Desjadon shed light on the "hidden tax" embedded in healthcare costs, particularly the $500 billion annually spent on billing and insurance-related expenses. Of that, $200 billion is dedicated solely to processing claims—expenses that trickle down to consumers through higher bills and deductibles.
“The average deductible for an American is $5,000, but the median bank account balance is only $8,800,” Desjadon said, illustrating the financial strain these costs place on consumers.
Anomaly uses AI to untangle the complexity of healthcare billing by analyzing disparate data sets, such as diagnosis codes, procedure codes, pricing data, and contracts. By integrating and interpreting this data, Anomaly enables providers and insurers to make better decisions in real-time. This reduces errors, speeds up reimbursements, and eliminates inefficiencies.
Desjadon emphasized that while large language models (LLMs) have captured the public’s imagination, Anomaly focuses on AI’s ability to process data cohesively rather than relying solely on generative AI. “It’s about bringing disparate data together to make decisions that weren’t possible in the past,” he noted.
One of the critical challenges in healthcare is the lack of transparency in pricing and billing. Desjadon highlighted how neither providers nor insurers can accurately predict what a patient will owe at the time of service. This opacity often leads to surprise bills, creating stress and financial hardship for patients.
Anomaly’s AI solutions aim to bridge this gap, offering clarity to both providers and insurers. While currently operating on a business-to-business model, the company's work has the potential to ripple outward, ultimately benefiting patients by creating a system where costs are transparent and predictable.
Looking ahead, Desjadon envisions AI playing a central role in making healthcare more efficient and equitable. By combining LLMs with their existing AI tools, Anomaly hopes to create a seamless system where consumers and providers receive clear, actionable information in real time.
“There aren’t many hundred- billion dollar opportunities to lower costs in healthcare,” Desjadon remarked, underscoring the immense potential impact of AI on the industry.
Desjadon’s interview underscores the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. By addressing inefficiencies in billing, reducing administrative burdens, and improving transparency, companies like Anomaly are paving the way for a more affordable and user-friendly healthcare system. While challenges remain, the integration of AI into the industry promises a future where cost, access, and quality are no longer at odds.
