Implications of Artificial Intelligence–Powered Ambient Scribes

Investment in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered ambient scribes has surged, as health systems across the country pilot this technology. 1,2Recent studies have found that ambient scribes reduced documentation burden, with associated enthusiasm among clinicians regarding their potential. [3][4][5][6] However, a new Viewpoint by Nong and Neprash 7 in JAMA Health Forum raises concern that AI scribes may increase health care spending by increasing diagnostic and procedure coding intensity and recommending low-value services.Nong and Neprash raise important points that have not been addressed empirically and are among several unanswered questions that may be important for policy.Understanding the full implications of ambient scribes requires rigorous evaluation, not only of documentation burden and patient-and clinician-reported satisfaction, but also of downstream impacts, both positive and negative, on health system outcomes.These include outcomes related to health care spending as well as quality of care and equity.