Mass General Brigham Launches AI-Powered App to Tackle Primary Care Shortage

Mass General Brigham (MGB) launched an artificial intelligence application, Care Connect, today to address a significant shortage of primary care physicians, offering a new avenue for patients to access care.

The platform, which became available on September 9 for the health system’s 15,000 patients currently without a primary care doctor, utilizes a 24/7 chatbot to interview patients, review their medical records, and generate a list of potential diagnoses. Following the AI assessment, patients are scheduled for a telehealth appointment with a physician, often within 30 minutes. MGB is among the first healthcare systems in the nation to implement such a system, potentially setting a precedent for wider adoption of AI in primary care.

While MGB officials tout Care Connect as an innovative solution, some primary care doctors within the system have expressed skepticism. These physicians argue that the core issue isn’t a lack of technology, but rather inadequate compensation and working conditions that hinder recruitment and retention of primary care physicians in Massachusetts. The state, like many others, faces a growing physician shortage, impacting access to essential healthcare services. You can learn more about the national physician shortage from the Association of American Medical Colleges.

The introduction of Care Connect comes as healthcare systems nationwide explore AI solutions to improve efficiency and patient access. MGB’s move reflects a broader trend toward leveraging technology to mitigate the effects of workforce challenges, as discussed in our recent article on the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

MGB officials stated they will continue to monitor the app’s performance and gather feedback from both patients and physicians to refine the platform and address concerns.