Panelists:
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Eric Boose, MD, Associate CMIO, Cleveland Clinic
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Beth Meese, Executive Director of IT – Digital Health & Enterprise EMR, Cleveland Clinic
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Will Morris, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Ambience Healthcare
1. A Solution for Burnout and Better Patient Experience
Dr. Boose described ambient AI as the next evolution in documentation: one that enables clinicians to focus on their patients without needing to remember every detail or manually enter data. This has led to increased face-to-face time, more natural patient interactions, and time saved that can be returned to providers’ personal lives. Beth Meese added that ambient AI also improves the patient experience by making providers more present in the room, reinforcing patient choice in an increasingly competitive healthcare environment.
2. Strategic Partner Selection and Deployment
Cleveland Clinic piloted five vendors—pilots lasted 3 months each, and involved 80+ specialties and 300+ clinicians—before selecting Ambience Healthcare, looking for scalability, support, and high-quality output across specialties, with a return on investment. They emphasized the need for a partner who could accommodate diverse clinical workflows—from primary care to highly specialized settings including the ED—and who was open to iteration based on feedback. According to Dr. Morris, success requires more than just technology; it demands integration, adaptability, and a true partnership. As Beth noted, “We weren’t just buying software. We were choosing a long-term partner.”
3. ROI Across Clinical, Operational and Financial Domains
While provider satisfaction is essential, Cleveland Clinic also made a compelling financial case. Meese outlined how ambient AI helps ensure accurate diagnosis capture and appropriate coding, enabling reimbursement that reflects the full complexity of patient care. Meanwhile, Dr. Boose pointed to intangible ROI: increased provider retention and fewer clinicians reducing hours or retiring early. Providers were so impressed that some even delayed retirement, citing reduced stress and increased satisfaction. The team underscored the importance of framing ROI differently for each stakeholder, from frontline clinicians to CFOs.
Looking Ahead
The panel closed with advice for peers: don’t wait. The technology is ready, and organizations that delay will risk falling behind. Dr. Boose urged systems to embrace ambient AI now, while Beth encouraged a multidimensional roadmap that explores simultaneous AI innovations. Dr. Morris emphasized the need for solutions that improve over time and support clinicians across all specialties.
For Cleveland Clinic, ambient AI isn’t just a technology initiative—it’s a long-term strategy to elevate care, improve experiences, and sustain the workforce. Hear more from their Chief Digital Officer, Rohit Chandra, here.