Microsoft develops AI tool that can diagnose 'sequentially' like a doctor

Microsoft researchers have developed an AI tool capable of diagnosing patients step by step, akin to how human doctors operate. According to a study published in Science, the AI tool was over twice as accurate as general physicians in solving complex medical cases.

The model identifies and coordinates the questions to ask patients, as well as the exams and tests that should be ordered using an "orchestrator." This orchestrator organizes how AI tackles a problem by simulating a panel of clinical experts collaborating to resolve diagnostic cases.

Unlike traditional medical AI models that analyze all symptoms, lab results, and imaging studies simultaneously, this new system first determines what information about a patient's history and physical exam is significant. It then decides which tests to order, considers the results, and orders further testing as needed. Throughout this process, the AI continuously updates its working hypotheses and plans.

The tool was tested on over 300 complex medical scenarios and outperformed human physicians when presented with ER admission cases. Additionally, diagnostic processes utilizing the orchestrator were found to be less costly compared to those conducted by human doctors.