This is a wake-up call for physician-owned practices

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the health care industry. By using predictive analytics that identify patients at risk for disease earlier than ever before, AI is changing the game for patients and their health. Even as excitement about AI grows, it’s also surfacing a number of potential negative effects because it is edging closer to becoming a significant threat to the foundation of health care, particularly for physician-owned practices.

As AI technology continues to evolve, the health care industry must understand there is the possibility of AI being used in ways that could harm patients, undermine trust in medical professionals and even dismantle the autonomy of independent practitioners. For physicians who own their practices, preparing for these risks is crucial to protecting both their livelihoods and the well-being of their patients.

The dangers of overreliance on AI

One of the most pressing concerns about AI in health care is the potential for overreliance on technology instead of relying on human judgment and instinct. Although AI can process vast amounts of data and identify patterns that humans might not recognize, there is still room for error. AI algorithms are only as good as the data they are trained on, and if those data are biased, incomplete or flawed, the AI’s recommendations can be misleading or downright dangerous.

When it comes to physician-owned practices, there are two major risks at play. On one hand, there’s the danger of AI making incorrect diagnoses or treatment recommendations that could lead to patient harm. On the other, there’s the risk of breaking down the physician-patient relationship, which is one of the most important things for independent practices. Patients may begin to question the value of their physician’s expertise if AI is seen as the ultimate authority and decision maker.

Physicians must maintain a critical eye on AI tools and use them as supplements rather than replacements for their medical judgment. AI is there to help make things more efficient, not to fully take over the processes the medical industry has already been working with. Ensuring that AI is used responsibly means understanding its limitations and making clear to patients that although AI can provide valuable insights, it is the physician’s experience and knowledge that ultimately guide their care.

Ethical concerns and data privacy

AI’s ability to process and analyze large data sets is one of its greatest strengths, but it also raises significant ethical concerns, particularly about data privacy. Health care data are some of the most sensitive information that exists, and the potential for AI to misuse or mishandle these data needs to be taken seriously. From breaches that expose patient records to the unethical use of data for profit-driven motives, there are so many more risks than meet the eye.

For independent practices, the stakes are even higher. Unlike larger health care organizations with dedicated information technology departments and extensive resources, physician-owned practices may find it more challenging to implement robust data security measures. It takes a lot of money and resources that physician-owned practices do not have. This makes them more vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches, which can have devastating consequences — not only for patients but also for the practice’s reputation and financial stability.

To protect their practices, physicians must prioritize data security and be vigilant in choosing AI tools and vendors. This means asking tough questions about how data will be used and protected and being prepared to walk away from AI solutions that don’t meet the highest ethical standards. Patients deserve to be protected, and AI additions should not end up being a subtraction.

The threat of dehumanization in health care

One of the biggest things about the health care industry is the ability for its employees to connect with patients and their families during their most vulnerable times. Some are now fearing that AI could risk the dehumanization of the industry as a whole. Medicine is as much an art as it is a science, and the physician-patient relationship is built on trust, empathy and communication. As AI becomes more integrated into health care, there is a real danger that these human elements could be sidelined in favor of efficiency and cost cutting.

This trend could be particularly damaging for physician-owned practices, where personalized care and long-term patient relationships are often key attributes that make these practices different from the public health care system. If patients begin to feel like they are just data points and part of an algorithm, they may lose faith in their care providers and seek out alternatives that prioritize human interaction.

Independent physicians must consciously work to preserve the human touch in their practices. This means using AI to enhance, not replace, the patient experience. For example, AI can be used to streamline administrative tasks, freeing up more time for physicians to spend with their patients. It can also provide valuable data insights that enable more personalized care. However, it’s essential that the final decisions remain in the hands of the physician, ensuring that patients feel heard, valued and respected.

The danger of AI becoming the evil overlord

Although it may sound like the stuff of science fiction, there is a growing concern that AI could one day become an evil force in health care that prioritizes profit and efficiency over patient care. AI in and of itself is not capable of intent to do harm or horde power, but the way organizations use it could enable it to do these things. Through overreliance on algorithms that put money and reputation over the care of patients, AI can help drive an evil that hurts the system.

For physician-owned practices, the threat is real. As AI becomes more powerful, there is a risk that larger health care organizations, insurance companies and even technology giants could use AI to control independent practices. This could manifest in the form of AI-driven systems dictating treatment protocols, determining reimbursement rates or even deciding which practices get access to certain patients.

To protect themselves, independent physicians must advocate for policies that ensure AI is used in ways that benefit both patients and providers. This means engaging with policy makers, staying informed about AI developments and collaborating with other independent practices to push back against any attempts to use AI as a tool of control.

What does this mean?

The rise of AI in health care presents both opportunities and challenges for physician-owned practices. Although AI has the potential to revolutionize health care, it also poses significant risks that could undermine the autonomy, integrity and trust that independent practices are built on.

However, there is a promising path forward. Physicians who own their practices can use AI responsibly to enhance operations and improve patient care without sacrificing the human connection at the heart of health care. By leveraging AI to handle time-consuming administrative tasks, such as by reducing paperwork and streamlining back-office operations, physicians can free up more time to focus on their patients. This allows them to not only get more done in a day but also enhance the patient experience through more personalized and attentive care.

Physicians must take a proactive approach by staying informed about AI developments, advocating for ethical AI use and ensuring that AI remains a tool to support, not replace, their medical judgment. By embracing innovative AI solutions in the back office while keeping the human element front and center, independent practices can thrive in this new landscape. In doing so, AI can be an empowering force, helping physicians to better serve their patients and ensure that the future of health care is one of both progress and compassion.

Sarah M. Worthy is the CEO of DoorSpace.