The internet is increasingly filled with information created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). These tools, while powerful, are far from perfect. Earlier this year, Google Chrome users encountered misleading information from the search engine’s AI, including bizarre suggestions like using glue on pizza. This is a prime example of an “AI hallucination,” where the AI generates inaccurate or nonsensical content.

The potential pitfalls of AI-generated content go beyond text. AI can also produce audio, video, and images. This content can be found in research outlines, social media posts, and even news articles. If not properly scrutinized, AI can mislead the public, compromise data privacy, and erode trust in new technologies.

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Medical Economics has released its 95th annual Physician Report, a comprehensive survey of practicing physicians. The report provides insights into physician salaries, practice finances, productivity, malpractice rates, and the overall state of the medical profession. The data is based on responses from physicians who participated in the survey during the first and second quarters of 2024.

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The proposed Medicare billing codes for digital mental health treatment (DMHT) in the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for 2025 mark a significant step forward. For the first time, CMS has proposed reimbursable codes specific to digital therapeutic products through the physician services benefit.

To be covered, DMHT products must have FDA clearance, ensuring their efficacy and safety. The codes encompass several components, including device supply, initial education, and monthly treatment management services.

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A new study has found that younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Xers, are facing a higher risk of developing 17 types of cancer compared to previous generations. The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, analyzed data on millions of patients and found that the incidence of cancers such as breast, colon, pancreatic, and uterine cancers has increased significantly among younger adults.

Key findings include:

• Increased incidence: The incidence of 17 cancers has risen among younger generations, especially those born after 1920.
• Obesity-related cancers: Many of the cancers with higher incidence rates are linked to obesity, suggesting the importance of childhood health and lifestyle factors.
• Early screening: The study highlights the need for earlier cancer screening, particularly for those in the younger generations.
• Positive trends: While some cancers are on the rise, others, like cervical and lung cancers, are declining due to factors like HPV vaccination and reduced smoking rates.

Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of addressing environmental and lifestyle factors to reduce cancer risk among younger populations.

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The financial risks associated with enterprise generative AI (GenAI) deployment can vary significantly depending on the chosen strategy. Companies have options like purchasing GenAI as part of a larger product suite, customizing foundation models, or utilizing cloud-based infrastructure.

Key cost considerations include:

• Vendor pricing and contract negotiation: Careful analysis of pricing models and negotiation of favorable terms are crucial.
• License optimization: Avoiding overprovisioning and ensuring efficient use of licenses can lead to significant savings.
• Business value assessment: Quantifying the productivity gains and other benefits of GenAI is essential for justifying investments.
• Infrastructure costs: The choice of deployment environment (public, private, or hybrid cloud) and the scale of operations will impact infrastructure expenses.

By carefully considering these factors and adopting effective cost management strategies, organizations can navigate the financial challenges of GenAI deployment and maximize their return on investment.

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