Americans and their healthcare providers are still determining their stance on artificial intelligence (AI). A January 2024 American Medical Association survey found that most doctors see the upside, while nurses, represented by one of their largest labor unions, have called for caution. A November 2023 poll revealed that 51% of U.S. adults believe AI will lead to “major advancements and breakthroughs in healthcare,” yet another poll found that 60% of Americans would be uncomfortable with their own providers using AI.
AI is making its presence felt in every corner of the healthcare industry, and rightly so, given its enormous potential. Artificial intelligence can enhance providers' ability to get diagnoses and treatment right and improve the business of healthcare.
For example, AI can help hospitals and practices reduce costs and time associated with basic business processes like credentialing. Credentialing delays are real and affect everything from an individual provider’s ability to make a living to patient care.
According to the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment, "Any physician opening a new practice, working across state lines, changing practice states, or joining a new hospital or healthcare organization must undergo the credentialing process. Some states estimate traditional credentialing to be 30 to 60 days, while others warn credentialing can take anywhere from 90 to 150 days. Every day can impact a physician or provider’s ability to practice medicine legally." At a time when providers are in short supply and Americans are waiting longer to get care, these delays are unacceptable.
Artificial intelligence can reduce the time and effort required for credentialing and background checks, ensuring clinicians can start their practice more quickly and efficiently. It can significantly alleviate administrative burdens and enhance overall productivity by automating repetitive tasks and improving accuracy. Additionally, AI can help reduce credentialing errors, as noted by Inside Physician Recruiting.
However, there are concerns about using AI in credentialing that hospitals and practices must address. Foremost among these is data privacy and security. AI systems require access to vast amounts of sensitive provider information, so safeguarding this data against breaches and misuse is paramount. Moreover, the quality of input data is crucial; doctors and nurses must still upload credentialing documents or document parts of the patient encounter accurately.
State and federal lawmakers must establish robust regulatory frameworks to oversee AI integration in healthcare to ensure it is both safe and effective. Healthcare leaders must collaborate closely with technology partners who possess a deep understanding of privacy and security issues. Otherwise, these partnerships may add to the ever-growing list of healthcare providers' responsibilities instead of alleviating them.
Artificial intelligence is not a panacea for the world’s healthcare challenges. It is a powerful tool that, when integrated thoughtfully, can complement human efforts. Yet it will not, cannot, and should not replace the human element.
As we embrace the growing role of AI in clinician credentialing and enrollment, it is imperative to ensure these advancements do not exacerbate inequalities. Policymakers, technology developers, and healthcare leaders must work together to create equitable solutions that allow all healthcare providers, regardless of their financial standing, to benefit from technological advancements.
In conclusion, AI’s role in clinician credentialing and enrollment is poised to bring about significant improvements. However, its adoption must be approached with caution, awareness of potential disparities, and a commitment to inclusivity. By doing so, we can harness the power of AI to enhance healthcare operations while ensuring that these benefits are accessible to all.
Dr. Adam Brown is Radiant Healthcare’s chief medical officer and chief marketing officer. A practicing physician and business professor, Adam also is an MBA who has held several executive positions at leading healthcare firms.