AI note-takers in the exam room. What changes for your visit
Some clinicians now use AI tools that listen during a visit and draft the notes. Here is what that means for you.
By OLWF Editorial Team 2 min read
What these tools do
An AI scribe is software that listens to a visit, with permission, and writes a draft of the visit notes. The clinician then reads the draft, fixes mistakes, and signs it.
The goal is simple. Less typing during the visit, and more attention on you.
What you might notice
- Your clinician may ask if it is okay to use the tool before the visit starts.
- They may look at their screen less often.
- Your visit summary may arrive in your patient portal a bit sooner.
Your choices
You can ask questions, and you can say no. It is fair to ask:
- Is a tool recording or listening to this visit?
- Who can hear or see the recording?
- Is the recording kept, or deleted after the note is written?
- Will you review the note before it goes in my record?
If you would rather not use it, tell your clinician. Your care should not change because you said no.
Why a person still needs to check
AI tools can mishear words or get details wrong. A missed allergy or a wrong medicine dose in your notes could cause harm later. That is why your clinician needs to review every note.
You can help too. Read your visit summary in your patient portal. If something looks wrong, send a message and ask to fix it.
The bottom line
AI scribes may give your clinician more time to listen. You still have the right to know when one is in use and to say no.