Whether or not self-driving cars are the way of the future, artificial intelligence is now a fact of life. Once a theoretical hope, we have successfully created machines that mimic human cognitive behavior. They recognize patterns, learn, and form conclusions. For all intents and purposes, they think.

We thought it fitting to discuss the future of mental health care given this is the last week of Mental Health Awareness Month. Advances in Digital Health solutions, with the use of AI and IoT, are not only limited to physical conditions but are very effective in supporting Digital Mental and Behavioral Health solutions as well.

Hospital Systems have been on the front-line adapting to the COVID-19 (COVID) pandemic and as a result have made quick and important short-term decisions. As providers emerge from this pandemic crisis, and re-open for elective surgeries and other services, the opportunity to implement new virtual models of care supported by newly introduced funding models becomes a strategic priority.

Value-based care is a system of reimbursement that aims to compensate providers for the care outcomes achieved rather than the volume of services provided.

Roughly 18 percent or 43.4 million adults in the United States suffer from some form of mental illness, including mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders, but excluding developmental and substance use disorders. They occur in over a fifth of adults aged 18 to 49 and were found to be more prevalent among women than men. Phobias and major depression are the most commonly occurring mental illnesses among adults, while ADHD is the most common among children.

Telehealth continues to offer tremendous potential to transform the healthcare delivery system by overcoming geographical distance, enhancing access to care, and building efficiencies. But online telehealth services on their own fall short of enabling true patient engagement and providing patients with the best possible care.

In an interview with David Rubenstein for "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations," Satya Nadella reveals that much of his capacity for empathy comes from his son, Zain, who was born with severe Cerebral Palsy.