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May 2025 - Navigating AI in Healthcare

Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) can help reduce administrative burden in your clinic. Explore strategies and practical tips for using AI tools in healthcare. Learn how AI can integrate with Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) to enhance charting and address common administrative challenges. Gain insight on practice agreements in relation to the Primary Care Physician Compensation Model (PCPCM). 

Session Summary

Session Host: Sheila Cousineau, MBA, PMP

Guest Presenters: Dr. Adina McBain MD, LMCC, CCFP, Dr. Tim Weighman, MD, Emma Richardson, AMA-ACTT Consultant

Recommended Resources:  

Session Highlights & Themes 

Session Objectives:  

At the end of this webinar, you will be able to: 

  • Employ an analysis tool to evaluate potential AI scribe options

  • Describe how EMR compatible AI tools are currently being used by clinics

  • Explain ways that AI can help alleviate the administrative burden for clinic teams

Key Takeaways

CHOOSING AN AI VENDOR: CONSIDERations
  1. Is a product trial available vs. immediate contract lock-in?
  2. Ease of sign up rating (from 0-10)
  3. Support rating (from 0-10 or N/A)
  4. Sense of Wow! rating (from 0-10)
  5. Microphone settings rating (from 0-10)
  6. Accuracy with accents rating (from 0-10)
  7. Accuracy with multiple historians rating (from 0-10)
  8. EMR integration rating (from 0-10)
    1. Schedule
    2. Labs
    3. Diagnostic imaging
    4. Consults
    5. Tasks
    6. Internal messaging
    7. Reminders
    8. Patient communication
  9. Note the number of minor corrections needed
  10. Note the number of major corrections needed
  11. Estimate the average time saved per day
  12. What is the cost?
  13. Is the vendor Alberta privacy compliant and do they offer assistance with PIA application?
  14. List the best features
  15. List areas for improvement
AI APPLICATIONS IN HEALTHCARE: 
  • Appointment Scheduling: Optimizes bookings, reduces no-shows, and wait times
  • Telemedicine: Enhances remote diagnosis and treatment
  • Diagnostic Support: Assists in interpreting medical images and lab results
  • Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS): Provides evidence-based recommendations
  • Billing and Claims Processing: Automates billing, reducing paperwork
  • Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Handles routine inquiries and schedules appointments
  • Prescription Management: Checks for drug interactions and monitors adherence
  • Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Automates data entry and reduces errors

PCPCM Practice Agreement Guide 

COMMON ELEMENTS:
  • Corporate structure
  • Decision making
  • Entering/exiting practice
  • Duties and responsibilities
  • Insurance coverage
  • Cost-sharing models
  • Locum arrangements
  • Service fee distribution
  • Privacy impact assessments (PIAs)
  • Dispute resolution
  • Capital contributions
PCPCM CONSIDERATIONS:

Fund Distribution and Cost Sharing: Individual business arrangement numbers, impacts on overhead calculations
Locum Scenarios: Host physician continues to receive payments or locum bills fee-for-service
Time Away from Practice: Minimum service requirements, notice periods, exemption processes
Leaving the Practice: Panel implications, notification responsibilities