Artificial intelligence (AI) is generally defined as computer systems that can perform complex tasks that previously only a human could do, such as reasoning, decision-making, or problem-solving. AI is rapidly being integrated into our world, including healthcare. Proponents of the use of AI in healthcare believe it has the potential to make healthcare more efficient, less expensive, more accessible, and safer for patients.
AI Software for Medical Documentation
One of the more common uses of AI in physician offices is software for medical record documentation. This AI software is being marketed as a tool to make documentation more accurate and less burdensome. AI medical documentation tools work by using advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze and interpret large amounts of data related to healthcare, including patient records, lab results, and clinical notes. A key component of these tools is natural language processing (NLP), which allows the AI to understand and generate human-like language.
AI automates documentation by creating notes in real-time by listening to physician-patient communication. AI can collect, sort, and assemble clinical information from previous notes, laboratory results, reports, and other contents of the medical record and provide real-time recommendations using dynamic clinical data mining. Additionally, AI can automate billing and coding based on risk-adjustment factors and can also draft level-of-service recommendations.
Potential Risks of Using AI Software at Your Practice
While the advancements in AI and the opportunities to streamline processes at a doctor’s office are exciting, the use of AI in healthcare is not without risk.
Use AI as a tool, not as a substitute for clinical experience.
We are still in the early stages of these technologies being used and integrated. These tools may not always be accurate in their analysis and interpretation of data, which could lead to errors in diagnosis or treatment. They may overlook vital details or contexts that only a human healthcare professional would be able to detect. Healthcare providers should caution against becoming overly reliant upon AI. It should be used in conjunction with clinical expertise rather than as a replacement for clinical judgment.
Inform patients about how you’re using AI in the context of their care.
Patients should be informed about how and why medical recommendations are being made. Historically, clinical decisions have been made based upon scientific evidence such as clinical pathways, peer reviewed journal articles, etc. Clinicians use their judgement to determine if a particular decision is more beneficial and/or less harmful to a patient than other treatment options. AI models may not have been subject to the same level of scientific evidence and may not be able to recommend treatment that is in the best interest of the patient.
Remember to always acquire consent from the patient.
Another concern is patient privacy and security issues associated with AI. The use of AI should be transparent to patients and patients should consent to the use of AI. AI systems learn and adapt from large datasets of patient information. For that reason, it’s important that patients provide specific consent for the use of their private patient information for AI research.
Considerations for Using AI Documentation Software
If you choose to utilize AI software, it is important that you carefully evaluate available AI software options to find the best fit for your practice. Assess available features and capabilities and how it will integrate with your electronic health records system. Make sure you and your staff are educated on the software and how it is utilized in your office. Always review any AI-generated information for accuracy.
As this technology develops and advances, the use of AI will only continue to increase throughout the field of healthcare.
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