What is AI?

AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. The concept has been around for decades but we’re now approaching the promise: machines that think, learn, and communicate like humans. These smart systems can take over repetitive tasks, understand and generate human language, and even make predictions based on data. It’s like having Sherlock Holmes and Watson rolled into one—minus the pipe and magnifying glass!

A History of AI in Healthcare

Various flavors of AI have been used in healthcare for a number of years. Historically, managed by third-party companies or leveraged with other system for small focused tasks designed improve identification and predictions, and automate unskilled tasks. You may have heard of some of them:

• Natural Language Processing (NLP): technology that gives computers the ability to interpret, manipulate, and comprehend human language. Great for data extraction from documents to avoid manual data reentry. Today your phone can do this. Take a picture of something with text and many phones will interpret with NLP to let you copy and paste that text elsewhere.
• Machine Learning (ML): technology that learns from data and improves on a goal over time. It’s great for analyzing data to improve diagnoses and treatment plans. You’ve likely heard of radiology using tools that can help identify problems in scans, this is considered ML.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA): technology that makes it easy to build, deploy, and manage software robots that emulate humans actions interacting with digital systems and software. These tools sit on top of existing systems and act like a human to automate tasks.

What’s New? Large Language Models (LLMs)

Unlike the previous implementations, you’ve likely heard of LLMs like GPT because they are coming directly to the aid of individual providers. These models can understand and generate human-like text, answer questions, and even hold conversations. Picture J.A.R.V.I.S. from *Iron Man*, always there with the right information at the right time. The technology isn’t quite there yet, but the landscape here is evolving rapidly, with multiple companies vying to create the best AI assistant LLMs. While it’s fascinating to see the progress, the beauty of it is you won’t have to worry about the tech wars to enjoy the benefits.

Truly, the future of AI is not just in LLMs but in the combination of many different technology capabilities working together, as we’ll get into.

Why AI Should Matter to You

So why should you care about AI? Here’s the scoop:

• Increased Efficiency: AI takes over the boring stuff, freeing you up to do what you love—helping patients.
• Enhanced Accuracy: With AI’s precision, you can minimize errors in medical records and make more accurate diagnoses. It’s like having a Vulcan on staff—logical, precise, and unerringly accurate. Except when it isn’t — we’ll discuss what to avoid and how to manage.
• Time Savings: AI tools can slash the time you spend on administrative tasks, giving you more time to breathe and enjoy your work. Imagine if you had Hermione’s Time-Turner—more time for everything important.

Ever wish you could clone yourself like in Multiplicity? With AI, it’s like having a digital clone doing all the tedious work for you!

A Day in the Life with AI

Let me paint a picture for you. Meet Dr. Sarah, a primary care physician who used to stay at work long after her appointments were over to catch up on charts—she would ofter get so behind that charting came home with her. One day, she decided it was worth trying an AI tool. It wasn’t perfect but Dr. Sarah found her documentation time cut in half and charts are complete at the end of each day. She now spends more quality time with her patients and family. The first time she came home early her kids thought something was wrong—ha. Her job satisfaction soared, and her patients noticed the difference, too. That’s the magic of AI! That’s the reason for this series. I want every practicing provider to give it a chance and see if it’s right for them.

Conclusion

AI isn’t some sci-fi fantasy—it’s here, and it’s ready to make your work life better. By getting to know the basics of AI and its potential, you’re taking the first step towards a more efficient, enjoyable practice. In the next part of our series, we’ll guide you through the initial steps of setting up and using AI tools in your practice featuring our own innovative AI solution. Get ready to transform your practice!

Join the Conversation

Have you had any experiences with AI in your healthcare practice? Share your thoughts and stories with us. Let’s learn and grow together as we embrace the future of healthcare!

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