The good, the bad, and the ugly: Ethical considerations regarding artificial intelligence assistance in administrative physician tasks.

Journal: Clinics in dermatology
Published Date:

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can potentially transform the diagnostic, therapeutic, and administrative practice of dermatology. Physicians are expected to complete electronic health record documentation in a timely fashion, prepare and submit previous authorizations, code for billing accurately, compose physician consultation letters, create patient education handouts, and communicate with our patients via the electronic health record. Streamlining and automating these time-intensive administrative responsibilities and tasks would likely reduce physician burnout and augment physician satisfaction at work, and enhance access to care by creating more time to care for patients. Herein we discuss the ethical issues of autonomy, informed consent, privacy, accuracy and safety regarding the use of artificial intelligence to assist us in these tasks.

Authors

  • Timothy Klufas
    New York Medical College School of Medicine, Valhalla, New York, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.
  • Mikayla Zedek
    Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.
  • Ayushya Ajmani
    Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.
  • Albert E Zhou
    Dermatology Department, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
  • Jane M Grant-Kels
    Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut.