'AI is never used to deny care'– on tech, trust, accuracy and prior auths
Published:
August 18, 2026
This is a three-part interview series with Cohere Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Covino and Medical Economics. Missing the beginning? Read Part 1 here.
As health plans transition to electronic prior authorization (PA) and AI-powered systems to comply with federal regulations, AI’s role in healthcare operations is under greater scrutiny. While physician skepticism persists–with concerns over decision accuracy and denial rates–Dr. Brian Covino, CMO for Cohere Health, shares how clinician-trained AI can address these fears and actually improve provider experience and the speed of care. Domain-specific AI systems developed with physicians can help health plans reduce denials caused by missing information, comply with faster turnaround times through real-time decisioning, and avoid hallucinations common to generic AI tools–all of which get patients to needed care faster. By addressing compliance with proven, trusted technology, forward-thinking health plans can accelerate quality care while improving provider trust and burden.
Key points discussed:
- Domain-specific AI systems trained by clinicians can improve decision accuracy, reduce denials and appeals, and get patients to the right care faster
- Where AI is already having a meaningful impact, like prompting providers to attach missing clinical information before submitting an authorization
- With new and evolving standards for PA speed, transparency, and interoperability, health plans will need proven, trustworthy AI-powered solutions
Continue reading: Advance to Part 3 here
Written by
Brian
Covino, M.D., FAAOS
Dr. Brian Covino is Chief Medical Officer at Cohere Health, bringing over 25 years of experience as a practicing orthopaedic surgeon, serving as a partner at Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic, and directing the value-based care program at OrthoTennessee. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and an M.D./M.S. from Georgetown University School of Medicine. Dr. Covino completed his surgical training at the University of Virginia and a fellowship at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He served as Co-Director of Parkwest Medical Center’s Joint Replacement Center and was among the "Best Doctors in America" for 20+ consecutive years.
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