More time for patients, less time on paperwork
Dr. Kristen Wyrick, Medical Director of Primary Care in Seattle, sees up to 24 patients a day. On any given day, she might see a patient for routine preventive care, a diabetes follow-up, or help someone manage a crushed pinkie toe. For years, she balanced these conversations with the constant pressure to capture every detail in her notes. Now, Ambient AI listens during visits with patient consent, drafts medical notes and gives her the ability to review and make edits. AI is helping Wyrick and other providers become more efficient and more present with their patients.
The technology saves her one to two hours a week, time she now spends with her family instead of finishing notes at night. “Before using AI, I often finished notes after dinner, what many doctors call pajama time. Now I complete my work during the day and spend more time with my family. Even my kids noticed I’m not on my computer at night anymore,” says Wyrick.
“Before, I was frantically typing while the patient was talking. Now I’m relaxed and focused on the patient. My patients say I seem more present and less distracted.”
Dr. Wyrick
Real results for clinicians and patients
Dr. Brett Daniel, family physician and AI leader at Optum Health, puts the challenge in perspective.
“Imagine that after giving someone a haircut, you have to document all the key points from the random conversation, list every instrument you used, note the products applied, record how long it took and outline a recommended plan for managing their hair until the next appointment. Every barber I’ve told this to says it sounds crazy. But for clinicians, this is our daily reality.”
Dr. Brett Daniel | Family physician and AI leader at Optum Health
Ambient AI is changing that. The technology listens during the visit with patient consent, drafts the medical note and lets the doctor review and sign. The result is that doctors are more present, patients feel heard and documentation is done faster and more accurately.
A better experience for all
What’s more: Ambient AI is helping manage staff shortages and reduce administrative costs. Clinics report higher patient satisfaction and the ability to see more patients daily. “More than 70% of clinicians have seen improvements in patient experience,” says Daniel.
The next generation of physicians expects this kind of technology. “I’ve had conversations with applicants who say they won’t go to work for a place that doesn’t have an AI scribe because they see the benefit in work-life balance and managing administrative tasks,” says Daniel.
The bottom line: Ambient AI removes the friction of documentation, giving doctors more time with patients and helping organizations recruit and retain top talent. It’s not just about saving time; it’s about giving time back to what matters most.
Dig deeper
Watch an interview with Dr. Wyrick and Hospital & Healthcare Management about using Ambient AI and to transcribe for patient visits.
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