Healthcare scheduling platform Zocdoc has begun permitting AI agents to locate doctors and secure appointments directly for users, marking what CEO Dr. Oliver Kharraz calls a “contrarian move” amid industry skepticism toward agentic AI.
Before booking or canceling an appointment on Zocdoc’s platform, AI agents must register and get patient permission. Google Gemini, Amazon Health AI, and Instinct are already linked in, and other agents can seek entry with or without human assistance.
Zocdoc’s Bet on Agentic AI
The industry is uncertain about how to proceed with agentic AI, but Zocdoc is betting on it. According to Zocdoc CEO Dr. Oliver Kharraz, “I would say that welcoming agents the way we are is a bit of a contrarian move.”
Some health tech companies are adopting AI agents while others sound alarms about privacy and governance risks. Zocdoc requires explicit patient consent before booking appointments and touts its safeguards.
Traffic from AI agents on Zocdoc’s site has grown nearly 30-fold since July, reflecting a consumer appetite for AI. Adopting them, rather than shunning them, could help the company grow, according to the announcement.
How AI Agents Work with Zocdoc
With minimal human oversight, AI agents can operate independently, handling complex multi-step decisions and solving problems. Once Zocdoc approves an agent, it can connect to the company’s AI backend, allowing it to search the provider directory.
The agent is then able to check a clinician’s schedule, confirm insurance, and book an appointment, consulting the patient before making any final choices. The companies managing the agents can profit from the integration, motivating them to take part.
In exchange for access, Zocdoc requires agents to get patient consent and safeguard patient and provider data. Agents are prohibited from training themselves on the data, selling it, or redistributing it.
Zocdoc’s Expansion Strategy
The move is part of Zocdoc’s broader expansion strategy as it looks to scale its tech infrastructure. In September, the company launched a platform called Care Access Network that embeds Zocdoc’s scheduling tech into third-party apps, insurer websites, and AI tools.
Zocdoc also recently bought Sohar Health, a startup that provides automatic insurance benefits eligibility checks. This was the first acquisition in Zocdoc’s nearly 20-year history.
The company’s decision to allow AI agents to book appointments on its platform is also part of a broader push for connectedness across healthcare. Last year, the CMS launched its health tech ecosystem initiative, aimed at increasing the availability of digital health tools and improving interoperability. Zocdoc participates in the ecosystem, having pledged to provide personalized AI-powered support to patients.
