Healthcare leaders recently convened in Nashville for McDermott HealthEx, an event focused on strategies and innovations shaping the industry. Day 2 provided valuable insights from executives and experts on optimizing operations, creating patient value, and strategic growth, with a particular emphasis on the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in care delivery.
Responsible AI Integration in Care Delivery
A key theme from Day 2 was the promise and careful implementation of AI in healthcare. Legal and compliance leaders from top health technology companies discussed how real-world AI applications are improving care across diverse populations, including in underserved communities, citing examples like using AI agents for high-volume colorectal cancer screening outreach.
However, panelists stressed the critical need for implementation to be anchored in strong governance frameworks. In an interview highlighted by Modern Healthcare, Maulik Shah, General Counsel at Hippocratic AI, emphasized that these frameworks require ongoing evaluation and refinement of AI tools based on their performance in real-world settings.
Disclosing the use of AI tools with patients was another recurring point, particularly in emotionally sensitive contexts, as empathetic interactions with the technology can build trust. While acknowledging the risks associated with AI, Shah offered a pragmatic perspective: “Never let the perfect be the enemy of the very, very good.”
Overall, the discussion encouraged iterative pilot programs and close collaboration between developers, providers, and legal teams to scale AI responsibly in care delivery.
Other Strategic Insights
Beyond AI, discussions at HealthEx Day 2 covered other critical areas shaping the healthcare landscape:
- Health Systems Rethinking Private Equity Partnerships: Despite market volatility, health systems are strategically approaching M&A. There’s a growing openness among not-for-profit systems to partner with private equity firms, especially for service-line joint ventures, recognizing the capital, operational expertise, and performance improvement support these partnerships can bring.
- Financial Headwinds Accelerating AI Adoption: Economic pressures are driving provider organizations to adopt AI for streamlining operations, reducing costs, and improving the patient experience. Administrative tasks like calling and scheduling are prime areas benefiting from AI tools, with examples like Zocdoc’s AI-powered phone assistant handling a significant percentage of inbound appointment calls.
- Providers Eyeing Medicaid, Commercial Insurance for Value-based Care: With pressures in the Medicare Advantage market, providers are increasingly exploring value-based care models in Medicaid and commercial insurance. While Medicaid requires a different approach focused on holistic care and reducing medical costs through improved quality, the shift is growing, particularly in employer-sponsored and individual markets.
- Health Plan Leaders Urge Deeper Provider Relationships: Successful value-based care partnerships require trust, timely support, and clear communication, not just financial alignment. Health plan executives called for moving beyond transactional dealings towards more collaborative relationships, simplifying processes, and demonstrating value quickly to keep providers engaged. AI is also seen as promising for administrative tasks and real-time decision-making in value-based care.
These discussions from McDermott HealthEx Day 2 underscore the dynamic evolution of the healthcare industry, driven by technological advancements like AI, evolving partnership models, and the ongoing push towards value-based care.
You can read the full article on Modern Healthcare.