Blue Cross Blue Shield Association reported that hospitals using artificial intelligence tools to submit insurance claims added $942 million in healthcare spending over a two-year period.
The analysis, conducted by the association, highlighted a sharp increase in patients being documented as having complex conditions, but noted there is a clear disconnect between medical coding and treatment, as there’s no evidence of corresponding change in care delivered.
The New York Times cited the analysis as the latest indication that AI is contributing to rising healthcare costs. While disputes between hospitals and insurers over treatments and payments are not new, the newspaper argued that the use of AI on both sides appears to be exacerbating the issue.
Dr. Shiv Rao, founder of AI startup Abridge, acknowledged the potential for AI to lead to a dystopian future, with bots and agents clashing. However, he also suggested AI could reduce tensions and cut costs.
Blue Cross Blue Shield’s senior vice president, Luke Chalker, rejected the idea of a battle, stating, “It’s not a war. It’s a completely one-sided blood bath,” with insurers on the losing side.
The analysis comes amid ongoing debates about the role of AI in healthcare. The association did not specify how the situation will evolve, and the impact of AI on healthcare costs remains a topic of discussion.
Source: techcrunch
