AI cuts hospital system's MRI wait times by more than 50%
A prominent hospital system in California reports it has slashed MRI wait times with the help of artificial intelligence.
Oakland, California-based Kaiser Permanente recently detailed its success implementing AI to improve imaging workflows. The healthcare network, which operates 37 hospitals in California alone, was able to reduce MRI wait times by 60% after integrating an FDA-cleared algorithm designed to speed up MRI acquisition times.
The application, which was not named in a news release from Kaiser, reduces image noise. In turn, this accelerates scan times, resulting in exams that take around 30 minutes instead of 40. This has not only been beneficial for patients, but for the organization as well. Its locations have been able to schedule more patients for MRIs without having to purchase additional scanners to keep up with demand.
The news comes as more healthcare organizations in the U.S. are considering putting money into AI, with many doing so without a clear picture of their return on investment. According to data compiled by Black Book Research last year, most healthcare AI adopters believe the biggest AI ROI comes in the form of time, rather than reimbursements.
AI governance is key
Kaiser’s success is a case study in how organizations can implement the technology and turn that extra time into financial gain. The organization credits AI governance for its successful integration. It has organized dedicated AI councils to make decisions about the technology’s use across three major areas of focus—care delivery, health plan functions, and business/related IT.
The AI councils review AI tools that have the potential to boost Kaiser's performance. AI that can pass initial quality checks is further evaluated to ensure the software adheres to legal, privacy, security, IT and clinical standards. Kaiser says evaluations also continue to track AI performance over the period following implementation.
“This process helps make good decisions repeatable,” Kaiser noted in a news release. “This way useful tools move forward, risky tools are stopped, and patients and clinicians continue to benefit from innovation.”
To learn more about the organization’s approach, click here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.