Microsoft's AI system diagnoses better than doctors

Microsoft claims its AI diagnostic system, the Microsoft AI Diagnostic Orchestrator, outperformed experienced doctors in a test, achieving four times greater diagnostic accuracy. This advancement raises questions about AI's role in medicine. The AI system, using large language models, correctly diagnosed 85.5% of cases, while doctors averaged 20% accuracy in the same test. The study involved 304 cases from the New England Journal of Medicine, with doctors lacking typical diagnostic resources. Microsoft also stated the AI system was more cost-effective. Microsoft emphasizes AI as a supplement to doctors, not a replacement, acknowledging the importance of clinicians' roles in patient care. Tech leaders like Bill Gates believe AI can address doctor shortages, but medical professionals caution against complete reliance on AI.