Note from the author: I took a pause in publishing my weekly healthcare blog (which some of you longtime followers may recall as “Frenkely Speaking”). My 2023 New Years’ Resolution is to dust off the writing hat and bring you regular EPIC Viewpoints again. It’s good to be back.

Viewpoints from Craig Hasday

Since the computer v. human chess games of long ago, I realized that the importance machines would play in our lives over time would accelerate. The time is now.

Healthcare is no doubt one of the most powerful examples of how artificial intelligence (AI) has improved our existence.

Adding AI oversight to the medical field leads to better and more accurate diagnosis and treatment protocols. Computer-based knowledge improves the evaluation of diagnostic imaging and the determination of necessary medical interventions more quickly and appropriately. AI is being used in training and education to deliver important insights to practitioners across the medical field, expanding knowledge and sharing experiences more effectively. AI also helps medical professionals prioritize care and fosters equity in healthcare, eliminating treatment biases by promoting best practices for all patients.

AI and computer-based automation reduces errors and replaces routine tasks, which allows practitioners (including healthcare consultants like me) to redefine how we service our clients.

EPIC recently adopted computer-aided technology to simplify the process of obtaining bids for insurance coverage, along with tracking benefit plan performance. With these new protocols, we can be better advisors – and put more focus on creating new ideas and opportunities for our clients.

A perfect application for AI is virtual care.

Automating diagnosis is a simple process where inputted biometric data can steer patients to appropriate treatment or even appropriate inaction. A recent NPR article highlights that AI could soon be used to diagnose illness based on the sound of your voice. The National Institute of Health is sponsoring studies to evaluate whether vocal cord vibrations and breathing patterns might give signs of conditions including neurological, voice, mood or respiratory disorders or conditions like autism or speech delays.

Even this blog may one day be written by ChatGPT.

I, for one, am embracing the bright, shining future of technology.
 


EPIC offers these opinions for general information only. EPIC does not intend this material to be, nor may any person receiving this information construe or rely on this material as, tax or legal advice. The matters addressed in this article and any related discussions or correspondence should be reviewed and discussed with legal counsel prior to acting or relying on these materials.

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Craig Hasday

President, National Employee Benefits Practice