Mass General Brigham Bets on AI to Tackle Primary Care Doctor Shortage, But Doctors Remain Skeptical
Boston, MA – In a move to address a growing crisis in access to care, Mass General Brigham (MGB) has launched an artificial intelligence-powered app, “Care Connect,” aimed at connecting the system’s 15,000 patients currently without a primary care physician to timely medical attention. The app, rolled out September 9th, utilizes a 24/7 chatbot to initially interview patients, review their medical histories, and generate a list of potential diagnoses before swiftly scheduling a telehealth appointment – frequently enough within 30 minutes – with a physician.
MGB is positioning itself as a national leader in leveraging AI to bridge the gap created by a severe shortage of primary care doctors, a problem impacting healthcare systems across the country. The “Care Connect” platform represents a important investment in technology designed to streamline patient intake and improve access, notably for those who have struggled to find a consistent primary care provider.
