Technology has always played a role in medicine, but in recent years, it has fundamentally altered the provider-patient relationship. It’s been my privilege to experience firsthand just how far our industry has come throughout my years as a practicing ophthalmologist and chief medical officer at Nextech. We now have at our fingertips powerful digital tools that streamline workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and support more meaningful patient care. As exciting as it is to explore how far new technology can take us, it’s imperative that strengthening our connections with patients remains the guiding light on our journey forward.
Providers have navigated both benefits and challenges since the 2009 HITECH Act accelerated the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). Digital documentation improves accessibility and data organization, yet many EHRs can be cumbersome and pull attention away from patients. We are seeing a more streamlined relationship between man and machine through the emergence and increased acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI).
Today’s tools automate repetitive tasks, allowing providers to focus on patient care. AI scribes, for example, passively listen to consultations and generate structured medical notes in real time. I can now maintain eye contact, actively listen, engage in more meaningful conversations, and reiterate rapport and trust with my patients instead of typing behind a screen. It’s a clear improvement over the past.
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I remember the old days of scribbling notes on paper charts and spending hours dictating letters after seeing patients. That wasn’t efficient, nor was it the best way to provide quality care. Now, technology ensures documentation is completed accurately and quickly, freeing up more time for high-touch priorities.
A common concern about technology in medicine is that it might alienate older patients. However, in my experience, AI tools can make healthcare more accessible across generations. For instance, automated appointment scheduling and prescription management reduce the complexity of navigating healthcare systems. Even patients who aren’t tech-savvy benefit from minimized wait times, reduced paperwork, and improved overall efficiency.
AI allows providers to engage in valuable and personal, face-to-face conversations. These tools help clinicians reassure patients, especially those who may feel intimidated in a medical setting, with personal attention and connection while technology handles documentation in the background. The goal of technology is to enhance the patient journey, empower quality care, and foster strong communication and collaboration from the first patient interaction all the way through billing and beyond.
A significant benefit of technology is improved collaboration among healthcare providers. A well-organized, easily accessible medical record allows specialists, primary care providers, and staff to stay aligned on a patient’s treatment plan.
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I frequently receive referrals from other providers. Instead of waiting for paper records or sifting through incomplete documentation, I can instantly review a patient’s history, test results, and prior treatments. This ensures I’m able to provide informed care from the minute a patient walks into my office.
Patients also benefit from this connectivity. Digital platforms allow them to access their own medical records, track treatment plans, and communicate more efficiently with their providers. Real-time information sharing reduces delays and prevents miscommunication, leading to better outcomes.
Integrating new technology into healthcare isn’t without obstacles: cost, administrative burden, and resistance to change all present challenges. Many providers, especially those in smaller practices, worry about the financial investment required to implement AI tools.
Additionally, poorly designed technology can create more frustration than it solves. Some EHR systems remain cumbersome, and AI tools that aren’t intuitive can slow end-users down rather than improve workflows. AI must be properly trained, peer reviewed, and follow industry best practices to ensure the systems your practice chooses avoid inaccuracies and inefficiencies.
Thoughtful implementation can address these challenges. Developers must prioritize accuracy, end-user feedback, and provider-patient experience to create solutions that are intuitive and accessible across care settings.
The future of healthcare technology is promising yet requires careful consideration. AI offers significant improvements over laborious, repetitious tasks. But its true value lies in its ability to enhance, not replace, the human side of medicine. Some skeptics fear that technology will eliminate the need for human connection; I have found the opposite. Instead, these tools empower providers by eliminating tedious tasks, allowing them to focus on critical decision-making and patient care.
One thing remains clear as healthcare continues to evolve, technology is not the future of medicine; it is the present. When implemented effectively, AI-supported solutions improve efficiency and accuracy and strengthen the provider-patient relationship. Ultimately, the best technology is the kind that keeps physicians doing what they do best, caring for their patients.
Image: Yuichiro Chino, Getty Images
Dr. Jason Handza is the Chief Medical Officer at Nextech, helping advance the company’s clinical solutions. With over 20 years of experience, He is a founding Partner and practicing retina specialist at Sight360 in Tampa, Fla. He is also the Director and Principal Investigator at Sight360’s Clinical Research Center in Pinellas Park, Fla.
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