How AI Streamlines Documentation for Clinicians

The LOUNGE - A Newsletter for Savvy Physicians

We scour the net, selecting the most pertinent articles for the busy doc so you don’t have to! Here’s what kept our focus this week…

• Dr. Chuang advises physician groups to thoroughly test AI tools to restore the joy of practicing medicine.

• Companies should think ahead to 2030 and beyond when hiring sustainability leaders to protect their business.

• Founders need to prioritize sales from the start, but many don’t understand how to implement it.

• Community engagement and peer influence are powerful motivators for improving healthcare compliance.

• Personal growth through AI and positive inquiry promotes both professional development and personal well-being.

• Social media and email marketing are expected to drive the most impact for holiday success.

LOUNGE TALK

Alpine Physician Partners is harnessing AI to save their clinicians over three hours of documentation per day. After successfully piloting Ambience Healthcare’s AI tool, the physician group saw a dramatic reduction in charting time, dropping from 4.7 hours per day to just 1.2 hours. The tool integrates seamlessly with popular EHR systems like Epic and Cerner, helping clinicians streamline tasks such as note-taking, coding, and documentation. With 74 clinicians currently using the technology, Alpine is seeing faster, higher-quality patient notes, even accommodating Spanish speakers in their Texas practices. The AI also enhances productivity by letting doctors complete most documentation during the patient visit itself. This significant time-saving move is seen as a blueprint for other physician groups looking to alleviate administrative burdens and refocus on patient care.

As sustainability becomes a top priority for many businesses, leaders from Netflix, Airbus, and Nespresso shared insights on when smaller companies should hire a sustainability expert. For mission-driven companies, it may make sense to have sustainability leadership from the outset. For others, hiring a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) might make more sense once they’ve assessed their environmental impact and set clear goals. Netflix’s Emma Stewart emphasized that even consulting expertise can help early on, while Airbus’ Julie Kitcher highlighted the importance of having a CSO to drive strategy once targets are defined. Nespresso’s Jessica Padula suggested growing internal talent into sustainability roles and being mindful of long-term goals as businesses scale.

Mark Roberge, a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School, emphasizes that sales is crucial for early-stage founders, but many lack the knowledge to incorporate it effectively. In a recent episode of HBR On Leadership, Roberge explores key questions for startups: Who should be the first sales hire? What marketing channels are worth investing in? And how should sales be aligned with customer success? Founders will also learn about designing compensation plans and building a foundation for a growing sales team. The episode delves into leadership, entrepreneurship, and pricing strategies, offering valuable insights for startups looking to scale successfully.

Despite significant advancements in modern healthcare, older adults are increasingly skipping vital medical care. This reluctance to follow through with routine checkups and prescribed treatments is a growing issue in the U.S., with one in four older adults reporting that they delayed necessary care in the past year. The reasons for this non-compliance vary, from a lack of trust in the healthcare system to the perception that declining health is just part of aging. Social and economic factors also play a role, as does the complexity of the healthcare system itself. Experts argue that proactive, preventative care could help address many age-related health issues, but overcoming these barriers requires rebuilding trust, engaging communities, and promoting accessible, culturally competent care. Without action, this trend could pose a significant public health challenge.

AI is playing an increasingly prominent role in healthcare, enhancing efficiency and collaboration among clinicians, from automating routine tasks to fostering innovation in research. However, it must be applied thoughtfully to ensure that healthcare professionals are supported, not overburdened. Alongside this, the methodology of Appreciative Inquiry (AI), which focuses on positive idea generation rather than problem identification, offers a framework for fostering collaboration and resilience in healthcare teams. Combining these two "AIs" can lead to a more empathetic, efficient system, where both technology and human connection thrive. Clinicians are reminded of the importance of balance—improving healthcare outcomes without neglecting personal and professional well-being.

As the holiday season approaches, small businesses are preparing for a challenging period marked by high costs, cautious consumer spending, and potential shipping delays due to a longshoreman strike. Despite inflation easing, retailers are bracing for slower sales, making early and proactive marketing crucial. A survey from Constant Contact found that social media and email marketing are the top strategies small businesses are banking on. Retailers like Emerald Forest Gifts are using a combination of promotions, events, and consistent customer engagement to draw in both returning and new clients. Starting holiday marketing early, streamlining operations, and offering promotions can help businesses navigate the unpredictable season.

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QUICK BITES

• 5 ways to ask your boss to advocate for you.

• 4 steps to stay true to your word as a trustworthy leader.

• Pros and cons: Moonlighting during residency.

• The doctors guide to paid medical (physician) surveys.

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