“My chest hurts and I can barely take a breath”
Fortunately for this 65 year old female, a generative AI powered HAI healthcare agent had called to check on her. The agent asked appropriate questions and immediately escalated her to a nurse. She was emergently admitted to the hospital. Possibly the first life saved by an AI agent intervention.
The US healthcare system has made remarkable advancements in technology, treatments, and patient care over the years. Yet, a critical gap persists that often leads to preventable complications, hospital readmissions, and even avoidable deaths: the lack of consistent and proactive contact with patients once they leave the hospital. Whether discharged from surgery, recovering from an illness, or managing a chronic condition, many patients feel disconnected and unsupported during the crucial period of recovery at home. At Hippocratic AI, we believe in the importance of increasing follow-up frequency with patients after they leave the healthcare setting and how such a change could dramatically improve patient outcomes.
For many patients, leaving the hospital or surgical center marks the beginning of a critical, and often precarious, phase of recovery. Yet, after the discharge paperwork is signed, many patients receive minimal direct support. Follow-up typically consists of a single phone call or an appointment scheduled weeks later, which is often insufficient to catch early warning signs of complications. For patients who are elderly, live alone, or are managing multiple health conditions, this lack of consistent contact can result in a dangerous gap in care.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many patients are discharged with complex medication regimens, new lifestyle instructions, or the need for ongoing wound care—all of which can be overwhelming without adequate support. Inadequate follow-up can lead to medication errors, poor adherence to care plans, missed warning signs of deterioration, and, ultimately, unnecessary readmissions.
Increasing the frequency of contact with patients post-discharge can serve as a lifeline that improves outcomes, enhances patient satisfaction, and reduces the overall burden on the healthcare system. Frequent follow-up allows for early detection of complications, enhanced medication adherence and management, reinforcement and clarification of discharge instructions, emotional and psychological support and a possible reduction in readmissions.
Safety in action
One of the many use cases we have developed is a post-procedure check-in. The goal is to support patients after an often complex discharge process as well as identify and address any complications so that the patient’s care team can address the issue before it becomes serious.
In this recent case, our agent identified a potentially fatal situation and properly escalated to a human nurse. The situation involved a 65 year old female who had undergone a minimally invasive peripheral vascular procedure the day before. Our agent called in the morning for a routine post-procedure check-in. The patient’s course was uncomplicated from a procedure perspective. She reported that the wound site was healing normally.
However, she did mention chest pain following a fall. Our agent prompted the patient with a few follow-up questions. In response, the patient disclosed that the prior evening she had fallen off her stool and struck her head and chest on the kitchen counter. She explained that she was having trouble breathing. The patient was on anticoagulants. The AI immediately connected the call to a registered nurse for a full triage. The patient was then sent to the emergency department, where she was admitted for a subdural hematoma.
We continue to believe that increasing communication and interventions with patients will change outcomes. Increasing the frequency and quality of follow-up with patients after discharge is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a critical component of effective healthcare. By closing the gap between the hospital and the home, we can catch complications early, support patients more comprehensively, and ultimately improve the overall quality of care. As our healthcare system continues to evolve, prioritizing frequent and meaningful contact with patients during their most vulnerable moments should be at the forefront of our efforts to enhance outcomes and deliver truly patient-centered care.
At Hippocratic AI, we’re committed to putting patients first, with safety as our north star.