SAO PAULO - Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in transforming the healthcare sector, offering a wide range of benefits ranging from more accurate diagnoses of various diseases to improved operational efficiency. For AI to avoid the perception of being just another added cost for the sector, however, it is crucial to assess its financial viability and enable such solutions to transform healthcare in a sustainable and successful manner.

In this context, this article will examine the economic benefits of AI in healthcare - such as the reduction of operational costs, increased efficiency, assistance in managing chronic diseases, and improvement in diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, it will look at the challenges and considerations related to the implementation of AI in healthcare, as well as strategies - such as those being employed in Brazil - for maximizing its financial and clinical benefits.

Cost reductions and increased operational efficiency

Despite concerns to the contrary, AI-powered solutions do represent an improvement over the status quo by contributing to cost reductions and increased efficiency in healthcare services. AI algorithms are, e.g., being used to optimize the scheduling of appointments and surgeries, ensuring that hospital resources are used as efficiently as possible