Updated on: July 18, 2025
Choosing the right AI medical scribe can dramatically impact your documentation workflow, patient experience, and clinical efficiency. But not all AI scribes are created equal. Whether you’re evaluating ambient documentation tools or comparing vendors, this 7-point checklist will help you make the right choice.
Real-Time Ambient Listening
Why it matters: Passive voice capture during patient encounters eliminates the need for manual input or after-visit dictation.
Must-haves:
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Always-on or one-click ambient mode
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Multi-speaker differentiation (clinician vs. patient)
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Background noise filtering
DocScrib offers 95%+ transcription accuracy with real-time audio-to-note processing.
Seamless EHR Integration
Why it matters: A good AI scribe should push structured notes directly into your EHR—no copy-pasting, no toggling.
Must-haves:
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Native integration with Epic, Cerner, AthenaHealth, etc.
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FHIR and SMART on FHIR compatibility
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Note insertion into the correct chart fields (SOAP, HPI, ROS)
Look for tools like DocScrib that offer out-of-the-box EHR APIs.
Specialty-Specific Note Templates
Why it matters: Orthopedists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and internal medicine doctors all document differently. Generic templates just don’t cut it.
Must-haves:
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Prebuilt SOAP templates by specialty
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Customizable phrases and macros
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ICD-10 and CPT code suggestions
DocScrib supports 30+ specialties including cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology.
Clinician Review & Control
Why it matters: AI notes should never be blindly inserted. Clinicians must have final say before submission.
Must-haves:
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Editable previews
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One-click accept or revise
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Audit trails and activity logs
Ensure your tool puts the provider in control of the final documentation.
HIPAA-Compliant Security & Hosting
Why it matters: You’re handling sensitive patient data—compliance is non-negotiable.
Must-haves:
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End-to-end encryption (AES-256, TLS 1.2+)
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BAA with vendor
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SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance
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Regional data hosting options (US, EU, India)
DocScrib is HIPAA-compliant and offers enterprise-grade security out of the box.
Scalability & Multi-Device Support
Why it matters: Whether you’re a solo physician or a multi-location clinic, the scribe must grow with your needs.
Must-haves:
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Mobile and desktop compatibility (iOS, Android, Web)
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Role-based access control
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Multi-user dashboards and analytics
DocScrib works on mobile, tablet, and browser—ideal for hybrid practices.
Transparent Pricing & ROI Insights
Why it matters: Many vendors have hidden costs or unclear billing tiers.
Must-haves:
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Pay-per-encounter or per-provider pricing
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No surprise transcription overage fees
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Built-in analytics for time saved & revenue impact
Choose a provider that demonstrates ROI within the first 30 days—like DocScrib.
Summary Checklist
| Feature | Why It Matters | DocScrib Ready? |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Real-Time Ambient Listening | Passive capture, no need for manual input | ✅ Yes |
| ✅ Seamless EHR Integration | No disruption in workflow | ✅ Yes |
| ✅ Specialty-Specific Templates | Customized, accurate documentation | ✅ Yes |
| ✅ Clinician Control | Final review before EHR submission | ✅ Yes |
| ✅ HIPAA-Compliant & Secure | Data privacy and trust | ✅ Yes |
| ✅ Scalable & Device-Friendly | Flexibility for large or remote teams | ✅ Yes |
| ✅ Transparent Pricing & ROI Analytics | Easy to evaluate value | ✅ Yes |
Final Thoughts
With so many AI scribes on the market, making the right choice depends on matching your clinical needs with the right features. This checklist ensures you’re not just buying hype—but investing in sustainable, secure, and specialty-aware documentation support.
👉 Looking for a reliable, EHR-integrated AI scribe solution?
Book Your Free DocScrib Demo Today