Physicians explain why AI is needed in their industry more than ever before
In this DML Report…
Artificial intelligence is being utilized by thousands of physicians across the U.S. through a technology called ambient listening, which transcribes doctor-patient conversations in real-time and compiles detailed clinical notes. At Denver Health, Dr. Daniel Kortsch, associate chief of artificial intelligence and digital health, reported significant improvements since adopting this technology in fall 2024. The AI tool Nabla, used with a single click, supports multiple languages and generates summaries for medical records, allowing doctors to focus on patient interaction rather than documentation.
The technology addresses a critical issue in healthcare, as the U.S. faces a projected shortage of 57,000 to 72,000 physicians in 2025, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, contributing to increased workloads and provider burnout. Kortsch noted that physicians using Nabla experienced reduced after-hours work, cutting down on what he calls “pajama time” spent on administrative tasks at home. The system ensures doctors remain in control, with checks and balances in place to address patient concerns about AI, maintaining the integrity of medical records while improving efficiency.
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Denver Health plans to expand ambient AI use beyond doctors, with training underway for nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and physical therapists to integrate the technology across the healthcare system. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, underscoring the need for such innovations. The technology aims to reduce administrative burdens, allowing healthcare providers to prioritize patient care over paperwork, potentially improving overall patient engagement during visits.