Tim Boltz, a health care solutions executive, has emphasized the need for health care leaders to address cybersecurity and equity issues as they plan to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed at transforming operations. In a guest article published Thursday on Healthcare IT Today, Boltz argued that the health care industry must reform its cybersecurity posture to protect patient safety, privacy, and data from potential threats. Boltz credited the federal government for its role in developing standards to safeguard networks and facilitate the deployment of new technologies.
He suggested that agencies should not only help providers secure funding to protect this critical sector but also spearhead efforts to create additional cybersecurity standards and response playbooks. He pointed to the Department of Health and Human Services’ release of a risk management framework as a positive initial step.
Addressing AI cybersecurity, equity concerns
In addition to cybersecurity, Boltz highlighted the importance of equity in the deployment of AI tools. He provided examples of how AI could address inequities in health care, such as developing personalized treatment options and predicting illnesses from medical images. According to Boltz, AI has the potential to shift the focus of medical providers and frontline staff from administrative tasks to patient care delivery.
Moreover, he noted that AI could help overcome staffing challenges by enhancing recruitment and retention efforts, refining grant proposals, detecting fraud, and accelerating reimbursements. Boltz invited industry leaders to join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Healthcare Summit on December 11 to explore current trends and innovations shaping the future of the healthcare sector.
