AI Scribes for Specialty Care: Cardiology, Orthopedics, Neurology & More
How different specialties are using AI scribes to streamline complex documentation workflows.
Cardiology: Integrating Imaging and Hemodynamics
Cardiologists document echo results, EKG findings, and med adjustments simultaneously. An AI scribe that captures audio and links to structured imaging data (EF, valve function, PA pressure) creates a complete clinical record in one note.
Ara.so + imaging API integration lets cardiologists speak naturally while the AI populates key values from connected devices or PACS systems.
- Document findings while reviewing images.
- Auto-populate hemodynamic values from echo data.
- Time saved: 3–4 hours/week per cardiologist.
Orthopedics: X-Ray References and Procedure Notes
Orthopedic surgeons document pre-op exams, intraoperative findings, and post-op instructions. AI scribes work best when paired with imaging references (surgeons can say 'rotator cuff tear on the MRI shown here' and the AI anchors it to DICOM).
For procedures, ambient capture during surgery is less practical, but pre-op and post-op visits are ideal for AI scribes.
- AI documentation for pre/post-op visits.
- Surgery notes still benefit from human transcription or dictation.
- Time saved: 2–3 hours/week per surgeon.
Neurology: Standardized Exams and Symptom Tracking
Neurologists document complex exams (neuro status, gait, cranial nerves) that benefit from standardized language. AI scribes with domain tuning can flag abnormal findings and auto-populate standardized exam templates.
Neurology also benefits from longitudinal transcript analysis: AI can surface symptom trends across multiple visits without manual chart review.
- Neuro exams benefit from standardized language.
- Trend analysis across visits is automated.
- Time saved: 2–3 hours/week per neurologist.
Psychiatry: Sensitive Conversations and Suicide Risk Documentation
Psychiatrists document sensitive topics (trauma, ideation, substance use) that benefit from ambient capture because clinicians can focus on the patient, not the keyboard. AI scribes must be configured to handle redaction (some terms trigger automatic flagging for review).
Risk assessment documentation is often the most time-consuming part; AI can auto-populate risk factors and flag high-risk scenarios for clinician review.
- Ambient capture improves therapeutic rapport.
- Redaction controls handle sensitive content.
- Risk flagging automates some documentation burden.
- Time saved: 1.5–2.5 hours/week per psychiatrist.
Oncology: Treatment Plans and Clinical Trial Eligibility
Oncologists document tumor markers, treatment decisions, and clinical trial eligibility. AI scribes that integrate with oncology-specific templates (TNM staging, chemotherapy regimens, immunotherapy eligibility) speed up decision documentation.
Ara.so or similar platforms can layer on oncology-specific plugins to auto-tag trial eligibility criteria.
- Treatment decision documentation is faster.
- Clinical trial eligibility can be auto-flagged.
- Time saved: 2–3 hours/week per oncologist.
OB/GYN: Pregnancy-Specific Templates and Ultrasound Integration
OB/GYNs document prenatal exams, ultrasound findings, and contraceptive counseling. AI scribes work best when integrated with ultrasound machines so measurements (gestational age, EFW, amniotic fluid) auto-populate.
Prenatal visit notes are standardized; AI can handle the bulk of documentation while clinicians focus on patient discussion.
- Ultrasound data integrates with AI summaries.
- Prenatal templates are highly standardized.
- Time saved: 2–3 hours/week per OB/GYN.
Key takeaways
- Every specialty benefits from AI scribes, but integration patterns vary.
- Cardiology and orthopedics benefit from imaging integration.
- Psychiatry and neurology benefit from standardized language.
- Oncology and OB benefit from specialty templates.
- Ara.so is flexible enough to support all these variations.