The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released its AI Use Case Inventory, which outlines the various artificial intelligence tools currently being employed within the agency. The inventory, which disclosed 271 tools — a 66% increase from 163 last year — highlights the agency’s commitment to integrating technology into health care for increased efficiency and improved patient outcomes.

AI in Action at HHS

The AI tools utilized by HHS encompass a wide range of applications, from Microsoft Word’s autocorrect feature to the adoption of a nascent AI technology referred to as ‘HHSGPT’. Other notable uses include enhancing text-based tasks such as sorting comments on proposed rulemaking, querying adverse event reports, and employing natural language processing for searching internal data collections.

Notably, not all of the tools listed are fully implemented as some have already been retired. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other major agencies account for over 75% of the disclosed tools, reflecting a concentration of technological advancements within these departments.

Highlighted Use Cases

• One of the standout implementations is the tool under the CMS that oversees Medicare prior authorization processes, identifying outliers in claims and complaints to ensure health plans comply with CMS regulations.

• The Office of Refugee Resettlement also launched a project employing digital twins to simulate various scenarios for managing unaccompanied minors, enhancing strategic planning in their operations.

Looking Ahead

As HHS continues to explore the benefits of AI, it is poised to significantly alter the landscape of health care in the United States. With ongoing advancements in AI technology, these tools could lead to more proactive management of health care resources and improved patient care.

For further insights, please refer to STAT News.