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90-Day AI Documentation Sprint
Implementation

90-Day AI Documentation Sprint

Week-by-week guide to implementing AI documentation in your practice

90 days
10 steps

Overview

This playbook walks you through a structured 90-day implementation of AI-powered documentation tools like ambient scribes. By following this timeline, you'll minimize disruption to your practice while maximizing the chances of successful adoption. The key is starting with solid baseline metrics and piloting with enthusiastic providers before rolling out practice-wide.

Before implementing any AI tool, you need to understand your current state. This week focuses on gathering baseline metrics that you'll use to measure success later. Without this data, you won't know if the AI is actually helping.

Key Actions

  • Track average time per note for each provider (use a timer app for 3-5 days)
  • Count notes completed during vs. after clinic hours
  • Survey provider satisfaction with current documentation (1-10 scale)
  • Document current EHR template usage and pain points
  • Calculate pajama time (hours documenting outside work hours per week)

Pro Tip

Don't skip the baseline metrics! Many practices implement AI and then can't prove ROI because they have nothing to compare against. Even rough estimates are better than nothing.

Related Resources

Now that you understand your current workflow, research the leading AI documentation solutions. Focus on tools that integrate with your specific EHR and support your specialty's documentation needs.

Key Actions

  • Review top ambient scribe options: DAX Copilot, Suki, DeepScribe, Abridge, Freed
  • Check EHR compatibility - call your EHR vendor to confirm integration options
  • Read recent reviews from practices similar to yours (size, specialty)
  • Create a shortlist of 2-3 vendors that match your requirements
  • Verify HIPAA compliance and BAA availability for each option

Pro Tip

EHR integration quality varies wildly. An AI scribe that requires copy-paste defeats the purpose. Prioritize tools with native EHR integration over those requiring manual transfer.

Related Resources

Schedule demos with your shortlisted vendors. Include at least one provider who will be an early adopter and one skeptic. This ensures you get balanced feedback and the skeptic's concerns are addressed early.

Key Actions

  • Schedule 30-60 minute demos with each shortlisted vendor
  • Prepare a list of must-have features and deal-breakers
  • Have vendors demonstrate with your actual EHR (not just slides)
  • Ask about training, support, and implementation timeline
  • Request references from osteopathic or primary care practices

Pro Tip

Ask to see a demo using a complex patient scenario - the AI's handling of multiple diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans reveals its true capability more than a simple visit.

Related Resources

Evaluate demo feedback from your team and select a vendor. Before signing, negotiate terms that protect your practice - especially around data ownership, exit clauses, and pricing.

Key Actions

  • Compile feedback from all demo participants and score vendors
  • Calculate total cost including implementation, training, and per-provider fees
  • Negotiate a pilot period (30-60 days) with reduced commitment
  • Review contract with legal counsel - focus on data ownership and termination
  • Confirm implementation start date and assign internal project lead

Pro Tip

Many vendors offer significant discounts for annual commitments, but negotiate a 30-60 day pilot exit clause. If it doesn't work, you don't want to be locked in for a year.

Related Resources

Work with your IT team and the vendor to complete technical setup. This includes EHR integration, microphone/device setup, and configuring note templates to match your practice style.

Key Actions

  • Complete EHR integration with vendor support
  • Set up provider accounts and authentication
  • Install and test recording hardware (built-in mic vs. dedicated device)
  • Configure note templates and customize for your documentation style
  • Run test encounters in a sandbox environment before going live

Pro Tip

Microphone quality matters more than you think. A $50 dedicated USB microphone often outperforms built-in laptop mics, especially in exam rooms with background noise.

Related Resources

Start with your most enthusiastic providers - ideally those who volunteered during demos. Limit the pilot to 1-2 providers so you can provide intensive support and quickly identify issues.

Key Actions

  • Select pilot providers who are motivated and tech-comfortable
  • Set clear expectations: pilot is for learning, not perfection
  • Schedule daily 5-minute check-ins during week 1 of pilot
  • Track accuracy rate, time savings, and user satisfaction daily
  • Document all issues, workarounds, and customization requests

Pro Tip

Your pilot providers become your internal champions. Choose people who will share positive experiences with colleagues and help train others later.

Related Resources

After two weeks of piloting, conduct a thorough review. Identify what's working, what's not, and make adjustments before expanding. This is your chance to fix issues while the blast radius is small.

Key Actions

  • Conduct detailed debrief with pilot providers
  • Review note quality - have physicians review a sample of AI-generated notes
  • Identify workflow changes needed (room setup, patient communication)
  • Work with vendor on customization requests and template adjustments
  • Create FAQ document based on pilot provider questions

Pro Tip

Note accuracy issues often have simple fixes - adding specialty-specific terms to the vocabulary, adjusting microphone placement, or modifying the verbal cues providers use.

Related Resources

Expand to all remaining providers using lessons learned from the pilot. Use your pilot providers as peer trainers and champions to accelerate adoption.

Key Actions

  • Schedule individual training sessions for each provider
  • Have pilot providers share their experience and best practices
  • Set up hardware/accounts for all remaining providers
  • Create a go-live schedule (don't launch everyone the same day)
  • Establish ongoing support channel (Slack, Teams, or email distribution)

Pro Tip

Stagger go-live dates by 2-3 days between providers. This prevents support overwhelm and lets you catch systemic issues before they affect everyone.

Related Resources

Compare your current metrics to the baseline you established in Week 1. This data proves ROI to partners, boards, and payers - and helps you optimize further.

Key Actions

  • Re-measure time per note using same methodology as baseline
  • Count notes completed during vs. after hours
  • Re-survey provider satisfaction and compare to baseline
  • Calculate time savings per provider per week
  • Estimate financial impact (provider time value, potential volume increase)

Pro Tip

Present results to your partners and leadership. Hard data on time savings and satisfaction improvement makes the strongest case for continued investment.

Related Resources

AI documentation is not set-and-forget. Schedule regular reviews to optimize templates, address emerging issues, and ensure you're getting maximum value from your investment.

Key Actions

  • Schedule monthly office hours for questions and feedback
  • Review note quality quarterly (random sample audit)
  • Stay current on vendor updates and new features
  • Share best practices between providers
  • Track metrics quarterly and report to leadership

Pro Tip

The biggest gains often come 3-6 months after implementation as providers become more comfortable and discover optimal ways to interact with the AI.

Related Resources

Ready to Implement?

Turn this playbook into action with the free AI Implementation Portal.

  • 90-Day Implementation Plan — Structured tasks with progress tracking
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