Northwell Health Advances AI in Patient Care Management

News Summary

Northwell Health has initiated a pilot program using Ascertain’s AI-powered case management solution aimed at reducing administrative burdens on healthcare staff. This collaboration seeks to enhance patient care by allowing case managers and nurses to focus more on their patients rather than paperwork. With significant investment and a part in the Aegis Digital Consortium, Northwell is positioned at the forefront of AI-driven healthcare innovation.

Northwell Health Joins Forces with Ascertain to Change Patient Care with AI

In an exciting development for healthcare, Northwell Health has embarked on a pilot program using a cutting-edge AI-powered case management solution from startup Ascertain. This innovative solution is crafted specifically for nurses, case managers, social workers, and other healthcare staff who currently find themselves bogged down by endless paperwork and administrative tasks.

Goodbye Paperwork, Hello Patient Care!

The folks at Northwell Health understand that time is precious, especially when it comes to caring for patients. That’s why they believe automation is key in helping staff refocus their energy and dedication toward patient care. By implementing Ascertain’s technology, Northwell hopes to tackle some of the unique challenges posed by complex healthcare organizations.

A Partnership with Potential

Not only is Northwell Health piloting Ascertain’s solution, but they are also an investor in the startup, which recently secured a tidy $10 million in Series A funding from Deerfield Management, with Northwell in the investor’s seat. Their partnership is part of a larger digital initiative known as the Aegis Digital Consortium, consisting of 11 health systems collaborating to advance AI technology in healthcare.

The Minds Behind the Magic

The brain behind Ascertain, Mark Michalski, M.D., comes equipped with experience from elite institutions like Mass General Brigham AI and Amazon. Ascertain is on the move, making its new home in Cure, Deerfield’s New York City headquarters, and ready to tackle the healthcare landscape.

Case Managers Are Overworked!

Currently, case managers and healthcare workers are spending a staggering up to 60% of their time on tedious manual tasks. This not only limits their capacity to engage in critical care planning but also affects the management of high-risk patients. With over 100,000 job openings for case managers and other administrative roles throughout the country, the labor shortage is having a real impact on care delivery.

Automating for Efficiency

To address these challenges, Ascertain’s AI tools focus on automating essential processes like documentation, prior authorizations, and compliance workflows, specifically designed to improve case management. Early results showcase how Ascertain has started effectively automating parts of Northwell’s hospital discharge planning—making your loved one’s release smoother and more efficient.

Obstacles on the Road Ahead

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding these advancements, the road ahead has its bumps. One of the major hurdles in more widespread adoption is the fragmented nature of electronic health record (EHR) and payer systems. This inconsistency can greatly hinder the flow of patient information, costing time and resources.

Northwell is Leading the Charge in AI Healthcare Innovations

Meanwhile, Northwell Health is not merely dabbling in AI; they are fully exploring AI solutions to enhance operational efficiency and improve patient experiences. With an impressive operating revenue of $16.9 billion in 2023, they are well-positioned to make significant strides in the healthcare sector.

Not Alone in the AI Investment Buzz

Northwell Health is not the only large organization stepping up their game. Other prominent healthcare entities, such as New York-Presbyterian, have announced plans to raise $2 billion by 2028 to invest in new technologies, including AI capabilities. Hospitals like Mount Sinai and NYU Langone are also making substantial investments to harness AI for both clinical enhancement as well as administrative efficiency.

Healthcare is Changing for the Better!

With various AI projects underway in hospitals, the focus is on improving disease detection, treatment protocols, and making sure that healthcare providers can work more efficiently. As healthcare continues to adapt, innovations like the partnership between Northwell Health and Ascertain could very well shape the future of patient care for generations to come.

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Additional Resources

• Healthcare Innovation Group
• Axios
• Crain’s New York Business
• Business Wire
• Modern Healthcare
• Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
• Google Search: AI in Healthcare
• Google Scholar: AI in Healthcare
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Intelligence
• Google News: AI Healthcare News