The use of artificial intelligence in healthcare is a divisive issue in healthcare, with both strong supporters and opponents.
Here are three leader's thoughts on AI in healthcare:
Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Andrew Lovewell, CEO of Columbia (Mo.) Orthopaedic Group: At this point, the jury is out on the full use case in many settings that we work today. There is a lot of excitement and discussion about the future of medicine and the way it will look given this technological boom that we are experiencing. However, I don't look for things to change as rapidly as some are predicting.
Healthcare traditionally is slow to adopt new technologies because the stakes are high. Healthcare is one of the most regulated industries and slim margins mean every technology investment is highly scrutinized.
If we could find a way to bend the cost curve on cutting-edge technologies, I would expect the deployment and use of AI and large language models to increase exponentially. In fact, as more companies develop AI, machine learning and LLM, I do believe we will see the cost burden lessen as things become more of a commodity in our space.
Sean Moroze, MD. Orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart Bay Orthopedics (Panama City, Fla.): AI can streamline care by reducing physician administrative burden, improving diagnostic accuracy, eliminating redundancy and minimizing physician errors. The introduction of AI into electronic medical records will occur piecemeal, with often undetectable change. However, in the coming decade, such technology will be commonplace and come to be expected by physicians and other providers.
Rusty Strange. CIO at Regent Surgical (Franklin, Tenn.): The strategic integration of AI in our ASCs aligns with our mission to redefine surgical care and with our commitment to deliver high-quality, efficient and patient-centered care. Because AI has the potential to change the way healthcare is delivered and how patient data is handled, any AI integration must be accompanied by robust cybersecurity measures, team member training and transparent communication. Healthcare leaders across the industry continue to see market-specific ASC strategies as a key to operational strength and embracing appropriate AI applications will only further position the ASC sector for future growth, ultimately benefiting patients, team members and the overall healthcare system.