Most people have learned not to call their doctor with a question that isn't urgent. You wait on hold. You leave a message. You get a callback three days later from someone who wasn't in the room. By then, you have already asked ChatGPT.

In this episode of Neural Compass, Mark Jacobstein speaks with Andy Slavitt, former head of CMS under the Obama administration, the man who helped rescue healthcare.gov, and Co-Founder and General Partner of Town Hall Ventures. They examine why the healthcare system was designed for acute conditions in a world that now runs on chronic disease, what it means for AI to become the new front door to care, and why Andy believes the traditional argument that AI cannot provide real empathy is simply wrong.

Neural Compass is a podcast from Jimini Health, which builds clinically embedded AI for behavioral health.

If you found this conversation valuable, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Guest: 

Andy Slavitt led the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and served as a senior advisor for the national COVID-19 response. He is a Co-Founder and General Partner of Town Hall Ventures, which supports companies aiming to improve healthcare for underserved populations. His work focuses on making the medical system more equitable and efficient through both policy and technology.

[00:01:39] AI as an Empathetic Resource 

People are turning to tools like ChatGPT because they enjoy the interaction. AI can be asked the same question many times without getting frustrated. This allows patients to feel more prepared and reassured before they ever step into a clinic.

[00:04:08] The Shift to Agentic Healthcare 

We are moving past the era of searching for health facts on Google. Soon, AI agents will be able to perform tasks like refilling prescriptions and making medical appointments. This change will make navigating the complicated medical world much simpler and less expensive for the average person.

[00:10:54] Redesigning the Acute Care System 

Our current medical system was built in the 1960s to treat sudden, short-term health problems. Today, most people live with long-term conditions that require constant attention rather than occasional visits. AI provides the extra support needed to manage these health needs every day.

[00:17:36] New Ways for Doctors to Get Paid 

Recent changes in government policy are starting to recognize that care does not have to happen in a doctor's office. New rules allow for medical reimbursement even when a doctor is not physically present in the room. This shift encourages the use of technology to monitor and support patients in their own homes.

[00:25:38] AI as the New Front Door 

Large hospital systems are trying to figure out how to stay relevant as people start their health journeys with AI. These digital tools can help identify health issues and then direct people to the right human experts or clinics. This creates a new path into the medical system that is more convenient for patients.

[00:31:33] Challenging the Need for Humans in the Loop 

While many experts insist that humans must always be involved in medical care, patient behavior suggests otherwise. People are already finding significant value and trust in AI for mental and physical health support. As technology improves, it may become the primary way many people manage their well-being.