Advancing High-Tech Health Care in the Heartland

Of the many ways artificial intelligence (AI) stands to revolutionize industry, its potential to impact science, and health care in particular, is significant—increasing access to care, the speed of diagnosis and data analysis, to name a few. 

Many health institutions and practitioners in the heartland are leading the way in integrating AI into health care, whether through academic opportunities, relieving administrative burdens or in medical practice itself. But while AI innovation in health care delivery opens vast opportunities for improved health outcomes, it also raises critical questions around data privacy and how to ensure patients are able to get the highest quality, cutting edge care while trusting their personal medical data remains safe. 

Catching Those Bugs: AI in Early Disease Detection

One of the most effective health care applications of AI is analysis for large quantities of data—particularly in analyzing information used in diagnostics. Given the ability of AI to process such large volumes of data, leveraging AI tools can provide earlier and sometimes more accurate disease detection than is possible using current diagnostic methods. Earlier and more accurate detection can be linked to better health outcomes, which is why so many heartland states are working diligently to determine how best to incorporate AI into their work. 

• Michigan: Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an AI model that can determine whether a cancerous brain tumor has been fully excised during surgery, significantly improving precision and patient outcomes.
• Arkansas: Baptist Health is utilizing AI-powered radiology to detect early signs of neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, and track disease progression—showing how AI can assist in real-time monitoring and long-term care.
• Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Department of Health has adopted AI-powered disease surveillance systems that track outbreaks in real time, improving public health responses by providing immediate data on disease spread and severity.
• Iowa: Iowa’s health care systems are investing in AI-driven diagnostics in radiology and pathology. By enhancing image interpretation and automating lab workflows, AI helps shorten the time to diagnosis, ensuring that patients receive timely treatments. 
• Texas:
  • Researchers at UT San Antonio (UTSA) are using AI in coronary imaging, offering real-time heart health assessments and detecting cardiovascular issues in their earliest stages.
  • UT launched the Center for Computational Medicine, a collaboration between Dell Medical School and the Oden Institute to integrate AI into health care to improve diagnosis and treatment.

AI in Practice: Enhancing Patient Care

Beyond just early detection, AI is improving patient care in more personalized and impactful ways.

• Texas: At UTSA, medical students are now being trained in dual-degree programs in both medicine and AI to prepare them for a future where AI is integral to diagnosis and treatment personalization.
• Indiana: Indiana University Health is using AI to predict patient deterioration in critical care settings with a system that analyzes real-time patient data to flag early warning signs. 

Automating Administrative Tasks

Administrative tasks often detract from the time health care providers can spend with patients. Here, AI tools are proving invaluable by automating repetitive tasks and giving providers the ability to focus on the more “human” elements of patient care.

• Digital Health Institute: In Houston, Methodist Hospital and Rice University teamed up to create the Digital Health Institute, which develops AI-driven tools to increase operational efficiency.
• Microsoft expanded its AI capabilities with new tools designed to save clinicians time on administrative tasks.
• Yung Sidekick secured $825,000 in funding for its AI-powered platform that automatically generates progress notes and detailed session reports from therapists’ session audio, reducing administrative overload and allowing more time for client interactions.

Policy Perspectives 

Finding the balance between safeguarding the development of AI without stymying innovation is critical in all AI use cases, but especially in health care, given the strict standards around patient information and personal disclosure. As such, many heartland states have considered AI legislation aimed at providing necessary protections while allowing the innovative potential of AI to flourish in health care. Several bills are under consideration in this current legislative session in heartland states like Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Texas. 

A Bright Future for AI in the Heartland

The heartland has a rich history of innovation, collaboration and dedication to community, along with a demonstrated commitment to responsibly harness the power of AI to ensure world class patient care. With continued thoughtful engagement and strategic oversight, the heartland can continue to leverage AI to improve outcomes, lower costs and provide more equitable access to health care across the region.