Good AI vs. Bad AI: Why New York Physicians Must Lead on Augmented Intelligence
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Colleagues:
Artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical in medicine. It is already embedded in our practices, influencing clinical documentation, research, insurance determinations, and even prescribing decisions. The question for New York physicians is not whether AI will shape our future — it is whether we will shape how it is used.
I would like to recognize the important work of MSSNY’s Task Force on Augmented Intelligence (AI), chaired by Dr. Donald Moore. The Task Force has taken a thoughtful and balanced approach, examining both the promise and the potential risks of this rapidly evolving technology. That balance is essential as policymakers in Albany increasingly turn their attention to AI regulation.
Used responsibly, AI has tremendous potential to improve patient care and reduce physician burnout. I personally use an AI-powered medical transcription service during every patient encounter. It has been transformative — allowing for more complete documentation, better capture of clinical nuance, and more meaningful time spent engaging directly with patients rather than clerical tasks. For many physicians, this type of augmentation reduces moral injury and restores focus to the patient-physician relationship.
Recent educational sessions reinforce this promise. At the Lake Placid retreat, a lecture sponsored by MLMIC explored the medical liability implications of AI integration into clinical practice. At the AMA National Advocacy Summit, another session highlighted how AI can identify new therapeutic uses for existing medications, accelerating innovation and expanding treatment options. These are examples of AI at its best: supporting physicians, expanding scientific discovery, and improving care.
However, the risks are equally real — and at the state level, they demand attention.
Across the country, insurers are deploying algorithm-driven systems that increase prior authorization denials, expand pre- and post-payment reviews, and pursue payment recoupments at scale. Reports describe a growing “AI arms race” in insurance, with denial rates surging as automated systems are deployed (Fellow Health Partners, “Denial Rates Surge: How the AI Arms Race in Insurance is Impacting Patients and Providers,”).
Legal experts have warned that AI-based insurer denials pose new compliance and liability concerns (Bloomberg Law, “AI Algorithm-Based Health Insurer Denials Pose New Legal Threat,”).
New York already struggles under one of the most burdensome prior authorization environments in the nation. If payers are permitted to deploy opaque algorithms without transparency, physician input, or regulatory guardrails, AI could significantly worsen access to care for our patients.
We have also seen troubling reports of patients relying on AI chatbots for behavioral health support with tragic outcomes (Wikipedia, “Deaths linked to chatbots,”). While New York has been a leader in mental health reform, unsupervised AI cannot substitute for licensed clinical care. Policymakers must ensure that safeguards protect vulnerable populations.
Further, Utah recently approved a partnership allowing an AI platform to automatically renew prescriptions for chronic conditions (Utah Department of Commerce, “Utah and Doctronic Announce Groundbreaking Partnership for AI Prescription Medication Renewals,” January 6, 2026). As other states experiment with similar models, New York must carefully consider issues of oversight, accountability, scope of practice, and patient safety before adopting comparable initiatives.
AI is neither inherently good nor bad. It is a tool. At the state level, its impact will depend on the regulatory framework we build around it.
New York physicians should advocate for policies that:
- Require transparency in insurer AI algorithms used for coverage determinations
- Ensure human clinical review of adverse determinations
- Protect physician autonomy and patient access
- Establish clear accountability standards for AI-driven clinical tools
- Encourage innovation that demonstrably reduces administrative burden and improves outcomes
Many physicians in our state already feel overwhelmed by prior authorization requirements, audit scrutiny, and administrative complexity. AI should not become another headwind imposed on already strained practices.
New York has long been a leader in health policy. We should approach AI with both openness and caution — embracing technologies that reduce burnout and improve care while firmly regulating those that threaten patient safety or erode the physician-patient relationship.
AI will shape the future of medicine. It is our responsibility, as physicians and as advocates, to ensure that in New York it strengthens care rather than undermines it.
If we do not lead, others will write the rules for us.
As The Voice of New York Physicians, MSSNY must speak clearly on the needs of our patients and our profession. Advocacy matters. If you have not yet done so, please renew your MSSNY membership. If you are not a member, consider joining.
Donating to the PAC is another way to support our profession in its advocacy, as well as reviewing the MSSNY Grassroots Action Center for action items.
Most importantly, please plan to come to Albany on March 10 for MSSNY’s Annual Physician Advocacy Day.
Your voice matters. MSSNY amplifies that voice.
Thank you.
All the best,
David Jakubowicz, MD, FACS
MSSNY President
