Healthcare AI Predictions for 2020 and the Importance of Transparency

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Health AI Predictions for 2020

   • 2.1 The Era of Cognition and Neuroscience in AI
   • 2.2 The Impact of Wearable Devices on AI Strategy
   • 2.3 Robotic Process Automation in Healthcare Administration
   • 2.4 Conversational ai in healthcare
   • 2.5 The Role of Deep Learning in Patient Outcome and Behavior
   • 2.6 AI and Altered Reality Technologies in Healthcare
   • 2.7 Image Interpretation and Deep Learning in Surgical Procedures
   • 2.8 Addressing Issues of Bias, Inequity, and Data Privacy in AI
   • 2.9 Regulatory Policies and the Rise of AI Capabilities

3. Practice Fusion's Settlement and Health IT Integrity

   • 3.1 Practice Fusion's Admission of Kickbacks from Opioid Manufacturer
   • 3.2 Fraudulent Certification and False Claims for EHR Incentive Payments
   • 3.3 Impact on Health IT Credibility and Reputation
   • 3.4 Importance of Transparency and Telling the Health IT Story

4. Tech Leaders' Call for AI Regulation and Digital Officers

   • 4.1 Tech Giants' Appeal for Government Regulation of AI
   • 4.2 Why Successful Digital Officers Do Not Always Have Digital in Their Title

5. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to this week's Adelphi TV news, where we bring you a compilation of stories that impact health IT in a fast and raw format. I'm Bill Russell, the healthcare CIO coach and creator of This Week in Health IT. This episode covers a range of topics including health AI predictions for 2020, Practice Fusion's settlement to resolve criminal and civil investigations, and tech leaders' call for AI regulation. Additionally, we'll discuss the importance of transparency and telling the health IT story in order to maintain credibility in the industry.

Health AI Predictions for 2020

2.1 The Era of Cognition and Neuroscience in AI

Dr. Anthony Chang, a friend of the show, predicts that the field of health AI will experience significant advancements in cognition and neuroscience. This indicates that AI will play a crucial role in understanding the human brain and its impact on healthcare.

2.2 The Impact of Wearable Devices on AI Strategy

The increasing availability of wearable devices will demand the implementation of AI strategies in healthcare. These strategies will help make sense of the vast amount of data generated by these devices, providing valuable insights for patient care.

2.3 Robotic Process Automation in Healthcare Administration

The utilization of AI, specifically in the form of robotic process automation, will become more appreciated and useful in healthcare administration. This technology will streamline administrative tasks, improving efficiency and reducing costs within healthcare organizations.

2.4 Conversational AI in Healthcare

Conversational AI, such as Voice Assistants and chatbots, will become more sophisticated and commonly used in healthcare. These technologies will enhance patient engagement, facilitate communication between healthcare professionals and patients, and provide personalized assistance.

2.5 The Role of Deep Learning in Patient Outcome and Behavior

The focus of AI applications will shift from deep learning algorithms' predictive capabilities to their impact on patient outcomes and behavior. Instead of solely relying on data analysis, AI will be utilized to influence and drive patient behavior towards improved health outcomes.

2.6 AI and Altered Reality Technologies in Healthcare

The integration of AI in altered reality technologies, including virtual reality and mixed reality, will increase. These technologies will enhance medical training, surgical procedures, and patient experiences through immersive simulations and augmented information.

2.7 Image Interpretation and Deep Learning in Surgical Procedures

In certain surgical and procedure-based specialties, the adoption of AI for image interpretation and deep learning will increase. These technologies will assist healthcare professionals during procedures, improving accuracy and efficiency.

2.8 Addressing Issues of Bias, Inequity, and Data Privacy in AI

As AI becomes more prevalent in medicine and healthcare, it is crucial to address issues of bias, inequity, and data privacy. Stricter regulation and ethical standards must be implemented to ensure fairness, equal access, and protection of confidential patient information.

2.9 Regulatory Policies and the Rise of AI Capabilities

Regulatory policies regarding AI technology in medicine and healthcare will reflect the exponential growth of AI capabilities. The focus will be on establishing guidelines and standards to govern the safe and effective use of AI in healthcare settings.

Practice Fusion's Settlement and Health IT Integrity

3.1 Practice Fusion's Admission of Kickbacks from Opioid Manufacturer

Health IT company, Practice Fusion, admitted to soliciting and receiving a million-dollar kickback from an opioid manufacturer. This kickback allowed the drug maker's marketing department to design clinical decision support alerts that encouraged the prescribing of opioids, even when it went against acceptable medical standards.

3.2 Fraudulent Certification and False Claims for EHR Incentive Payments

Practice Fusion fraudulently obtained ONC EHR certification by falsely claiming that its software met the required standards. However, it disabled the certified feature and advised users to contact the company if they needed patient data exported. The company also allowed providers to falsely claim Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive payments, resulting in significant financial fraud.

3.3 Impact on Health IT Credibility and Reputation

The settlement with the Department of Justice raises concerns about the integrity of health IT companies and their impact on patient care. This occurrence serves as a reminder that transparency, accountability, and ethics are critical in maintaining the credibility and reputation of the industry.

3.4 Importance of Transparency and Telling the Health IT Story

In light of Practice Fusion's settlement, it is essential for health IT leaders and organizations to be transparent about their practices and actively communicate their impact on patient care. By telling their stories, health IT professionals can help Shape the narrative surrounding the industry, emphasizing the positive contributions being made and maintaining trust among stakeholders.

Tech Leaders' Call for AI Regulation and Digital Officers

4.1 Tech Giants' Appeal for Government Regulation of AI

Tech leaders, including prominent companies, have called for government regulation of AI. This appeal reflects the need for ethical guidelines, privacy protection, and responsible use of AI technologies. It also highlights the growing recognition of the potential risks associated with unregulated AI deployments.

4.2 Why Successful Digital Officers Do Not Always Have Digital in Their Title

A white paper by Heidrick & Struggles explores the emerging trend of successful digital officers not having "digital" in their job titles. This shift signals a broader understanding of digital transformation as a business strategy rather than a separate IT function. It demonstrates the importance of incorporating digital thinking and capabilities throughout an organization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the field of health AI is poised for significant advancements in 2020, ranging from the integration of wearable devices to the utilization of conversational AI and deep learning in healthcare. However, recent incidents, such as Practice Fusion's settlement, highlight the importance of transparency and ethical practices in health IT. Additionally, the call for AI regulation and the evolving role of digital officers indicate a growing recognition of the impact of technology throughout organizations. By addressing these challenges and embracing innovation responsibly, the health IT industry can continue to shape a future that positively impacts patient care and outcomes.