A group of academic physicians in Galveston are now conducting almost& every patient visit with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), reducing administrative hassle.
At the University of Texas Medical Branch Health Adult Primary Care clinic, every health care professional now uses an AI-powered clinical documentation tool that records and writes notes in real time.
Clinicians like League City family physician Renny Varghese, MD, are finding that AI tools – “when used with care,” he said – can help address the leading causes of burnout: paperwork and administrative responsibilities, according to the American Medical Association.
Dr. Varghese says his practice transitioned to AI transcription services because they were more affordable than previous scribing methods. Despite “being an adjustment at first,” he said every clinician in his practice is now “incredibly happy” with the AI technology.
Dr. Varghese’s favorite part: The tool is fully integrated within the electronic health record (EHR), making physicians’ access to the technology “almost effortless,” he said.
From the EHR, the transcription tool can be turned on at the start of appointments, leaving physicians able to focus entirely on the patient in front of them. However, Dr. Varghese says every clinician still checks the AI’s work to ensure notes are accurate and easy to read.
“It helps us spend more time talking to patients instead of being glued to our computers, typing notes. It has been really, really helpful,” the member of the Texas Medical Association’s Committee on Health Information Technology and Augmented Intelligence said. “But that doesn’t mean they’re perfect, and we try to communicate that to our patients as best as possible.”
He and other physicians at the clinic disclose their use of AI to patients before every appointment as required by Texas law. Dr. Varghese also chooses to verbally request consent from patients before he uses AI during an appointment as an added layer of communication. Patients’ AI preferences are noted within the patient’s medical records.
Texas’ House Bill 149 by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake), requires physicians to use specified written disclosures to inform patients that they are interacting with an AI system “not later than the date of service or treatment,” or as soon as reasonably possible in an emergency.
Dr. Varghese’s patients use AI at home, too, and he’s regularly questioned both in-person and via online patient portals about AI-generated health information. He sees such instances as an opportunity for physicians to both listen to their patients’ concerns and communicate when and how AI should be used in the medical space.
Namely, TMA’s policy on augmented intelligence in health care supports the use of augmented intelligence when used appropriately to support physician decision-making, enhance patient care, and improve public health. The policy also asserts the technology should be used as a tool set with physicians at the lead.
Dr. Varghese’s approach has led his patients to become more comfortable with AI tools in appropriate settings – only three of his patients have declined when asked for consent to use AI tools during their visits. He also says open communication with patients makes them less likely to rely on AI-generated information rather than clinical expertise.
To serve the growing number of physicians seeking to integrate AI technology into their practice, TMA recently updated its Education Center with CME on AI and other tech topics.
“It’s important for physicians to seek ways to spend less time with the paperwork and more time with the patient,” Dr. Varghese said. “Not only does it make our jobs more enjoyable, it also enables us to continue to help health care evolve.”
For more information, TMA offers its members free resources within its artificial and augmented intelligence resource hub, including an AI vendor evaluation tool and information on the technology.
Alisa Pierce
Reporter, Division of Communications and Marketing
(512) 370-1469