This program uses AI to screen Medicare requests. WA lawmakers and medical professionals are worried.

Washington is more than five months into a new pilot program that has been using AI to screen requested procedures for people enrolled in Medicare. It’s called the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) program, which incentivizes private companies to deny procedures.  Washington lawmakers and medical professionals say the program has led to denials and delays in care for older residents.  All of this is covered in a new story from KUOW that looks at the pushback to this pilot program.  Guest: Stephen Howie, a senior online editor and reporter at KUOW Related links: Washington seniors face denied, delayed care under AI Medicare review program | KUOW Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.