Healthcare + AI: AI Therapists are Coming to Mental Health Care. Should We be Worried? AI's New Role in Patient Access, GE Healthcare Betting on AI for Growth

At Healthcare + AI, we explore the latest trends and insights in healthcare and AI. Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.

Today’s features:

• AI Therapists are Coming to Mental Health Care. Should We be Worried?

• AI's New Role in Patient Access

• GE Healthcare’s AI Leap into the Future

• Qure.ai Taps New CCO to Boost AI Healthcare Ambitions

• Corti Unveils New Healthcare AI to Tackle Misuse

AI Therapists are Coming to Mental Health Care. Should We be Worried?

Virtual therapists powered by AI are inching closer to reality, offering potential breakthroughs in mental health care. Two recent studies suggest these digital counselors could enhance access and reduce bias in treatments. This tech-driven approach aims to bridge gaps in mental health services, reaching more people in need.

Two new studies from Cedars-Sinai investigators show that artificial intelligence (AI) can be an effective tool for mental health therapy. One study found that therapy sessions with avatars programmed to simulate human therapists earned positive feedback from patients struggling with alcohol addiction. The second study provided evidence that the virtual therapists can provide unbiased counseling regardless of a patient’s race, gender, income or other traits.

By the Numbers:

• 75% of patients reported positive experiences with AI-driven therapy.

• 40% reduction in wait times for therapy sessions.

• 60% cost savings compared to traditional therapy.

What They're Saying: “For individuals awaiting liver transplants for cirrhosis, alcohol addiction remains a high-risk factor,” said Brennan Spiegel, MD, MSHS, professor of Medicine, director of Health Services Research at Cedars-Sinai and the corresponding author for both studies. “We see VR as a way to augment traditional interventions, which often fall short due to a shortage of mental health professionals, societal stigmatizing of alcoholism and other factors.”

Why It Matters: AI therapists could democratize mental health care, making it more affordable and accessible to diverse populations.

What's Next: More trials are underway to fine-tune AI algorithms and ensure they meet clinical standards. Researchers are exploring how AI can be integrated with existing mental health ecosystems to support human therapists. Read More

AI's New Role in Patient Access 

Healthcare professionals are increasingly turning to AI to streamline patient access. A recent survey shows a significant portion of healthcare workers view AI as crucial for improving what they call the "digital front door" — the initial patient interaction with healthcare systems.

By the Numbers:

67% of healthcare professionals see AI improving the digital front door.
78% believe AI enhances shift management.
87% of dental patients now prefer digital payment methods.

Why It Matters: Patient access is key to better health outcomes. When people can easily see a doctor, get tests, and fill prescriptions, they stay healthier and avoid costly emergencies. Delays lead to worse conditions, higher costs, and more strain on the system. Faster access means earlier treatment, better results, and a smoother experience for everyone. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into healthcare systems promises increased efficiency and improved patient experience.

What's Next: Look for more healthcare providers to adopt AI-driven solutions in 2025, focusing on enhancing patient interfaces and streamlining administrative tasks. Expect new AI tools to emerge, aiming to further integrate patient and provider interactions.

GE Healthcare’s AI Leap into the Future

GE Healthcare is making waves with its new AI-enabled imaging and digital health solutions. These advancements were showcased at their 50th event, emphasizing their commitment to transforming healthcare in key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt.

• 50: Number of years GE HealthCare has been innovating in the field.

• 4: Key markets targeted for these AI solutions.

• $18 billion: Estimated annual revenue generated by GE HealthCare.

What They’re Saying: “The idea of actually interacting with devices of all types and being able to use data or statistics to make more effective outcome decisions is just going to be core. We’re trying to make it as seamless as possible to enhance clinician decision-making, especially when time and resources are scarce.” - GE Healthcare CEO Peter Arduini

Why It Matters: The integration of AI into healthcare systems promises to streamline operations, improve patient outcomes, and save costs.

What's Next: GE Healthcare plans to continue expanding its AI portfolio. More partnerships and innovations are expected in the coming months to further establish their presence in global markets. Read More

Qure.ai Taps New CCO to Boost AI Healthcare Ambitions

India's healthcare AI startup Qure.ai just made a significant move by appointing Jim Mercadante as its chief commercial officer. Mercadante, who will operate out of New York, brings a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector. This hire is part of Qure.ai's strategy to expand its footprint in the global market.

Inside the news:

• Qure.ai's AI solutions have been deployed in over 20 countries.

• The global healthcare AI market is expected to reach $45.2 billion by 2026.

• Mercadante has over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership roles.

What They're Saying: “We warmly welcome Jim Mercadante and look forward to his leadership to advance our global sales strategy, strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers and channel partners, plus optimize commercial operations for growth globally. He will be based in our USA office but travel extensively to advance our worldwide sales strategy, consolidate existing customer successes and optimise commercial operations.” - Prashant Warier, Co-Founder and CEO

What's Next: Qure.ai plans to further develop its AI technology and forge new partnerships to accelerate its growth. Mercadante is set to spearhead initiatives that will enhance the company's commercial operations in new markets.

Corti Unveils New Healthcare AI to Tackle Misuse

Corti is stepping up the game with its latest healthcare AI infrastructure. The launch aims to address and challenge the ongoing misuse of AI in the industry.

The platform aims to tackle inefficiencies, promising to streamline processes and improve patient outcomes. A recent report by Corti and YouGov highlights significant challenges in AI implementation in the sector.

By the Numbers:

• One-third of U.S. healthcare professionals are using AI.

• 20% say they lack adequate AI training.

• 42% express concerns about AI reliability.

• The sector is seeing rapid AI adoption, with growth expected to continue.

Why It Matters: AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, but its effective use is still a hurdle for many professionals. The misuse of AI in healthcare can lead to inefficiencies and potential harm. Corti's initiative seeks to optimize AI usage, enhancing patient care and professional workflows.

What's Next: Corti plans to roll out its new AI infrastructure in hospitals nationwide. Expect partnerships with major healthcare providers. Expect further collaboration between tech firms and healthcare providers to smooth the transition. Read More