The future of care: Ambient AI brings doctors and patients closer

Dr. Kristen Wyrick, medical director of primary care in Seattle, sees up to 24 patients a day. On any given day, she might see a patient for routine preventive care, a diabetes follow-up, or help someone manage a crushed pinkie toe. For years, she balanced these conversations with the constant pressure to capture every detail in her notes. AI is helping Wyrick and other providers become more efficient and more present with their patients.

The technology saves her one to two hours a week, time she now spends with her family instead of finishing notes at night. “Before using AI, I often finished notes after dinner, what many doctors call pajama time. Now I complete my work during the day and spend more time with my family. Even my kids noticed I’m not on my computer at night anymore,” says Wyrick.

Dr. Brett Daniel, family physician and AI leader at Optum Health, puts the challenge in perspective.

What’s more: Ambient AI is helping manage staff shortages and reduce administrative costs. Clinics report higher patient satisfaction and the ability to see more patients daily. “More than 70% of clinicians have seen improvements in patient experience,” says Daniel.

The next generation of physicians expects this kind of technology. “I’ve had conversations with applicants who say they won’t go to work for a place that doesn’t have an AI scribe because they see the benefit in work-life balance and managing administrative tasks,” says Daniel.

Watch an interview with Dr. Wyrick and Hospital & Healthcare Management about using ambient AI to transcribe for patient visits.

Watch here