AI continues to make inroads into healthcare. In a new pilot project, Ochsner Health is using generative AI to create messages to patients. 
For the pilot, Microsoft Azure Open AI Service is integrated with Epic EHR to create message drafts to respond to patient questions on nonclinical topics. The messages will be reviewed and edited by providers and then sent out if approved. Ochsner clinicians from across the health system are participating in the initial phase of the pilot. There will be two additional phases in the testing and patient feedback will be collected and evaluated.
In 2022, over 4 million requests for medical advice were sent through the Ochsner patient portal. This AI/EHR platform is intended to help speed up the process of getting answers back to patients, as well as free up time for physicians to be able to provide more direct care. Primary care and internal medicine are first up in the project, because they receive the most patient messages.