A Physician’s Guide to AI: Three Ways to Balance Quality Care and Financial Health

Clinical excellence and financial stability are two major priorities for physician-entrepreneurs, yet achieving both requires a fine balance. Forward-thinking leaders like Dr. Neel Vaidya, chief information officer at Chicago Cornea Consultants and longtime Nextech user, incorporates emerging technology into his practice to improve workflows, enhance patient care, and build fiscal sustainability. 

Dr. Vaidya recently wrote an article for Healthcare Innovation titled “How Medical Practices Can Drive Value, Improve Efficiency, and Enhance Patient Experience with AI.” Below we explore his top three takeaways for successful AI integration in specialty medicine. 

1. Strengthen Provider-Patient Connections

At the center of quality healthcare is the relationship between providers and patients. Press Ganey’s Patient Experience Report identifies communication as a leading factor in how patients evaluate their care. Yet, intense workloads and inefficient technology create a barrier to authentic patient connections. 

Automated documentation and administrative tools reduce routine tasks, giving providers more time to focus on patient care. Face-to-face interactions are integral to building trust, establishing rapport and connection, and improving care delivery.  

2. Enhance Operations

AI tools support clinicians and back-office staff with data capture and entry, proper coding and billing, appointment reminders and follow-up, and even routine patient inquiries before and after appointments. These systems reduce administrative burden and ensure patients and providers have timely, accurate information at the point of care and beyond. The result? Fewer distractions for providers, less tedious and repetitive tasks for administrative teams, and better overall patient experiences. 

3. Stay Independent and Build Financial Stability 

The American Medical Association reports nearly a third of physicians under 45 own their own practice. Fiscal sustainability is vital, especially for these independent physician-owned and run facilities. Providers must effectively manage revenue cycle, billing, and reimbursements, and prioritize quality patient care and outcomes. 

Revenue cycle management (RCM) tools that incorporate AI reduce errors, speed up reimbursements, and improve accuracy. Analytics uncover patterns that help practices prevent denials, identify inefficiencies, and navigate unique payer environments. In fields like ophthalmology and dermatology, where payment structures can be complex, AI minimizes mistakes and accelerates payment cycles.  

AI as a Support, Not a Replacement 

Despite its capabilities, AI cannot replace the human touch. It handles routine tasks, allowing physicians to focus on patient care where it matters most. Specialty providers can use AI to manage the background work while building authentic relationships. 

Technology should enhance – not replace – human connection. When used effectively, AI allows providers to deliver compassionate, high-quality care without being buried in administrative work.  

Interested in learning more about Dr. Vaidya’s experience incorporating emerging technology at Chicago Cornea Consultants? Check out his article in Healthcare Innovation to explore his best practices for other specialty medicine leaders. 

Empowering Specialty Practices with Nextech  

As healthcare evolves, Nextech equips specialty providers with the technology to stand out among the competition, streamline operations, enchance the patient experience, and improve financial performance. Providers and staff in practices and aesthetic clinics nationwide rely on Nextech’s people and technology to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve. 

Request a demo to experience Nextech’s platform firsthand and discuss what your practice needs from a trusted technology partner.