Dr. Oz advocates for agentic AI for every member of Medicare CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz is pushing for the widespread adoption of agentic AI in Medicare to enhance patient care and reduce costs. Speaking at the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas, Oz emphasized the need for technology to play a central role in healthcare, particularly in the early stages of care and within patients’ homes. He argued that digital tools could act as a “deflationary force” to counteract rising healthcare expenses, which he described as a growing crisis. Oz highlighted the financial pressures within the healthcare system, noting that while doctors’ salaries have kept pace with inflation, hospitals face costs doubling that rate, largely due to staffing challenges. He called for a shift toward technology to improve efficiency and quality of care, stating, “We have such a wonderful opportunity to use technology to be a deflationary force.” The CMS administrator also urged healthcare professionals to advocate for patients, urging them to “recruit” the public to embrace digital solutions. He warned that simply increasing funding would not resolve systemic issues, stressing the importance of leveraging technological advancements. Oz emphasized the need for collaboration between CMS and organizations like HIMSS to modernize healthcare delivery and manage the $1.7 trillion Medicare system effectively. Gleason, a senior advisor for CMS, added that the agency aims to move patients away from relying on search engines like Dr. Google. She proposed that patients should be able to scan QR codes to transfer their health data directly to providers, a move she described as essential to “kill the clipboard.#las_vegas #dr_mehmet_oz #cms #himss_global_health_conference_exhibition #qr_codes
Dr. Oz: ‘The current system will not work’ Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, warned at the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition that the healthcare system requires a complete overhaul. Speaking during a panel discussion, Oz emphasized that technology must be leveraged to reduce costs and improve care, calling for a shift from reactive to proactive health management. Oz highlighted that while other industries have successfully used technology to lower costs for consumers, healthcare has lagged. He pointed to rising expenses in the sector, noting that hospital costs are increasing at twice the rate of inflation due to staffing challenges and outdated technology. “We use technology at the end of the care cascade,” he explained, referring to its limited role in preventing costly emergencies. For example, hospitals rely on advanced imaging and emergency care for critical cases, but Oz argued that preventive tools like remote patient monitoring could address health issues before they escalate. He cited a specific example: a heart attack patient who could be treated at home with a medication like Lasix, which helps eliminate excess fluid. “If you can get that drug at home, the patient doesn’t need to come to the hospital,” Oz said. He framed this as a way to avoid the financial and human toll of emergency care, stating, “The whole thing works better for us.” Oz also stressed the potential of AI to transform Medicare. He proposed integrating AI agents to guide beneficiaries in selecting healthcare plans, managing chronic conditions, and accessing services. While acknowledging public skepticism about AI, he urged healthcare leaders to demonstrate its value.#dr_mehmet_oz #centers_for_medicare_medicaid_services #himss_global_health_conference_exhibition #rural_health_transformation_program #medicaid
