WellPoint to Use Watson

September 12, 2011

Watson, an IBM computer will analyze patient records

As reported in the September 12, 2011 NAHU Newswire, it was announced today that WellPoint Inc., will enter into an agreement for IBM's Watson computer. By using Watson-based solutions, WellPoint will give physicians in their network tools that allows them to more efficiently access information from their patients' medical records, compare it with evidence-based research, and make more informed health care decisions for their patients. WellPoint will begin using the technology for oncology practices and will ultimately plan use it for all patients. It is expected that this will be in production early 2012. The application will relate a patients symptoms and history to a database of textbooks and medical journals and in a few seconds, suggest possible diagnoses or treatments. More can be read on this in the Anthem News Flash.

Also reported in the September 12, 2011 NAHU Newswire is an article about administration officials ramping up talks with states over how the federal government could help set up the exchanges without having to completely take over.

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