Longevity = Fried Food > Salmon, AI Scribes Have No ROI, Medicaid Double Pays

Hey all,

Happy Thursday! As I read the piece on AI scribe survey I was confused by the ROI calculation. I know physicians who say AI Scribes make them hate their job significantly less. There is definitely an ROI in not having a surly doctor. Enjoy the rundown!

Jacob Brody (Co-Founder & CEO, ZorroRX)

(Nature Medicine) Optimal Dietary Patterns for Healthy Aging

A long-term study of over 100,000 participants found that adherence to healthy dietary patterns—especially the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)—significantly improved the odds of aging well, defined as reaching 70 without chronic diseases while maintaining cognitive, physical, and mental health. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and unsaturated fats were most beneficial, while processed foods, red meats, and sugary beverages were linked to worse outcomes. Strangely, fried foods were associated with a higher likelihood of surviving to 70 than salmon—suggesting that a longer life without crispy delights might not be worth living anyway. Full Article.

(Peterson Health Technology Institute) Survey On AI Scribes

A new report from the Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) found that AI scribes significantly reduce clinician burnout and cognitive load but have yet to demonstrate a clear financial return on investment. While early adopters report benefits like improved work-life balance and reduced documentation burden, there is no consistent evidence that AI scribes save time or increase patient throughput. Some providers noted potential revenue gains through improved billing accuracy, but results were mixed. But sure, in a healthcare system facing massive clinician shortages, keeping doctors from burning out couldn’t possibly have long-term financial benefits, right? Full Article.

(Wall Street Journal) Medicaid Double Payments 

A Wall Street Journal investigation found that health insurers were paid at least $4.3 billion in duplicative Medicaid payments over three years, as hundreds of thousands of patients were enrolled in two states simultaneously. This widespread billing error, largely unnoticed by state agencies and unmonitored by the federal government, reflects deep inefficiencies in the Medicaid system—highlighting how lax oversight, poor interstate coordination, and pandemic-era rules led to massive taxpayer waste. Full Article