Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

When we think about Artificial Intelligence (AI), what comes to mind? Autonomous vehicles, chatbots, Amazon’s Alexa, and of course--our smart phones. AI makes our modern world more efficient by machines learning from experience, adjusting to new inputs and performing human-like tasks such as natural language-processing. It’s all around us and we’ve grown accustomed to its omnipotent presence. The Internet of Things (IoT) is being used constantly in our daily lives and is embedded in everyday objects including doorbells, thermostats, lighting, vehicles, vending machines, and so much more. The term, Artificial Intelligence, was first introduced in 1956 and has become more popular due to increased data volumes, advanced algorithms, and technological advancements. How is AI being utilized in healthcare and more importantly, in Workers’ Compensation, and why does it matter?

AI in Healthcare

As healthcare consumers, we have empowered ourselves with knowledge we didn’t have readily available before. Wearables, including smartwatches and Fitbits collect users’ personal data to make informed decisions regarding our health. Wearables have made it easier for us to monitor our heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, and exercise routines. There is a profusion of medical applications for wearables including remote monitoring devices for chronically ill patients. According to Juniper Research, the healthcare wearables market is projected to top $60 billion by 2023. It is also forecasts that by 2023, there will be 5 million patients monitored remotely by healthcare providers. As AI-enabled software reliability improves and identifies at-risk individuals, more organizations will optimize care standards, reducing risk and generating increased revenue.  AI is improving patient outcomes by giving physicians more accurate diagnostics and specific preventative capabilities. Protecting patients’ healthcare privacy and getting patient consent will be an ongoing barrier for all stakeholders. Data breaches and cyber threats are real ongoing threats and companies need to stay vigilant. Additionally, regulations and legislative changes will surely follow as the industry evolves—can they keep up with the constant changes in technology?

AI in Workers’ Compensation

Utilizing AI in Workers’ Compensation focuses on increased quality of care while reducing costs and improving the injured worker’s experience. Advancements in wearables in the construction industry have led to reduced workplace injuries. Small, lightweight sensors placed in helmets and vests can alert workers to potential worksite hazards. According to a recent article by Willis Towers Watson, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) reported that “workplace injury and illnesses are continuing to decline about 2% to 3% annually across all demographic categories but are dropping most precipitously among younger workers. According to the study, based on data from the BLS, while historically younger workers between the ages of 25 and 34 suffered more workplace injuries and illnesses than workers in other age brackets, the incident rate for illnesses and injuries among younger workers decreased by nearly 50% between 2006 and 2017.” Carriers are becoming more proactive by working with industry providers, physicians, and other specialists to optimize evidence-based practices and guidelines; transparency in pricing; working with quality providers and advocating a quick return to work when appropriate.

Workers’ Compensation is overdue for new solutions that simplify and clarify, driving a new perspective on value. Utilizing new technologies and the smart use of data, trailblazing companies will break down barriers and bring transparency to an industry that has been resistant to change. As we dismantle those silos and entrenchment, all parties—Payors, Providers, the emerging healthcare technology companies, and most importantly, Patients, will thrive.

By Tammy Boyd

Tammy Boyd is Vice President of Business Development at Bardavon Health Innovations, LLC, in Overland Park, KS. In her position, Tammy is leads and coordinates all sales efforts with internal Bardavon departments and is responsible for identifying and closing business development opportunities and driving revenue growth by forming meaningful relationships with new clients. Bardavon is an industry-leading, data analytics company focused on redefining Workers’ Compensation with a  mission to promote a culture of transparency in revolutionizing the employee continuum of care through innovative, quality outcome driven solutions.

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