Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian is preparing for the public release of its new artificial intelligence-powered service, Ask Hoag, as a mobile application during the fourth quarter of this year. Kathy Azeez-Narain, Hoag's Chief Digital Officer, is overseeing the project, which is currently in beta testing after an initial internal introduction to employees.
Ask Hoag is designed to serve as a “conversational front door to Hoag care,” providing responses to patients' health questions and concerns. The service aims to offer personalized game plans that lead to care, with all recommendations reviewed and approved by Hoag clinicians. Azeez-Narain described the product as a way to put Hoag services directly into patients' hands.
According to Azeez-Narain, Ask Hoag is not a standard chatbot that offers generic responses. She emphasized a responsible approach to using artificial intelligence in healthcare, stating that while AI can offer advice, clinical support requires human expertise to address individual health situations.
This initiative follows Azeez-Narain's recognition last year with the Business Journal's 2025 Innovator of the Year Award. Her previous work includes the launch of Hoag Compass and the development of the Nona mobile app.
Hoag Compass, a subscription-based care model, began in the summer of 2022. It integrates in-person, virtual, and app-based care to support patients in pursuing lifestyle and wellness objectives while maintaining connections with their care teams.
Later that same year, Nona was introduced to provide digital support for new mothers. This app addresses the period after childbirth when new mothers may feel disconnected from healthcare providers, offering connections to classes, clinical advice, and nurse consultants for post-partum care at home.
Azeez-Narain joined Hoag in 2019 after 15 years at American Express. She focuses on solving complex problems within healthcare technology, noting that innovations often arise from challenging issues that require dedicated effort. Her recent work has been concentrated on readying Ask Hoag for its public debut, aiming to solve what she calls "meaty problems" in patient care access.
Once launched in the fourth quarter, Ask Hoag will be available as a mobile application, providing Irvine residents with a new digital tool for engaging with Hoag's healthcare services.