Radiology plays a crucial role in the clinical care of many people in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Doctors rely on a variety of imaging modalities to help them make accurate diagnoses. Over the past few years, a proposal to introduce artificial intelligence into radiology has been discussed. However, there are some reasons why this might not be a good idea.
Increase in the use of imaging tests
The use of computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, X-rays and ultrasounds has exponentially increased over the past few years. Between 1999 and 2010, the use of these types of imaging methods increased by 77%. Because of the increase in demand for these tests, the use of artificial intelligence has been proposed as a potential way to handle the imaging orders.
Proposal to introduce AI into radiology
Proponents of adding AI to radiology propose two different ways to incorporate it. One idea is to create an algorithm that has been preprogrammed by radiologists to return results when specific criteria are met. The second idea is to use complex machine learning so the AI system can identify patterns in large volumes of information and learn from previous experiences. While AI in radiology could potentially speed the receipt of diagnostic information, the system of technology is not yet there. Many systems that are used today cannot handle the vast amounts of data that would be required. There are also ethical concerns about the information that would need to be gathered to train the AI systems, and regulatory and legal implications are likewise involved.
Doctors must still handle diagnoses
While AI might be a part of the future of medicine, its integration into radiology will not occur soon. This means that people still must rely on their doctors’ abilities to accurately interpret imaging tests to diagnose various conditions and injuries. If a doctor failed to accurately diagnose your condition from imaging tests, you could suffer serious injuries. The necessary care might be delayed, and your condition could significantly worsen because of the failure to diagnose. In such a situation, you may want to reach out to a medical malpractice attorney.