with patients and staff. Consider taking an AI readiness assessment by Microsoft to evaluate your organization’s readiness.