As administrative burdens continue to increase, innovative solutions can help reduce documentation time and restore the human connection in patient care. Dr. Aaron Reinke, a board-certified family physician and director of clinical informatics at Newport Hospital, offers a compelling narrative of how artificial intelligence and technology like Microsoft Dragon Copilot can transform medical practice workflows. He joins senior editor Daniel Williams in this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions podcast.
From Engineering to Medicine: A Unique Perspective
Dr. Reinke's journey from civil engineering to medicine provides a distinctive lens for understanding healthcare technology. Unlike traditional medical professionals, his engineering background equipped him with a systematic approach to problem-solving.
"I was kind of surprised by how there's just so much art to medicine," he highlights. This unique perspective drove him to explore how technology could optimize medical workflows and reduce administrative challenges.
Working in a small critical access hospital serving approximately 15,000 people in a rural county, Dr. Reinke maintains a broad medical practice that includes everything from delivering babies to performing colonoscopies. This comprehensive approach gives him a nuanced understanding of healthcare's complex technological needs.
The Administrative Burden Challenge
Documentation remains a critical pain point for healthcare providers. "I think what’s so sad is that if it's not your strength, medicine right now really creates a huge administrative burden," Dr. Reinke notes. Physicians often find themselves spending more time navigating electronic health records than engaging with patients, leading to increased burnout and decreased job satisfaction.
AI tools like Microsoft Dragon Copilot are emerging as potential solutions, allowing physicians to dramatically reduce documentation time. "You can have a 1000-character HPI that would have taken an hour to write or even dictate, and now it's already done in a way that's really well done and in a way that’s satisfactory for a physician," he says. These tools not only save time but also help standardize documentation across different skill levels and technological comfort zones.
Rural Healthcare's Unique Technology Landscape
Rural healthcare presents distinct technological challenges that differ significantly from urban medical environments. Limited internet connectivity and an aging population can complicate technology adoption. "Telemedicine can be really challenging, because the only place that a patient has signal is on top of the hill on their 30 acres. And so they’re outside with their phone trying to do telemedicine with you," Dr. Reinke explains.
Patient acceptance requires careful communication and transparency about technological tools. Many older patients can even be suspicious of new technologies, necessitating a gentle, educational approach to implementation.
Addressing Physician Burnout Through Technology
AI tools like Copilot offer a potential solution to physician burnout by reducing administrative tasks. "What AI is going to do is just take away the administrative burden that physicians have and that patients have, and really help us get back to connecting with each other," Dr. Reinke emphasizes.
This technological intervention can have a significant positive psychological impact. By reducing time spent on documentation, physicians can refocus on what initially drew them to medicine: meaningful patient interactions and healing.
Implementation Strategies for AI Adoption
Successful technology integration requires a thoughtful, personalized approach. Dr. Reinke recommends against a one-size-fits-all implementation strategy.
"If you have an early adopter in your program who has been able to pilot something, and they have another person who's a late adopter who is really struggling with technology, doing one one-on-one time with them to show them the tips and tricks that work for them … I think that speaks volumes, and it gets them where they need to go way faster.”
This mentorship model helps providers overcome technological barriers by providing peer-to-peer support. It acknowledges the varying comfort levels with technology across different generations of healthcare professionals.
The Future of Patient Care
Looking ahead, Dr. Reinke envisions a transformative role for AI in healthcare. "I'm hoping that AI integrates with patient information and chart collects that puts it together for the position, and then you can really spend a majority of your time connecting with people again," he says.
The ultimate goal goes beyond technological efficiency. It's about restoring the human element of healthcare, shifting from treating problems to treating people.
Practical Considerations for Practice Leaders
For medical practice leaders considering AI implementation, Dr. Reinke suggests a measured approach:
- Start with user-friendly, plug-and-play tools
- Provide personalized training and support
- Focus on solutions that reduce administrative burden
- Prioritize tools that enhance patient connections
Resources:
- Microsoft Dragon Copilot - Learn more here
- Connect with Dr. Aaron Reinke on LinkedIn
Additional Resources:
Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.
