Algorithmic Gate Keeping – AI Driven Prior Authorizations and Their Implications
Part of Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models in Neuromodulation
Details
- Date
- Friday, January 22, 2027
- Time
- 11:20 AM – 11:35 AM
- Session type
- Concurrent Session
- Schedule
- See this day
About
Artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) are reshaping neuromodulation at every level of care - from how patients first learn about their diagnosis, to how adaptive stimulation algorithms respond in real time, to how Medicare determines whether a therapy will be covered at all. This rapid integration is generating profound new capabilities, but also profound new questions. This session examines the growing role of AI and LLMs across the neuromodulation care continuum through a neuroethics lens. Speakers will present evidence on LLM-assisted patient education materials and informed consent processes; review the Boston Scientific Illuminate platform as a real-world example of AI-driven adaptive therapy; explore the Medicare WISeR model as a case study in algorithmic prior authorization and its downstream effects on access; and critically examine the data infrastructure that makes AI-powered neuromodulation possible - along with the privacy, equity, and autonomy concerns that come with it. Throughout, the session centers on patient perspectives: Who consents to their neural data being used? Who benefits when AI optimizes a therapy - and who may be left behind? What obligations do clinicians, industry, and payers bear when algorithmic systems mediate care? Attendees will leave with a richer understanding of both the promise and the ethical stakes of AI in neuromodulation, and with practical frameworks for responsible integration.
Presenters
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Dr. Joshua M. Rosenow, MD, FAANS, FCNS, FACS is Director of Functional Neurosurgery and Professor of Neurosurgery, Neurology and PM&R at Northwestern University.
He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine, completed training at NYMC and then fellowship in stereotactic, functional, restorative neurosurgery and epilepsy surgery at Cleveland Clinic. He is one of the founding members of the Functional Neurosurgery Working Group of the Parkinson’s Study Group.
Research interests include stereotactic surgery, neurostimulation for enhancement of neurologic recovery, imaging biomarkers in pain, socioeconomic aspects of neurosurgery/neuromodulation, opioid policy, exploration of brain function using implanted electrodes, brain-machine interface and novel neurologic devices
He has served as President of the Illinois State Neurosurgical Society, Chair of AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pain, and Chair of CSNS. He has served on the Executive Council of the ASSFN and the Board of Directors of NANS.
Dr. Rosenow is one of 6 members of the AANS/CNS Washington Committee, Chair of AANS/CNS Drugs and Devices Committee, delegate to the AMA from AANS and alternate CPT advisor for Neurosurgery. He is Co-Chair of NANS Advocacy and Policy Committee. He has been honored with the Randall Smith Meritorious Service Award from CSNS and Presidential Award from NANS.