#16: Avoiding algorithmic bias and worsening health inequities in ML/AI technologies (with Dr. Vik Bakhru of Circulo Health)

Decoding Healthcare Innovation

What you’ll get out of this episode

Listen in as co-host Rebecca Gwilt chats with Circulo Health Founding Chief Medical Officer and Head of Mosaic Circle, Vik Bakru, MD, about how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) helps Circulo avoid algorithm bias and worsening health inequities as they focus on their mission to be the future of Medicaid.

In this episode you’ll discover:

• What algorithmic bias is—and its impact on health inequity
• What the economic case is for investing in DEI/prevention of algorithmic bias
• How technology can address so many of these societal inequalities
• What the Medicaid of the future looks like
• How he defines success for Circulo and for himself as CEO

This lively conversation is one you won’t want to miss if you’re an artificial intelligence or machine learning innovator, a provider, a startup founder, or a healthcare tech investor.

Quotables

“We have had structural issues in our society that have driven the wrong pattern of behaviors in serving those who need it.” @vikbakhru #CirculoHealth on Ep16 @DecodingHealth1 w @NixonGwitlLaw https://sliceofhealthcare.com/category/decoding-healthcare-innovation/

“I’m seeing so much innovation around how to get providers oriented around gaps in understanding between themselves and the people they serve.” @vikbakhru Ep16 @DecodingHealth1 w @NixonGwitlLaw https://sliceofhealthcare.com/category/decoding-healthcare-innovation/

“We don’t need prior authorizations…if a clinician on the front lines identifies a need, they should be able to address that need.” @vikbakhru @DecodingHealth1 w @NixonGwiltLaw https://sliceofhealthcare.com/category/decoding-healthcare-innovation/

“It’s a heavy lift to pull off, but if we get it right, we can remove 16 cents on the dollar of administrative overhead” @vikbakhru #CirculoHealth on Ep16 @DecodingHealth1 w @NixonGwitlLaw https://sliceofhealthcare.com/category/decoding-healthcare-innovation/

“The normal person assumes that it couldn’t possibly be as inefficient as it actually is” @rebeccagwilt talking w @vikbakru re #Medicaid inefficiencies on Ep16 @DecodingHealth1 w @NixonGwitlLaw https://sliceofhealthcare.com/category/decoding-healthcare-innovation/

Recommended Resources

• Find out the mission and direction at Circulo in this overview video
• Read about the $50M Series A funding for Circulo from earlier this year
• Connect with Vik Bakhru on LinkedIn
• From the NGL blog: We published our 2022 trends and predictions post just before this interview was taped, and we’re in alignment with Vik in thinking there will be greater focus on digital health equity. Read the rest of the opportunities and warnings for the year ahead here.

Join the Conversation

Are you a digital health or health system innovator? Tell us what topics and people you’d like us to cover in future episodes:

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