Digital Pulse: AMA wants to keep an eye on AI; Primary care gets a Google-fueled ad boost; Telehealth finds bipartisan support

AMA wants more AI oversight

The American Medical Association is calling for more oversight of the use of AI in reviewing patient claims and prior authorization requests. The newly adopted policy calls for health insurers utilizing AI technology to implement a thorough and fair process that also includes reviews by physicians and other health care professionals with relevant expertise and the elimination of computer-generated denials.

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Google boosts ads for primary care

Google is adding primary care as a category in its Local Services Ads platform as part of a broader investment in health care. The included new categories in addition to primary care are: allergist, chiropractor, dermatologist, dietician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, orthodontist, physical therapist, and podiatrist. The platform delivers ads to only those in the physician’s local area and payment only occurs when the person contacts the physician directly through the ad.

Telehealth finds bipartisan support

Legislators have reintroduced a bill that would expand telehealth coverage through Medicare. A similar bill was introduced in 2016 and 2021, but failed to pass. The new bill would expand coverage for telehealth services for Medicare recipients and make it easier for patients to connect with doctors. Specifically, it would remove all geographic restrictions, allow patients to be at home when connecting with providers, remove some in-person visit requirements, and allow more health care professionals to utilize telehealth services.