nib launches AI Symptom Checker to ease New Zealand healthcare

Private health insurer nib has introduced a new AI-powered Symptom Checker tool for its members.

The tool aims to provide users with potential diagnoses based on their symptoms and offers guidance on when and where to seek appropriate treatment. This initiative is part of an effort to address the growing demand on healthcare providers and alleviate overcrowding in New Zealand's healthcare system.

Increasing wait times in hospital emergency departments have become a significant issue, with some patients experiencing delays of up to 10 hours. In response, the New Zealand Government announced a key health target stipulating that 95% of patients should be admitted, discharged, or transferred from an emergency department within six hours. Additionally, access to general practitioners (GPs) has been challenging, with 25% of GPs indicating they are not accepting new patients and 54% reducing their services due to concerns about funding and workforce shortages.

The Symptom Checker tool aims to ease the burden on emergency departments and GPs by triaging users to the appropriate level of care. It advises whether to visit a GP—either in person or through telehealth options—or to seek emergency care, or to monitor and rest at home. This triage process encourages individuals to take a proactive approach to their health, enabling them to get timely advice and potentially reducing the strain on urgent healthcare services.

By offering this tool, nib hopes to streamline the healthcare process for its members. The company believes that the Symptom Checker will assist in making informed decisions about their health, ultimately contributing to improved overall patient outcomes. The tool's introduction comes at a critical time as the healthcare sector faces unprecedented challenges, particularly in balancing patient demand with available resources.

The implementation of AI in healthcare is increasingly seen as a viable solution to some of these systemic issues. Technologies like the Symptom Checker can provide immediate, accessible guidance, helping to manage patient flow and prioritise those who need urgent care. Moreover, by facilitating telehealth consultations, the tool supports the continuity of care even when in-person visits are not feasible.

Officials have stressed that while AI tools can greatly support the healthcare system, they are intended to complement, not replace, professional medical advice. Users are encouraged to use the Symptom Checker as an initial step and follow up with their healthcare providers for personalised and comprehensive care.

The introduction of the Symptom Checker represents a significant advancement in integrating digital health solutions within the traditional healthcare framework. As New Zealand continues to grapple with healthcare delivery challenges, such innovations might provide a pathway to more efficient and effective patient care models.

With the AI-powered Symptom Checker now available to nib members, the insurer seeks to contribute positively to the national healthcare strategy. This tool may offer a model for future health tech integrations, potentially benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.

This development comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by various stakeholders to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency while managing resource constraints.

The long-term impact of such tools remains to be seen, but initial responses suggest they could play a critical role in modernising healthcare delivery in New Zealand.