Healthcare not only accounts for a large part of the US economy (about 20%) but also, usually, enjoys decent profit margins. So it should be no surprise that entrepreneurs have an interest in using AI to tackle healthcare problems.
From reading x-rays, to predicting heart disease, to understanding protein binding, AI or AI-using applications have enjoyed considerable success in specialized areas. This article discusses the potential for using AI in medical transcription which, if successful and interconnected, could improve healthcare across the board.
“I was working at the local wound care clinic last week when this scenario presented itself. The patient was referred from the emergency room for follow for a wound. His wound was a deep wound at the medial malleolus of the right ankle. The posterior tibial tendon was right there, as clear as day. There was necrotic and fibrotic tissue around the tendon. I debrided the area, including the tendon, and all surrounding non-viable tissue. The patient had a superficial wound at the right hallux. Here are my questions:
1. Can we bill CPT 11043 and CPT 11044 in a wound care center?
2. Are we allowed to bill more than one wound debridement during the same visit?
3. Can I bill an E/M for the hallux wound, if only debrided the ankle wound?”
AI now has business and innovation momentum not seen since at least the internet bubble and, given the greater diffusion speed of technology now, perhaps ever. The question is, will it last and lead to a Kurtweilian singularity or will it soon die out?