Health care is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across various domains. Specifically, AI harbors tremendous potential to improve efficiency and streamline workflow of outpatient clinics. One major application of AI in this setting involves the automation of medical documentation.¹ Companies such as Abridge, Notable, Suki AI, and Augmedix are leveraging AI and natural language processing to convert clinician-patient interactions into structured medical notes. These systems not only have the capability of providing real-time transcription but can also interpret and organize clinical data by extracting pertinent information from interactions and appending this information to appropriate sections within a structured note. By automating and optimizing this process, these platforms may enhance the efficiency of note writing, reduce the cognitive load on clinicians, and even ensure more accurate and comprehensive medical documentation. Urologist-lead start-ups, such as OneLine Health, are working on disrupting chart preparation and consultation workflows.

Figure. The DALL-E–generated image of a Greek vase in an operating room, titled “Kidney Cancer: Unmasking the Myths,” demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful new tool to help urologists create visually compelling materials for presentations and lectures. This image showcases the ability of AI systems like DALL-E to fuse medical concepts with artistry in innovative ways that engage audiences. (Caption composed by ChatGPT.)

One of the most transformative aspects of AI integration into clinics is the ability to automate routine clinical tasks, liberating providers from time-consuming and “soul-crushing” administrative work. Low-complexity tasks such as generating emails, work notes, insurance letters, appointment reminders, and patient outreach and education documents can be seamlessly handled by AI-driven systems. Several AI platforms, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, provide free or inexpensive solutions to streamline the completion of these burdensome yet important responsibilities of everyday clinical practice.² What once consumed a substantial portion of a provider’s bandwidth can now be accomplished nearly instantaneously using simple inputs. Even basic tasks such as creating an invitation to a department-wide event may benefit from AI. Innovative tools such as DALL-E can generate images from textual descriptions which can be employed to create visually appealing and engaging invitations. AI systems like DALL-E and Midjourney also now allow urologists to create visually striking presentation images that merge medical concepts with artistry, helping engage audiences in new ways (Figure). Leveraging AI is not only beneficial for providers but also plays a pivotal role in empowering the clinical support staff by reducing administrative burdens, assisting with patient interactions, and ultimately improving the efficiency of clinic operations. This, in turn, allows support staff to focus more on value-added tasks.

The advent of AI is poised to swiftly transform urology by reshaping patient care, streamlining clinical processes, and alleviating administrative and academic demands. These technological advancements offer the potential to diminish bureaucratic overhead, paving the way for a health care system that is both more efficient and more attuned to the needs of the patient. Currently, the utilization of AI carries minimal risks and requires vigilant oversight of human practitioners. As we progress in our understanding and utilization of AI’s vast capabilities, its assimilation into the fabric of clinical practice will undoubtedly be a pivotal force that revolutionizes health care delivery.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The Authors have no financial conflicts of interest to disclose.