The Rise of the AI-Empowered Patient

The LOUNGE - A Newsletter for Savvy Physicians

We scour the net, selecting the most pertinent articles for the busy doc so you don’t have to! Here’s what kept our focus this week…

• The latest generation of AI tools, like ChatGPT, will empower patients and redefine the doctor-patient relationship by democratizing clinical expertise.

• What do Amazon, Google, CVS, Walmart, Uber, and Best Buy have in common? They are all revolutionizing the health care industry.

• Discover the nine powerful strategies that can help you save while paying down debt and transform your financial outlook.

• Have you ever wondered why some people always expect the worst in every situation?

• Are you investing in your personal growth or just getting caught in a spending vortex?

• Telemedicine has had an interesting history, experiencing significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

LOUNGE TALK

Artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine has been hyped for years, but its impact has been limited. However, the launch of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools could change that. Unlike earlier generations of AI, these tools have the potential to democratize not only knowledge but also clinical expertise. Rule-based AI, the first generation, relied on human-generated instructions and was not as accurate as doctors. Narrow AI, the second generation, used neural networks and performed better than doctors in diagnostic accuracy but had limitations and relied heavily on training data. The future lies with generative AI, which will enable individuals to diagnose diseases and create treatment plans without medical training. These tools are rapidly improving and will soon empower patients in ways never before imagined. Within the next decade, medical expertise will no longer be exclusive to trained clinicians, and the doctor-patient relationship will be redefined. This article sets the stage for the potential transformations that generative AI could bring to healthcare.

The health care industry in the United States is on the verge of disruption as major players like Amazon, Google, CVS, Walmart, Uber, and Best Buy begin to make their mark. These companies have entered the low end of the market, transforming preventive care, primary care, prescription benefits management, and medication dispensing. With acquisitions, partnerships, and innovative services, they are targeting higher acuity specialty, subspecialty, and surgical care. For example, Amazon's acquisition of One Medical has allowed them to offer affordable and convenient primary care services. Google has created various platforms and services, including Onduo for diabetes care and OneFifteen for opioid treatment. CVS, Walmart, and Best Buy are also expanding their health care footprint. These disruptors are bringing game-changing features to the industry, and once consumers start adopting these services, the traditional health care system will face significant challenges. Health system executives must prepare for the future by closely monitoring the disruptors, creating innovation labs, and empowering leaders to identify opportunities. Taking a defensive approach is no longer enough - the best defense is a good offense.

Looking to manage your money better and take control of your financial future? Discover nine powerful strategies that can help you save while paying down debt. Fiscal discipline is the key—set clear, achievable goals, track every expense, and focus on needs rather than wants. Timing and bargaining can also make a significant difference—wait for seasonal sales and negotiate prices to find savings. Avoid rash decisions by thoroughly researching options and considering long-term goals. Evaluate housing options and major purchases to ensure they align with your financial strategy. Building an emergency fund and cultivating additional income sources provide stability and accelerate your path to being debt-free. Embrace energy efficiency to save on bills and contribute positively to the environment. With these strategies, you can transform your financial outlook and step confidently towards a debt-free and prosperous tomorrow.

Leaders who have a tendency to catastrophize everyday setbacks may unknowingly spread anxiety to their teams. Catastrophizing refers to the tendency to see threatening consequences in situations, real or imagined. This behavior is rooted in the brain's automatic response to perceive potential threats to survival and well-being. Past traumatic events can also distort our ability to accurately assess impending threats, leading to an overreaction. To address catastrophizing, leaders can reflect on the origin stories that shaped their mindset, interrogate faulty data that supports their negative predictions, learn to regulate their emotions, and separate fears rooted in reality from those fabricated. It is important for leaders to acknowledge the consequences their catastrophizing behavior may have on their teams and work towards creating a healthier environment. Ultimately, leaders should view their tendency to catastrophize as an invitation to heal, grow, and learn.

The personal development industry is booming, with the market size estimated to reach $105 billion by 2030. However, with the surge in demand for online personal-growth programs, it's important to consider where to invest your money wisely. Here are four important things to consider when spending money on personal growth: Look out for big promises and patchy credentials: Beware of pseudo-experts offering pricey solutions that promise major transformations. Evaluate the credentials of coaches, mentors, and educators before making a purchase. Don't buy into lifestyle hype: Shady pseudo-coaches often market their products by showcasing an affluent lifestyle. Be realistic about what is actually possible and dig into what they are actually teaching. Use the tools you already have first: Before purchasing new personal development tools, revisit the books and online courses you already own. Prove your commitment by utilizing existing resources and holding yourself accountable. Ask yourself: Is anything actually changing? Continuously assess whether you are seeing results or positive impacts from the personal growth endeavors you engage in. Focus on implementation and taking action rather than just consuming information. It's crucial to navigate the personal development industry wisely to avoid falling into spending traps and ensure a meaningful return on investment in self-improvement.

The COVID-19 pandemic propelled telemedicine to new heights, revolutionizing the healthcare industry. However, a recent survey conducted by Sage Growth Partners highlights some interesting findings about the current state of telemedicine. While virtual care has become widely adopted, the utilization for initial visits remains low at only 11%. This raises questions about the value of the "digital front door" and whether telehealth is truly meeting patients' needs. On a positive note, hospitals have seen a significant increase in telehealth usage for chronic care management, indicating promising growth in that area. The survey also reveals the need for providers to continue expanding telehealth services to address challenges such as long wait times and poor patient satisfaction. Overall, telemedicine has the potential to drive efficiency, increase capacity, and improve patient and provider experiences if fully embraced by the healthcare industry.

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QUICK BITES

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