The road ahead: The importance of reliable data in the AI era

After attending HIMSS25, the Milliman MedInsight team has deepened our appreciation for the true value of data. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly ingrained in healthcare technology, ensuring the quality and reliability of the data it processes is essential.

The path forward is clear: embrace responsible data practices or risk falling behind. We recently sat down with Chas Busenburg, Milliman MedInsight Senior Manager of Data and AI, to explore the future of AI and the pivotal role of trusted data in healthcare analytics. Join us as we delve into how data integrity is shaping the future of AI and why it matters now more than ever.

1. Can you share your thoughts on the AI landscape this year compared to last year at HIMSS?

Last year at HIMSS, the excitement around AI was strong, with everyone jumping on the bandwagon. This year, however, the conversation has shifted to a more responsible and grounded tone. Even in the sessions, there was a clear theme: AI is powerful, but it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.

This year, there were discussions about tying AI to explicit use cases. People are asking, “How much is AI really helping, and in what specific scenarios?” For Milliman MedInsight, this means focusing on defined use cases where AI can add real value. In the context of value-based care (VBC), for example, our AI solutions should be tailored to meet the specific needs of our customers, rather than being a generic tool.

That is why the Milliman MedInsight VBC Platform is designed to support both traditional analytical methods and next-generation AI and machine learning technologies. By integrating the VBC Platform with advanced AI-driven analytics, we enable users to leverage proven techniques such as standard statistical analyses and reports, while enhancing them with predictive insights that unveil deeper, more actionable value

2. How has Milliman MedInsight’s approach to AI evolved over the past year, and what changes have you observed in the industry that align with your philosophy?

Our approach has always been to implement AI thoughtfully and responsibly, and it’s encouraging to see the industry moving in this direction. Over the past year, there has been a noticeable shift away from the hype cycle surrounding AI. When I visited the startup area at HIMSS, I noticed that fewer companies are pushing AI just for the sake of having it on their marquee. Instead, there’s a focused effort on how AI can be effectively integrated into specific use cases that deliver real, tangible value.

This shift aligns perfectly with the Milliman MedInsight philosophy. We have always believed that AI isn’t a magic bullet or a one-size-fits-all solution. Yes, it’s a powerful tool, but it works best when it complements and enhances our core strengths. For MedInsight, that means leveraging our deep expertise in data management and analysis. Our ability to collect, organize, and make sense of complex data sets is where we excel, and that’s the foundation upon which effective AI solutions are built.

By focusing on data integrity and insightful analysis, we provide real value to our customers and partners. We help them understand their data in ways they might not have considered, uncovering patterns and insights that can drive strategic decisions. With this solid groundwork, AI becomes an augmenting feature—a tool that can automate processes, predict trends, or identify anomalies more efficiently than traditional methods. We are committed to integrating AI with intentionality, not as a mere buzzword but as a meaningful addition to our toolkit that addresses the specific challenges our customers face.

3. Where do you see AI headed in the near future, and how will it impact Milliman MedInsight’s operations?

AI is set to greatly enhance healthcare analytics through a variety of tools that improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. From predictive models to real-time data analysis, AI will play a crucial role.

Other AI technologies, including statistical models for estimating trends and advanced machine learning algorithms for extracting value from data, will continue to be key parts of our offering. These tools empower our customers to achieve their goals by delivering actionable insights and AI-ready capabilities.

For example, the VBC Platform has evolved significantly by moving to the Milliman MedInsight Health Cloud powered by Databricks, enhancing our capabilities in several key areas:

• Firstly, we now have faster insights. Our cloud investment enables quicker decision-making and more responsive healthcare delivery, which is crucial in a fast-paced industry.
• Secondly, we offer flexible data handling. The platform supports various data types and allows customers to create and run their own models independently, saving them time and resources.
• Thirdly, we have improved customization. The Health Cloud uses a Platform as a Service (PaaS) model, giving users more flexibility and control to customize and manage their data environments efficiently.
• Lastly, our platform is AI-ready. When you trust us with your data, financial and clinical analytics can be incredibly important additions to your machine learning feature set, enabling users to leverage proven techniques and the latest advancements for complex queries.

These enhancements not only improve our service but also ensure that we are well equipped to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our customers in achieving their value-based care objectives.

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