Field notes from healthcare AI
In-depth articles on AI tools, HIPAA compliance, and how clinicians are actually using AI in practice.
AI for the Front Desk in 2026: Cutting No-Shows, Phone Volume, and Front-Office Burnout
No-shows cost US healthcare an estimated $150 billion a year, and front-desk staff spend 60-70% of their time on the phone. AI scheduling and intake tools promise to fix both. We break down what actually works, the real ROI data, and how to evaluate front-office AI for your practice.
AI Notes for Therapists in 2026: The Tools, the Privacy Rules, and the Psychotherapy Note Trap
Therapists spend 30-40% of their time on documentation, and AI can cut session notes to under five minutes. But mental health data carries privacy protections most clinicians don't fully understand — including the critical legal difference between psychotherapy notes and progress notes. Here's what therapists need to know.
AI for Dental Practices in 2026: What's FDA-Cleared, What's Hype, and What's Worth Buying
Dental AI splits into two worlds: FDA-cleared imaging tools that read radiographs, and everything else. Knowing the difference protects you legally and clinically. We break down the FDA-cleared platforms, what they actually detect, real pricing, and how to evaluate dental AI without falling for marketing.
Prior Authorization in 2026: How New CMS Rules and AI Are Changing the Worst Part of Practice
Physicians spend 13 hours a week on prior authorization, and PA delays have caused avoidable hospitalizations. In 2026, a major federal rule (CMS-0057-F) and a wave of AI tools are reshaping the process. Here's what actually changed, what's coming in 2027, and how AI prior auth tools fit in.
AI Medical Coding and Billing in 2026: Is Autonomous RCM Actually Worth It?
Up to 20% of medical claims are denied on first submission, and most are preventable. Autonomous AI coding promises to fix that — but the technology is enterprise-priced and uneven. We break down what AI billing actually does, the real ROI data, where it works, and whether it makes sense for your practice size.
Can You Trust AI Scribe Notes? What the Research Actually Says About Accuracy and Hallucinations
AI scribes save hours, but peer-reviewed studies report 1-3% hallucination rates — and in healthcare, even rare errors matter. We dug into the actual research on AI scribe accuracy, the real failure modes clinicians report, and a practical review workflow that catches errors before they reach the chart.
The Best Free and Low-Cost AI Medical Scribes for Solo Practitioners in 2026
Solo clinicians shouldn't pay enterprise pricing for AI documentation. We dug into every legitimate free and under-$80/month AI scribe option in 2026 — which ones are genuinely free, which ones are bait, and which ones actually fit a solo practice workflow.
Epic Launched Its Own AI Scribe. Should You Stop Using Your Standalone One?
In February 2026, Epic launched native AI Charting — bringing ambient AI documentation directly into the EHR used by 35% of US hospitalized patients. Athenahealth followed with athenaAmbient. Suddenly, clinicians have to choose between native EHR AI and the standalone scribe they're already paying for. Here's how to decide.
AI Medical Scribe Pricing in 2026: What Practices Actually Pay
A real breakdown of what AI medical scribes cost in 2026 — from free tiers to enterprise pricing. Includes per-tier comparisons, hidden costs, ROI math, and a practical framework for figuring out which tier your practice actually needs.
What Does HIPAA Compliance Actually Mean for AI Tools?
"HIPAA compliant" gets used loosely. Some vendors mean it; some are bluffing. Here's what HIPAA actually requires of AI tools, what a Business Associate Agreement does, and the questions every clinician should ask before letting any AI tool touch patient data.
Heidi Health vs Freed AI: An Honest Comparison for 2026
Two of the most-recommended AI medical scribes go head to head. We pulled current pricing, real clinician feedback, and tested both against the same workflow questions clinicians actually ask. Here's where each one wins, where each one loses, and how to decide.
Choosing an AI Medical Scribe: What Healthcare Practices Should Look For
A practical guide to evaluating AI medical scribes — focusing on HIPAA compliance, EHR integration, and the questions every clinician should ask before signing up.