THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION
fields in the EHR and even suggests follow-up actions based on the conversation . This allows physicians to focus on their patients rather than their keyboards . It removes a physical barrier ( the computer ) from the patient-physician relationship , literally .
For example , some systems use unobtrusive microphones in exam rooms that capture dialogue between the physician and patient . The AI system then transcribes and contextualizes the conversation , translating it into structured data that meets billing and regulatory requirements , but more importantly , structures it in a clinically useful way , including the standards we are accustomed to with SOAP notes , op notes and H & Ps .
According to an August 2023 AMA survey of physicians on AI sentiments , the plurality ( 41 %) of physicians are as equally excited as they are concerned about AI in medicine . In particular , as we are deploying AI , physicians surveyed were appropriately concerned about potential detrimental effects to the patient-physician relationship ( 39 %) and as very apropos to the above example , concerned about how this technology affects patient privacy ( 41 %). Therefore , as physicians and practices determine how this technology is deployed , it is important to understand how these potential risks and concerns are also mitigated . In the ambient AI example , it would be important to ask potential vendors how they use patient data , or what systems they have put in place to protect against leaks and hacks of private information . Disclosure to patients is also critical to continue to maintain trust and help them to understand how the technology helps you better take care of them .
Beyond Documentation : Other Back-Office Applications
While ambient AI is making waves in documentation , augmented intelligence has significant potential in other administrative and back-office functions , including :
1 . Revenue Cycle Management : AI can automate tasks like claims processing , coding and billing , reducing the chances of human error and accelerating revenue cycles . By analyzing large datasets , AI systems can flag discrepancies or potential denials before claims are submitted , reducing delays and increasing cash flow for health care organizations .
2 . Prior Authorization and Payer Interactions : AI can streamline these interactions by automating the retrieval of necessary documentation and integrating with insurance systems to speed up approval times , leading to quicker turnaround and processing .
3 . Population Health Management : As value-based care becomes more prevalent , population health management is increasingly important with predictive AI models that can identify high-risk patients and decrease effort for outreach . This helps reduce the burden on clinical teams while improving outcomes , especially for chronic conditions that require more frequent follow-ups and care coordination .
4 . Scheduling and Resource Management : AI-powered tools can optimize staffing schedules and resource allocation , ensuring that hospitals and clinics operate efficiently . By analyzing historical data , these tools can predict patient volumes , allowing health care organizations to avoid over- or under-staffing , which directly impacts both cost and quality of care .
By focusing on these non-patient facing , non-clinical application , the risk of early stage , not fully tested or vetted AI is mitigated . By focusing its use to business processes or administrative tasks , AI can help to reduce some of the drudgery of practice , taking advantage of a new effective technology , while doing it in a way that shields it from the potential for patient harm .
A Future with Reduced Burdens
Despite these challenges , the potential for augmented intelligence to transform health care is undeniable . By focusing on administrative and back-office functions , AI can alleviate the burdens that are driving physician burnout and undermining the efficiency of health care systems . The early success of ambient AI in documentation is just the beginning . As these technologies continue to evolve , we can expect even more exciting developments in how AI can enhance the practice of medicine — not by replacing physicians , but by empowering them to focus on what truly matters : delivering high-quality patient care , hopefully , leveraging technology to bring back joy in practice , rather than having it be another albatross around our necks .
The key takeaway for our readers is that augmented intelligence is not a distant future away , nor a boogie man to be feared — it ’ s already here , and its greatest promise lies not in replacing clinical judgment but in freeing up time and mental energy for patient care by handling the administrative tasks that take clinicians away from their calling . By focusing on AI ’ s administrative potential , physicians can reclaim the time and energy that administrative demands have taken from their practice , offering a renewed sense of professional satisfaction while improving health care delivery .
References :
1 https :// en . wikipedia . org / wiki / Human-in-the-loop
2
Christine Sinsky , Lacey Colligan , Ling Li , et al . Allocation of Physician Time in Ambulatory Practice : A Time and Motion Study in 4 Specialties . Ann Intern Med . 2016 ; 165:753-760 .[ Epub 6 September 2016 ]. doi : 10.7326 / M16-0961
3 https :// en . wikipedia . org / wiki / Killer _ application
4
Arndt BG , Beasley JW , Watkinson MD , Temte JL , Tuan WJ , Sinsky CA , Gilchrist VJ . Tethered to the EHR : Primary Care Physician Workload Assessment Using EHR Event Log Data and Time-Motion Observations . The Annals of Family Medicine Sep 2017 , 15 ( 5 ) 419-426 ; DOI : 10.1370 / afm . 2121
5
Melnick ER . et al . The Association Between Perceived Electronic Health Record Usability and Professional Burnout Among US Physicians . Mayo Clinic Proceedings , Volume 95 , Issue 3 , 476 – 487 .
Dr . Ding is a Clinical Associate Professor of Radiology at the University of Louisville , Associate Vice President for Physician Strategy and Medical Affairs at Humana and is an elected member of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees . This article is his own perspective and does not necessarily represent the views of any of these organizations .
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