AI tasked with bringing down medical costs? What could possibly go wrong?

In the vision of its creators, the Dr. Watson AI would gather multiple live feeds from its insurance buyers, overcoming privacy concerns through friendly advice (I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't let you sit on the couch, you have not fulfilled your daily step quota yet. The TV stays off.) and ridiculously low insurance rates.

Watson would keep an eye on your vitals and call 911 if needed.

Watson would also keep track of your bone microfractures and predict when you'll need a rest from running, or keep tentative doctor's appointments automatically booked if you insist on doing something against its advice (and it can't compel you to do otherwise by shutting off your alarm, putting on a great show on TV, or something like that). Same for artery buildup and other preventable medical conditions.

Watson has 3 primary incentives, with these 2 initial ones:

1. Maximize insurance enrolee pool.
2. Minimize insurance payouts/costs.

One of the software engineers insisted that a 3rd priority be added:

3. Exercise best efforts to keep insured patients alive as long as possible.

Could something like this work? If not, can this be fixed through a more careful specification of the initial incentives?

posted almost 9 years ago

Serban Tanasa‭

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