Artificial Intelligence is being utilized in almost every industry with banking, data-based and technical services, and manufacturing and assembly-line companies at the top of the list. The medical field is coming on strong as AI tools help doctors pinpoint high-risk patients.
Innovative Renal Care operates more than 230 clinics in 25 states, including South Augusta Dialysis Clinic and North Augusta Dialysis Center. The company has partnered with DeLorean AI with the goal of helping assist with screenings, keeping patients healthier, and prolonging life expectancy.
Severence MacLaughlin founded DeLorean AI five years ago. Back then, he believed no company would invest in his technology, so he sold his house and liquidated all his investments to fund the project.
“I wanted to make progress in helping people lead better lives. Signing the contract with IRC was the first step. The main objective was to have less patients having to go on dialysis,” explained MacLaughlin.
His company has produced evidence that the AI tools are safe and effective after being tested with millions of patients and being biologically validated.
Dr. Barton Brezina is a nephrologist specializing in diagnosing and managing kidney disease. He is a managing partner in both CSRA clinics utilizing the DeLorean AI technology.
“With all the variables in treating kidney disease, this technology is helpful in condensing that information into a dashboard that shows a deeper picture of a patient’s risk,” said Brezina.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, kidney disease causes more deaths each year than breast cancer or prostate cancer. It is an under-recognized public health crisis.
The other benefit of getting a look into the future of patient risk is reducing costs. Brezina says many of their patients are on Medicare.
“If they have to go on dialysis, between that and any hospitalization and medications, you are looking at an average of $300,000 a year for each patient.”
Although AI is not controlling a doctor’s final decision, Brezina said it does make suggestions to improve final care-making decisions. He compares the current AI concept “to still being in the Wild West to some extent.”
MacLaughlin would probably agree with that analogy. The name of his company came about from his love of 80’s pop culture when the Back to the Future franchise used the DeLorean as a time machine. Marty McFly and Doc Brown rode into the future on a flux capacitor. This time, AI is taking people there.
“Even if we don’t solely rely on AI, the tool is very useful. It helps streamline the process. The bottom line is that DeLorean AI can help prevent risk and prevent dialysis. I think of it as a valuable assistant.” said Brezina.
For MacLaughlin and his DeLorean AI company, “We are just trying to make a difference. What gets me going is how many lives we can save today?”
His latest venture is developing AI to help people suffering from mental health challenges. The future is now.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
