One major pain point for veterinarians is the time it takes to write medical records. Many veterinarians feel pressured to keep moving during the day to see all the patients that need care. As a result, they often take brief notes in the moment and try to recreate the details hours later, potentially creating inaccuracies. Additionally, many solo ambulatory equine practitioners write records in the evening, sacrificing their personal and family time.
What Is an AI Scribe?
Technology utilizing artificial intelligence provides a potential solution. AI scribes record your conversations with clients through a phone app and create professional summaries, including exam findings and treatment recommendations. This technology can distinguish between casual conversations about unrelated topics and relevant medical information about the patient.
Benefits of Using an AI Scribe to Create Veterinary Records
An AI scribe saves significant time by automating the transcription and organization of medical notes. This allows doctors to see more patients during the day or feel less rushed during appointments with extra time for each patient. The result is increased productivity and client satisfaction. Because the clinician can better focus on the patient during the appointment, they are often more engaged and empathetic.
Veterinarians can make errors when writing manual records due to memory lapses or a lack of time, especially when writing them hours or days later. They often forget to add services or dispensed items to the record or invoice, lowering accuracy as well as revenue. Consistency in format and thoroughness enhances the quality of the medical records and reduces the risk of noncompliance with your state’s practice act. Maintaining complete and accurate records of patient interactions and medical history is also crucial for continuity of care when another veterinarian must follow up. AI scribes can create clear, detailed instructions for aftercare based on your conversation with the owner or trainer, which can make a positive difference in the horse’s recovery.
Perhaps the most important advantage of using an AI scribe is the freedom from spending hours writing records each evening. Though a very important part of practice, writing medical records is often a burden that contributes to high levels of stress and burnout in the profession. While you must still review each record for accuracy, this requires much less time than writing them manually.
Final Thoughts
Trying new technologies can be difficult for many people, but the payoff is tangible. Most AI scribe companies offer free trials, and the monthly cost is very reasonable. Many of your colleagues who have made the jump can give you tips and tricks, and their enthusiasm will likely be contagious. Don’t hesitate to give yourself this gift!
Related Reading
- Harnessing the Power of AI in Equine Practice
- Increase Efficiency in Your Equine Practice With Electronic Medical Records
- The Business of Practice: AI Scribes for Veterinary Records
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