Definition · Allowed AI at work

Agentic AI

Agentic AI describes AI systems that pursue a goal with some autonomy. They plan multistep work, use tools and data, take actions, check results, and adjust, with limited step-by-step human direction. It contrasts with generative AI used for a single prompt and response. In healthcare, agentic AI runs workflows such as patient outreach, intake, and follow-up.

What agentic AI is

Agentic AI is a property, not a single product. A system is agentic when it can break a goal into steps, choose tools, act in other systems, and react to what happens. A generative AI chat that drafts a letter is not very agentic. A system that drafts the letter, finds the patients, sends it, and tracks replies is.

Autonomy comes in degrees. At the low end, AI suggests and a person acts. Next, AI drafts and a person approves. Then AI acts within set limits and escalates exceptions. Full autonomy is rare in healthcare, because errors can compound across steps and clinical judgment must stay with licensed people.

Before adopting agentic AI, know exactly what actions the system can take and which require approval. Know where it hands off and how every action is logged. Because agents act on PHI, the vendor needs a BAA. Outbound calls and texts also bring TCPA consent and opt-out duties.

Questions

Agentic AI, answered

Agentic AI vs generative AI: what is the difference?

Generative AI produces content, such as text, images, or audio, in response to a prompt. Agentic AI uses generative models as one part of a system that plans and acts toward a goal. Most agentic systems are built on generative models, but they add tools, memory, and decision loops.

What are examples of agentic AI in healthcare?

Calling every patient on a care-gap list and logging results. Answering inbound calls and routing them. Following up after a hospital discharge. Working through refill-due lists for a pharmacy. In each case the AI takes several steps across systems instead of producing one answer.

What are the risks of agentic AI?

Errors can compound because the system acts on its own outputs. Broad permissions raise the impact of a mistake. Poor handoff rules can leave patients stuck. Mitigations include narrow permissions, human approval for sensitive steps, clear escalation, full audit logs, and testing on real scenarios before launch.

How does Rivvi use agentic AI?

Rivvi is a HIPAA-compliant AI workspace where staff chat, upload, and analyze. Its action layer runs agentic work on calls, texts, and web chat, such as working an outreach list. When a patient needs a person, Rivvi warm-transfers the call or creates a task. Outcomes are logged.

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What agentic AI is

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