AI-Generated Care Plans Cost More Than Physician-Developed Plans, Study Finds

A New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) study revealed that care plans suggested by 24 different AI systems averaged $314 per patient visit, 3.2 times higher than the $97 average for physician-documented plans. The increased cost stemmed primarily from AI's tendency to recommend more diagnostic tests and specialist referrals. This research underscores the necessity of integrating cost considerations into AI clinical decision support tools to prevent rising healthcare expenditures.