AI In the Exam Room: Lessons from Early Adoption

AI-powered medical scribes are becoming more common in exam rooms as health systems look for ways to streamline documentation, a major provider paint point. A new report from the Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) examines how leading health systems are using AI scribes and what others can learn from these early implementations. Here are a few key takeaways.

1. Adoption is growing—fast

Ambient AI scribes are one of the fastest-growing technologies in healthcare. That’s not surprising. As many clinicians know all too well, documentation is one of the most time-consuming and frustrating parts of the job. Health systems are betting that AI scribes can help providers spend less time charting and more time with patients.

2. Clinicians using AI spend less time on notes

One of the most consistent findings across the report is that AI scribes reduce documentation time. In one case, clinicians using an ambient scribe saved an average of 66 minutes daily—a 41% reduction in total documentation time. Physicians reported cutting note-taking time by 25% to 40% at other hospitals.

3. The physician experience is improving

It’s not just about efficiency. Providers in the PHTI report also described improved work-life balance, more meaningful time with patients, and reduced cognitive burden. 

4. Financial ROI is still hard to measure

While the clinical benefits are clear, most health systems haven’t nailed down a way to measure financial return on investment. That’s partly because the value of physician time, satisfaction, and reduced burnout is harder to quantify. Still, the report notes that organizations will need to think carefully about ROI frameworks as they scale these tools.

5. Implementation matters

The report also highlights what separates successful AI scribe rollouts from the rest. Leadership buy-in and strong change management are essential. So is training. Adoption rates vary widely—from as low as 20% to as high as 80%—depending on how well AI documentation solutions are introduced and supported.

Workflow integration is also critical. Adoption and outcomes are better when AI scribes fit into existing clinical routines and EHR systems.

Recommendations for health systems

If you’re considering ambient AI scribes for your organization, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Start with strong leadership support. Champions at the executive and clinical levels can help drive adoption.
• Invest in training and onboarding. The more support providers get upfront, the more likely they are to stick with it.
• Tailor workflows. AI scribes aren’t one-size-fits-all. Make sure the solution works for your clinicians, not the other way around.
• Think beyond ROI. The benefits to clinician wellbeing and patient experience may outweigh the dollars-and-cents impact—at least initially.
• Track progress. Collect feedback and usage data to evaluate effectiveness and adjust as needed.

Ambient AI scribes are a new tool, but the early evidence is promising. For many clinicians, they’re already making the workday a little easier and helping bring the focus back to what matters most: the patient.

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