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AI Tools and Impact on EHRs

EHRs remain a source of frustration and burnout for clinicians. Is AI the answer?

Posted in Articles on Friday, April 25, 2025

EHRs remain a source of frustration and burnout for clinicians, often because EHR documentation can be cumbersome, inefficient, and time-consuming—time that could be devoted to patient care. EHR companies know the complaints all too well, and have been trying to improve their products with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Some of the AI changes you might see and experience include:

  • Easier access to information using voice commands, eliminating the need to access drop-down menus and saving the user time.
  • Conversational and generative AI to help with the burden of documentation.
  • Deploying ambient AI to help with clinical documentation and information shared on the patient portal. 

From suggesting follow-ups and ordering labs to personalized recommendations and healthcare reminder offers automated on the patient portal, AI tools are trying to improve patient care and decrease your workflow time. Regardless of the new technologies being deployed, keep these time-honored documentation tips in mind:

  • Don't use ChatGPT to take or transcribe patient notes. Because of the way information is stored and shared, this is a HIPAA violation of your patients' PHI.
  • Be cautious when using templates and make sure all the information in the template applies to the visit. Delete the information that doesn’t apply.
  • Focus on the quality of your note and consistently communicate all relevant information.  Think SOAP note [PDF].
  • Consider using a scribe or team documentation.
  • Review your note before signing/closing. A poor note can affect your credibility.
  • Close your notes timely. This will reduce extra work that may be required later.

AI tools may strengthen your patient care, improve the ease of documentation and reduce the time it takes to document a good patient encounter when you keep good documentation habits in mind.   Using AI tools appropriately and efficiently will be key to your success. 

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