The promise of artificial intelligence in healthcare has been a topic of great interest for years. While there have been glimpses of its potential through pilot programs, the healthcare industry is now on the cusp of large-scale deployments. However, there are several significant issues that need to be addressed before this can become a reality. Michael Meucci, the president and CEO of Arcadia, a health data platform company, is actively working on these challenges every day.

Acting on AI Abundance via Workflow Integration

Although pilot programs have demonstrated the potential of AI, true integration into daily workflows remains a rarity. In 2025, scaling successful AI applications will be a top priority. For AI to truly reshape healthcare, it must seamlessly become a part of care team workflows, transitioning from isolated systems to integrated, actionable tools at the point of care.By embedding AI in workflows, healthcare organizations can make a significant leap. Instead of being passive, like ambient listening or automated note-taking, AI can become an active decision support system that clinicians can trust and rely on. Its effectiveness hinges on its ability to support, not interrupt, clinical workflows. Integrating AI into real-time decision-making processes means creating systems where clinicians don't have to step out of their routines or rely on additional tools. Instead, they should have AI-driven insights available directly within their current interfaces and processes, such as the electronic health record. AI should serve as a silent partner, augmenting the abilities of clinical teams without demanding additional steps.For healthcare leaders, it is clear that they need to prioritize investments that enhance workflow integration over isolated AI functionalities. Building infrastructure that facilitates AI's real-time availability and directly feeds into clinical operations will yield sustainable gains. As these systems mature, they will lead to an era of scaled AI deployments, making AI a critical, reliable resource within healthcare delivery.

The Holistic Patient View as the Foundation for AI Application

In 2025, a true holistic patient view will be the cornerstone of AI applications. This requires a robust data infrastructure that harmonizes various data sources, such as clinical, claims data, and social determinants of health data. By doing so, AI can draw insights that support patient-centric care regardless of who interacts with the patient.A comprehensive and longitudinal patient view enhances the value of AI. It provides a reliable foundation of patient data that anyone across the enterprise can trust and leverage. For example, in an AI-driven call center, staff can view not only a patient's insurance benefits but also relevant health information, like open care gaps. This enables agents to answer questions and act with empathy and precision, such as nudging a patient about a screening.The holistic approach means that whether a patient is interacting with clinical staff, support personnel, or even financial services, they receive informed support tailored to their unique health journey. To make this vision a reality, healthcare leaders must prioritize data standardization and invest in systems that promote scalable access to real-time data. With these investments, healthcare organizations can empower every employee to act as a knowledgeable touchpoint in the patient's care journey, enhancing the patient experience through proactive, patient-centered care management.

Reducing Push-Pull Tension in the AI Lifecycle

Healthcare organizations often face a push-pull tension between the drive to adopt AI systems and internal resistance due to regulatory, ethical, and logistical concerns. This tension reflects the broader industry conflict of advancing AI while encountering roadblocks that slow down deployment.To overcome this in 2025, healthcare leaders must adopt strategies that fuel AI innovation while streamlining governance, compliance, and risk management. AI should be established as a core component of their operations without creating additional hurdles. The acceleration of AI should be purposeful, targeting high-impact tasks that can be automated to free up human resources for higher-value work.Healthcare executives should start by identifying low-value, time-consuming tasks that AI can take over, such as data entry or basic patient queries. Delegating these tasks to AI enables clinicians and their staff to focus on complex, patient-facing interactions. Strategically automating repetitive functions will help organizations improve productivity and reinvest the gains in expanding the reach and effectiveness of AI systems across the enterprise.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) holds a significant place in the American healthcare landscape. It is not merely a provider of medical services but a symbol of what a comprehensive, government-run system can achieve. This is why it has faced continuous attacks from certain quarters, yet its importance remains undeniable.

The VA: A Pillar of American Healthcare and Preparedness

VA as a Symbol of National Healthcare Potential

The VA serves as a prime example of what a national healthcare system could offer when scaled to meet the diverse needs of the population. It has demonstrated remarkable capabilities in providing integrated care to millions of veterans, many with complex injuries resulting from their service. Private healthcare systems often struggle to handle such cases, highlighting the unique value of the VA. Studies consistently show its superiority in terms of quality of care, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. After years of refinement and legislation, it has become a highly efficient healthcare provider for veterans.

For instance, the VA's specialized expertise in dealing with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and providing prosthetics is second to none. Its ability to coordinate care across multiple disciplines ensures that veterans receive comprehensive treatment. This integrated approach is what sets the VA apart and makes it a model for other healthcare systems to follow.

The VA's success also challenges the common misconception that government-run healthcare is inefficient. It proves that with proper funding and management, a centralized system can deliver better outcomes at a lower cost. This is especially crucial in times of crisis when rapid response and coordinated action are essential.

VA's Fourth Mission: A Cornerstone of Emergency Preparedness

Often overlooked in discussions about the VA is its "Fourth Mission" - to enhance the nation's preparedness for emergencies. This mission extends beyond providing healthcare to veterans and becomes a vital part of the nation's emergency response infrastructure.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the VA's role was exemplary. It deployed personnel to over 50 states and territories, providing direct patient care, testing, and essential resources like personal protective equipment (PPE). The distribution of 1.1 million pieces of PPE to state and local facilities demonstrated its commitment to serving the broader public. Additionally, admitting 697 non-veteran citizens for care at VA medical centers showcased its ability to provide critical healthcare during a crisis.

The VA's support didn't stop at equipment. It offered ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and mountable plexiglass isolation stations to strengthen healthcare systems nationwide. Its training and education programs for state and community nursing homes and the deployment of staff to assist overwhelmed facilities were instrumental in combating the pandemic. This integrated, rapid-response action is a testament to the power of a well-funded, centralized healthcare system.

The Dangers of Privatization

Republican leaders and conservative think tanks have long advocated for the privatization of veterans' healthcare, framing it as a choice for veterans. However, this so-called choice comes with significant drawbacks.

Privatizing the VA would transfer veterans' care to a system driven by profit rather than outcomes. Private providers lack the specialized expertise to handle conditions like toxic exposures, combat-related trauma, and complex prosthetics. This can lead to care denial and subpar treatment for veterans.

The profit motives of the private sector often conflict with the needs of veterans. In times of crisis, no private health care model can replicate the VA's ability to rapidly deploy resources, personnel, and expertise. The VA's Fourth Mission emphasizes the critical role it plays in national emergencies, and privatization would undermine this essential function.

Veterans' Perspective and the Importance of the VA

Veterans like Pete Hegseth and Doug Collins, who advocate for privatization, lack firsthand experience with the challenges faced by combat-injured veterans. Veterans overwhelmingly value the VA for its specialized care and community support.

Critics may acknowledge the VA's integrated system, but they fail to recognize its unique ability to address the complex needs of veterans. The VA provides a holistic approach to healthcare that goes beyond medical treatment, offering support and resources that are essential for veterans' well-being.

The debate over the VA is not just about healthcare for veterans; it is about the future of American healthcare and emergency preparedness. If the VA can succeed in providing high-quality care and serving as a linchpin in times of crisis, it could inspire the development of a national system that ensures no American is left without healthcare.

We must defend the VA, not only for those who have served but for the promise it holds for all Americans. It is a testament to the power of government in providing essential services and safeguarding the well-being of the nation.