APMA adopted a formal position statement on artificial intelligence (AI) and submitted comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to its national Request for Information on the use of AI in clinical care. These efforts ensure the podiatric physician perspective is represented as federal policymakers begin developing guardrails for AI in health care.
AI is rapidly being integrated into prior authorization, claims review, and coverage determinations. While these technologies may improve efficiency, they are already affecting how medically necessary care is evaluated and reimbursed. APMA emphasized that AI should support, not replace, physician judgment. We also raised concerns that opaque algorithms and broad datasets can lead to inappropriate denials, downcoding, and delays in patient care.
APMA called for transparency in prior authorization and coverage decisions, disclosure and reporting when AI is used, and physician oversight of AI-supported determinations, while supporting the use of assistive AI to reduce administrative burden. APMA also emphasized that podiatric physicians must be represented in the design, deployment, and regulation of AI use in health-care settings, as clinicians are among the primary stakeholders affected by AI-driven coverage determinations and care access policies.
Learn more about APMA's official views on AI and other key policy issues at APMA’s Position Statements page. Contact the APMA Advocacy Department with any questions at advocacy@apma.org.