Epic's AI Tools Revolutionize Medical Coding and Healthcare

Epic, led by founder Judy Faulkner, is developing a suite of 60 AI tools, including a coding assistant. The tool, based on GPT-4, aims to streamline medical coding, potentially saving billions in healthcare costs. Medical codes are currently translated by large teams, but AI could speed up the process for routine procedures. While Epic's tool will only suggest codes initially, it aims to eventually automate the process. Experts believe AI will have the biggest impact on medical coding in the near-term due to the vast sums spent on healthcare. Epic's AI applications aim to reduce clinical burden and have already seen success in drafting patient portal messages. Despite competition from healthcare startups, Epic's widespread usage in hospitals gives it a competitive edge. The company has partnered with Microsoft and startup Abridge to develop automated medical scribes, further expanding their AI initiatives. While Epic is optimistic about the potential of AI, challenges remain in fine-tuning the technology for accurate and efficient use. Nevertheless, significant progress has been made, and Epic's AI tools are already making a noticeable impact on healthcare processes.