Healthcare Musings

Can AI Chatbots Make End-of-Life Decisions?

Can an AI Chatbot version of you make an end-of-life decision if you cannot make it on your own?
This possibility was brought up to me on a previous episode with Eiman Abdelmoneim. I was so intrigued by the possibility that I sat down with Dr. Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad, Resident Fellow at the Harborview Medical Center (UW Medicine). He is also Affiliate Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at University of Washington Bothell and Affiliate Faculty member at Responsible AI Systems and Experiences, University of Washington. 
One of his main focuses of research is LLMs and end of life. It was a fascinating conversation. 

Metabolic Encephalopathy: Essential Guide to Accurate Documentation

Metabolic encephalopathy is a state of global cerebral dysfunction caused by systemic metabolic or toxic disturbances. Its presence raises the severity of illness of those patients afflicted with it, and it is a frequent denial target of payers. 
It is essential that clinicians document this condition in the record when it is present. In this episode, Dr. Hassaballa discusses this diagnosis and provides essential tips on how to properly document this condition. 

The Sepsis Confusion: SIRS, SOFA, and CDI…Oh My!!!

There are two competing definitions of sepsis, called "Sepsis-2" and "Sepsis-3." They are vastly different, and it is causing enormous confusion with respect to diagnosing and coding for sepsis. 
I assembled a panel of experts to discuss the proper coding of sepsis. Does a UTI with fever and tachycardia really constitute sepsis? Does CMS mandate a specific definition of sepsis? What about SOFA scores? 
We delve into all of this and more. The panel for this episode is: 
Dr. Erin Boyd 
Dr. Ronald Hirsch
Dr. Cesar Limjoco
Shirlivia Parker 
I learned a lot, and it has definitely affected my approach to patients with sepsis in the ICU. It has also further spawned future episodes about sepsis, so stay tuned. 

Seeing Healthcare From 30,000 Feet: My Conversation with Scott Becker

Scott Becker, Founder and Publisher of Becker's Healthcare, has a unique perspective on the state of the healthcare system in the United States. So, I wanted to sit down with him and get his insights as well. 
He had amazing observations and thought-provoking suggestions regarding: 
Healthcare Coverage for all
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare Cost
Healthcare Access
We delved into each during this fantastic conversation. 

More People Are Turning To AI Chatbots: How Doctors Can Properly Deal With This

The NY Times had an article detailing how people are turning to chatbots because they are frustrated with the medical system. As a physician and patient myself, I completely sympathize with both groups. We need to fix this problem. 
In this episode, Dr. Hassaballa
Summarizes the NY Time article (linked below)
Explains why this phenomenon occurs
Suggests what physicians need to do about this fact.
NY Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/16/briefing/meet-dr-chatgpt.html?unlocked_article_code=1.2U8.wvrB.zA5xQrxE6LSR&smid=url-share

Is American Healthcare Doomed To Be A Zero Sum Game?: My Conversation With Jeff Alter

Insurance payers have the money. Providers - hospitals and doctors - want the money. This seems to be an irreconcilable conflict. Is there a middle way? 
I asked the perfect person this question: Jeff Alter of Sound Physicians. His insights were invaluable. 
Jeff Alter on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreydalter/
Sound Physicians: www.soundphysicians.com 

“Poof, It’s Sepsis”: Are Doctors Using AI To Inappropriately Bill Patients?

There is a growing battle between payers and providers, each using AI to get the most money. Are doctors and hospitals using these tools inappropriately? 
Articles: 
AI by Doctors: https://www.statnews.com/2025/08/20/ai-scribe-use-doctors-health-insurance-bills-may-rise/
 
AI by Insurers: https://www.statnews.com/2025/10/31/health-insurer-ai-fights-hospital-ai-coding-billing/

Revolutionizing The Care Economy: My Conversation With Neal Shah of CareYaya

One of the most challenging aspects of our healthcare system is elder and sick care at home. Who can do it? How can you afford it? It can cause enormous stress. 
Neal Shah, CEO of CareYaya, knows this challenge firsthand, and he came up with a brilliant solution that will, in my mind, revolutionize the care economy. I sit down with Neal and hear all about it. 
Company: www.careyaya.org
Neal Shah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya/
 
 

Using AI To Become a "10x Doctor": My Conversation with Eiman Abdelmoneim

How will Artificial Intelligence affect physicians? Will it take their jobs? Will it kill all of humanity? There are so many questions with respect to AI and healthcare, and so I had the perfect guest on to get answers to all of these important questions. 
Eiman Abdelmoneim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eimanabdelmoneim/ 

Women in Medicine: Challenges and Opportunities

I sat down with three amazing women leaders in the Medical field - Dr. Chia-Shing Yang, Dr. Simran Matta, and April Burke PA - and had a wide-ranging conversation about the challenges facing women in medicine and leadership, and the opportunities they have as well. This is, by far, one of my most favorite episodes.