Radiologists adapting to AI in Healthcare
In 2017, Vinod Khosla told CNBC that the job "of the radiologist will be obsolete in five years." While the founder of Khosla Ventures later revised that timeline to as long as 15 years, he maintained that AI image recognition could soon diagnose disease on scans better than human doctors.
Seven years later, radiologists are still required to interpret most scans (even if AI software helps them); the more immediate challenge is the shortage of these doctors in the United States and around the world.
Rise of Rad AI
Incorporating cutting-edge tools and technology is essential for the evolution of the field. While Khosla Ventures has backed several imaging startups, including Vista.ai and Q Bio, the latest innovation comes from a company focusing on enhancing radiologists' efficiency rather than replacing them with machines.
On Tuesday, Khosla led a $50 million Series B into Rad AI, which developed a tool that can generate reports for radiologists. This advancement aims to streamline the workflow and enhance overall productivity in the field.
Revolutionizing Radiology Reports
One significant innovation in this space is the introduction of advanced AI models for automating documentation processes. Rad AI, founded in 2018, utilizes proprietary technology trained on extensive radiology datasets to automate the documentation of doctors' findings and impressions, thus significantly reducing the time spent on this task.
While tech companies have recently embraced generative AI, Rad AI has been at the forefront of leveraging this technology since its early stages. This commitment to innovation has enabled Rad AI to establish a strong presence in the market, with a significant portion of U.S. health systems and major radiology groups adopting their products.
Future Prospects
The recent influx of capital will further drive the development of Rad AI's latest offering: a standalone radiology reporting solution. By expanding their team and enhancing deployment capabilities, Rad AI aims to cater to the increasing demand for their pioneering technology. With a strong foothold in the market, Rad AI remains a frontrunner in revolutionizing radiology practices through AI integration.
