By: Jesse Hodes, Vice President of Sales and Product

But is it really AI?

It’s hard to attend a trade show these days without the buzzwords “machine learning” and “AI-based technology” thrown in your face during most conversations. With decision makers at healthcare organizations having budgets specifically allocated towards AI spending, many technology vendors use every effort to make their products seem to fit these criteria. But as AI gains popularity, it’s crucial to distinguish between genuine AI applications versus those that merely use the term to attract attention.

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is the simulation of human intelligence in machines designed to think and learn like humans. At its core, AI encompasses several key areas:

  • Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI that focuses on developing algorithms that enable computers to learn from and make predictions or decisions based on data. These models improve their performance as they are exposed to more data.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP): A branch of AI that deals with the interaction between computers and human languages. NLP enables machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language in a meaningful and useful way.
  • Computer Vision: This area involves enabling machines to interpret and make decisions based on visual inputs, such as images and videos. Computer vision technologies are used in applications like facial recognition, object detection, and autonomous vehicles.
  • Robotics: The design and development of robots that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. Robotics often combines AI with mechanical engineering to create machines that can interact with the physical world.
  • Cognitive Computing: Cognitive computing aims to simulate human thought processes in a computerized model and involves learning from interactions, adapting to new situations, and solving complex problems to mimic human reasoning.

As AI has gained reach in healthcare, many vendors have adopted the term to enhance their product appeal even when their offerings don’t genuinely leverage AI technologies. There are some things to be aware of when speaking with vendors who might fall into this category.

  1. Buzzword Overload: Some vendors use AI-related jargon like “machine learning” or “deep learning” to give their products the glamour of being an AI product, when, in reality, they might lack substance.
  2. Lack of Transparency: Vendors that falsely advertise AI may provide vague or unclear explanations about how their technology works. Genuine AI involves complex algorithms and data processing, and credible vendors are usually transparent about their methods and technologies.
  3. Rules-Based Tech versus AI: Some vendors apply AI terminology to simple tasks that don’t require advanced intelligence. For instance, rule-based systems that follow predefined rules may be marketed as AI but lack the dynamic “learning” features of true AI systems.

To truly know if a vendor is genuinely utilizing AI, you must familiarize yourself with what AI really involves. Look for systems that employ machine learning, natural language processing, or other advanced AI techniques, rather than just basic automation. Ask the vendors about how performance has improved or adapted over time, and ask for case studies or white papers to showcase this.

Many vendors are doing amazing things that will help improve healthcare drastically by decreasing staff work time and efforts and improving productivity in many aspects of the industry. Don’t be discouraged from seeking out AI companies; instead, come prepared to ask the right questions!

What does Softek® do?

Softek’s mission is to help hospital systems maximize their investment in Oracle Cerner Millennium®. We do this by providing innovative software solutions and consulting services that can achieve more together than either can alone.

At Softek, our team of innovators and software developers brings expertise beyond the ordinary to every client. Our experts are involved with Oracle Cerner Millennium® hospitals throughout the country, consulting clients so they can optimize system performance and revenue integrity.

Softek delivers a full suite of consulting services and software solutions to assess and optimize EMR system performance, including revenue cycle integrity and patient accounting.

Let’s talk about how you can get the most out of your Oracle Cerner Millennium® system.