Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to reshape the ultrasound technology landscape — revolutionizing patient care, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and transforming the use of ultrasound technology.

“The integration of artificial intelligence technology in ultrasound imaging is expected to make the ultrasound imaging technique smarter and improve the efficiency of the technique to accurately examine the disease. The surging demand for imaging biomarkers and quantitative imaging is significantly driving the demand for AI in ultrasound imaging.” (Precedence Research) 

Current ultrasound reporting solutions drive value through greater efficiency, automation, and interoperability. These same benefits are also major catalysts of emerging AI value, which will continue to drive clinical, financial, and operational benefits for healthcare organizations.

How AI can complement our existing workflow solution

AS Software is the workflow conduit connecting ultrasound machines, EHRs, and PACS/VNA, and we’re uniquely positioned to incorporate AI into this existing solution ecosystem deployed across our customer base — which currently manages over 10 million studies annually.

We have a long track record of prioritizing interoperability with industry-leading technology providers; many of which are now incorporating AI into their offerings. AS Software will be positioned to both interoperate with existing AI and leverage embedded AI from various partners in the market.

We’re excited to have customers and partners working with us to explore options to best meet these needs, and see many opportunities for AI to enhance research capabilities, ensure diagnostic accuracy, and further automate features to reduce documentation time.

Opportunities for AI in Ultrasound Reporting

There are many opportunities for AI to positively impact ultrasound and ultrasound workflows, and help automate reporting, image analysis, and task administration — giving time back to sonographers and physicians.  Some of the near-term opportunities include:

Enhancing Clinical Research Tools

Today, researchers are limited to searching text data contained in historical reports. Adding a search dimension that includes information contained in the associated historical studies and images opens many new and interesting possibilities for exploration.

Maintaining Certifications

The ability to search DICOM images by their contents can enable the creation of new features that aid in preparing submissions to maintain AIUM certifications.

Capturing Charges

By comparing the contents of images captured in a study to the procedures within an order, AI can ensure that procedures listed within an ultrasound report for billing purposes reflect the work completed. This allows organizations to capture additional charges that would otherwise be missed without AI assistance.

Improving Quality Assurance

Detecting image contents can be used to improve the efficiency of individuals performing quality assurance and quality control functions.

Approaches to AI growth and development in ultrasound

As demand for ultrasound technology innovation grows, it’s exciting to see emerging niche AI vendors like BIOTICSai and BrightHeart, and established partners like Microsoft Azure, leveraging AI to accelerate innovation throughout the industry.

There are three paths for companies like AS Software to consider when adding AI into existing solutions:

• Native AI: Developing AI technologies in-house.
• Acquired AI: Acquiring existing AI solutions.
• Embedded AI: Integrating AI tools into existing workflows and software solutions.

While native AI development isn’t our current focus, we are actively exploring embedded and acquisition opportunities. 

With an established history of embedding and complimenting electronic health records (EHR), picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), and other ultrasound and healthcare technology, AS Software is well-positioned to connect and incorporate AI tools within streamlined ultrasound workflows. 

If you have any questions about the future of AI at AS Software or are interested in partnering with us to explore new ways AI can reshape ultrasound reporting, please contact us.

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