Algorithm Contest Aims To Predict Health Problems

databuff writes "The April 4 launch of the $3 million Heritage Health Prize has been announced by the Heritage Provider Network, a network of doctors. The competition challenges data hackers to build algorithms that predict who will go to the hospital in the next year, so that preventative action can be taken. An algorithm might find that somebody with diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol is a 90 per cent risk for hospitalization. Knowing this, it might be cheaper for an HMO to enroll them in an exercise program now rather than pay the likely hospital bill. The competition takes the same approach as the $1 million Netflix Prize, but solves a far more significant problem."

Fat Tony,"I predict you're going to the hospital

[CrazyJim1]

Contest judge,"Why I'm perfectly healthy, why would you pick me?"
Fat Tony: *punch to the face of contest judge*
Contest judge,"Well I see your point, but that isn't exactly going to send me to the hospital."
Fat Tony: *draws a gun*
Contest Judge,"Ok ok, I'll go to the hospital, here's your money."
Fat Tony,"Who says I want your money?"

Re: Obama Care

[aethogamous]

Dear Non-Obama Health Care Customer

We have identified you as a high risk patient.

Good bye.

Re:Hackers?

[martin-boundary]

Is that now synonymous with programmers?

Get with the times will you, this is Web 2.0!

(Old name) --> (New name)

Webmonkey --> Application programmer

Programmer --> Hacker

Hacker --> Terrorist