Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) is enhancing patient care by integrating new technologies to meet the needs of Central Texans. These innovations include personalized care recommendations, explanations of lab results, and AI-driven tools that aim to improve patient service and communication.
ARC has introduced solutions that provide patients with tailored advice and clear interpretations of their lab outcomes. Features such as automatic test result releases via MyChart, SMS updates, online scheduling tickets, and NormanMD telemedicine services are part of this initiative. These improvements allow ARC physicians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs) more time for direct patient interaction.
The clinic employs two AI-enhanced automated solutions to improve communication during and after visits. After a successful pilot phase involving feedback from various stakeholders, these solutions have been implemented across the practice.
Patients now receive AI-generated summaries for lab results. This feature helps in understanding both normal and abnormal results better. In a pilot study, 97% of participants found the summaries helpful. Manish M. Naik, MD, ARC's Chief Medical Officer and Chief Medical Information Officer states: "The platform has allowed our practitioners to spend more time doing what we do best: seeing and treating patients."
A medical AI assistant has also been integrated into ARC’s electronic medical record system for use during office visits. This tool aids physicians in documenting visit details efficiently, allowing them more time for patient care.
MyChart offers secure access to appointment scheduling, lab results, medications, medical records, billing information, among other features through an app. Recent updates enhance its usability for all users.
The immediate test release function provides comprehensive lab result views with AI comments within 24 hours post-lab completion. Enhanced SMS updates offer timely healthcare-related notifications directly to patients' phones.
NormanMD is a virtual urgent care service available 24/7 throughout Texas via smart devices. It connects users with ARC doctors instantly for urgent care needs or medical advice.
Dr. Anas Daghestani, CEO of ARC remarks: “Central Texans respond positively to technology and engage with it at a higher rate than most communities in the U.S.” The adoption of these technologies allows ARC professionals more time to focus on patient care.