U.S.-based employees of IBM who are fighting cancer will be able to access IBM Watson's oncology services for insights on cancer treatment options.
IBM has partnered with Best Doctors, a medical information services company connecting individuals facing medical treatment decisions with physicians, for this new benefit. Once IBM employees give their permission, Best Doctors will collect their medical information and input relevant data into Watson. Watson will create a report, which oncologists in the Best Doctors network will review. The oncologists will create a final assessment to give the employee and the employee's treating oncologist as a second opinion.
"For anyone receiving the diagnosis, or supporting a loved one through it, cancer can be overwhelming," said Kyu Rhee, MD, chief health officer of IBM Watson Health. "Now a second opinion staffed by the powerful combination of Watson and world-renowned oncologists in the Best Doctors network is readily available."
In addition to second opinions and treatment offerings, IBM Watson will also identify clinical trials in which individuals can participate.
The offering will be available to qualifying employees covered under IBM's medical plan, and the benefit will be available Jan. 1.
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