Digital Minute: Ambient Medical Documentation

By Walter Reiling, MD, system chief medical information officer, Premier Health; and Mandy Via, system director of access, referral management, and telehealth, Premier Health

One of the more exciting applications of Generative AI technology is the ability to have a computer create a draft progress note based on listening to your interaction with the patient. This has the dual benefit of saving time for the provider and allowing the provider and patient to interact more effectively during the visit. 

Until recently, this technology has had difficulties accurately interpreting the dialogue and integrating fully with the EMR. In addition, there is a significant cost associated with its use. There has been improvement in all these areas in the last several months, and many health systems are starting to launch pilot projects using the technology. In our Digital Health and Technology division, we have been closely monitoring this technology's progress and will seek approval to have our own pilot in 2025. As we decide how to roll out more information will be forthcoming.

In the meantime, it is important to know that standalone apps on your phone or computer have not been assessed for accuracy or quality. In addition, they may not adhere to our standards for security and privacy, putting our systems and our patients at risk. As such, these are not permitted to be used within Premier Health at this time. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available in the coming months.

Back to the October 2024 issue of Premier Pulse