Health Records Are Coming to Smartphone Apps. So is AI.
Click to Enlarge
Colleagues:
Two new societal trends are occurring in 2024 that I predict will have a significant impact on medical practice. Patient access to their health records is coming via new apps on their smartphones. Artificial Intelligence is being introduced into smartphones as well. These technologies have not yet merged, but that is only a matter of time and imagination.
CNBC is reporting that EPIC announced that individuals will be able to release their health data to apps of their choice, giving them more direct control over their medical information. Epic is one of the organizations that has been helping the federal government establish TEFCA, which outlines the legal and technical requirements for sharing patients’ data at scale. It is about to get a lot easier for patients in the U.S. to access their own medical records.
Digitimes Asia is reporting that AI smartphones are driving market growth as the lower-end segment stalls. AI smartphones have gained popularity among consumers, becoming a major driving force behind the overall mobile phone shipments in 2024. However, persistently stagnant demand for midrange and low-end models has significantly impacted subsequent supply and demand for smartphones and the operations of upstream component suppliers. As the sales of Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S24 series and other models have exceeded expectations, many market research firms have raised their estimates for AI smartphone shipments this year.
It does not take a rocket scientist to see how these trends are destined to merge. Soon, your patients will be using AI to interpret their medical records and question your medical care.
My advice is to be prepared. Learn how to use AI to your advantage to up your medical acumen. Be mindful that all your medical notes will be read by your patients and anyone else with whom they share their cell phones. Maintain the best malpractice insurance. Mine is with MLMIC, they are endorsed by MSSNY, and MSSNY members are eligible for a 10% discount.
All the best,
Jerome C. Cohen, MD
MSSNY President
