UnitedHealth’s AI Leap: A Signal to Innovators

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AI and technology have been developing together for a while. That’s why UnitedHealth Group’s move to deploy over 1,000 AI use cases matters. For now, it shows how technology can change the most complicated areas when used responsibly. These days, its AI is integrated into pharmacy operations, insurance, and healthcare delivery, helping with everything from processing claims to transcribing doctor appointments in real time.

AI That Supports, Not Replaces in UnitedHealth

Approximately 90% of UnitedHealth claims are auto-adjudicated, with AI now supporting many of them. This step simplifies human work by filling in missing info, and, if needed, sending the difficult cases to humans for review. While clinicians utilize technologies that record appointments and indicate missed diagnoses, AI chatbots are helping millions of users get care. Some of the recent studies have shown that these AI tools have doubled in effectiveness.

Here’s a simple example of how AI chatbots help patients. For instance, if the patient has a stomach ache, they simply write this word and find a doctor. AI directs them to gastroenterologists to get help. Nowadays, the tool has already helped 18 million searches during the first quarter of 2025.

Importantly, when using this technology, AI doesn’t replace people. In turn, it helps people to enhance their capabilities. The company is clear: AI supports decisions, but doesn’t make final calls on coverage or care.

“AI is the most exciting technology,” Chief Digital and Technology Officer Sandeep Dadlani said. “But my job is to help really be practical and pragmatic, ambitious, and yet very responsible with this.”

Responsible Innovation: A Model for Startups

Startups can learn a clear lesson from UnitedHealth’s strategy: start with honesty. A multidisciplinary Responsible AI board reviews each AI application to guarantee accuracy, fairness, and transparency. In industries where confidence cannot be compromised, this degree of accountability is essential.

The lesson for investors and innovators alike is straightforward: growing AI requires accountability in addition to capacity. IGF is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create solutions that are impactful, moral, and ambitious.