AI in private practice

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare, and private practices are feeling the impact. Tebra surveyed 203 healthcare employees and 801 patients to understand how AI-powered tools are being used in care delivery, and how both groups are responding.

The findings reveal growing adoption and increased efficiency, but also highlight persistent concerns about trust, communication, and legal risk. For private practices, success with AI isn't just about smooth implementation — it's about earning buy-in from providers and patients alike.

AI-powered tools are helping private practices reduce administrative strain, and refocus on patient care – particularly clinical workflow optimization enabled by EHR technology and automated documentation But adoption hasn't been frictionless, and not everyone is on the same page.

A large majority of healthcare employees (86%) reported using AI-powered tools. Nurse practitioners led adoption rates at 96%, while nurses were the least likely group at 75%. Public healthcare workers were slightly ahead of private practice peers in AI adoption (91% vs. 88%).

AI has helped reduce workloads for 57% of healthcare employees, but not all experiences have been the same. In private practices, 52% said AI eased their workload, but 21% said it added to it. Physicians were the most likely to benefit, with 80% reporting a lighter workload due to AI usage.

Among the tools used, AI-driven clinical documentation — often integrated directly into EHR systems — reduced workloads for the most healthcare employees (59%). Over half of workers (53%) also reported that using AI-driven electronic health record optimization lessened their loads. The top metrics healthcare practices used to evaluate AI success included documentation quality, time saved per patient, and overall patient satisfaction, which are all key goals of practice management software supporting private practices and independent providers.

Over 1 in 4 healthcare employees (26%) said AI use has allowed them to spend more time with patients during visits. But that improvement also came with complications.

Many healthcare employees (63%) believed patients were misinformed about how AI works, and 56% said AI recommendations led to second-guessing from patients and healthcare peers. Just over 1 in 5 (21%) have lost a patient after implementing AI, but only 10% said it was due to AI.

Legal and interpersonal concerns are also shaping how AI is used. Many healthcare employees (63%) were worried about legal risks from AI, while 27% believed it could lower liability by increasing accuracy. Still, 43% had witnessed peers or staff reject or work around AI tools, and 39% saw conflicts arise over differing opinions on AI adoption in healthcare.

Another 29% said they felt pressured to use AI before they were ready, and 25% rejected or worked around AI tools after the initial implementation. Across all roles, the top concern with AI use was accuracy and potential for error (44%). Over a quarter (29%) believed AI's impact would be more beneficial than harmful, while 63% said it'll likely be a mix of positive and negative effects, depending on how it's used.

To support staff through AI adoption, private practices should consider prioritizing training, transparency, and open communication. Involving employees early in the implementation process can ease resistance and foster a sense of ownership.

It's also important to create a safe space for feedback, where staff can express concerns or confusion without fear of judgment. Offering clear guidance on how AI tools work and how they support clinical decisions can help reduce anxiety and build trust among team members.

While private practices weigh the benefits and risks of AI, patients are forming their own opinions. Awareness, transparency, and human connection are key to maintaining patient trust.

Many patients have already experienced AI in healthcare, whether they realize it or not. Yet, only 36% believed AI played a role in their care, and just 6% being directly informed. Most figured it out through context clues or their own research.

Patients are most comfortable with AI when used for scheduling or appointment reminders (79%) — administrative use cases that closely mirror the capabilities of patient engagement software used in many modern practices Others (29%) agreed that AI makes healthcare more efficient, but they still prefer human decision-making.

Some patients expressed discomfort, with 1 in 5 Gen Zers saying they don't trust AI use in healthcare. While 22% of patients felt uneasy about AI being used, only 9% discussed it with their provider, and just 1% left their provider because of it. There's clearly a need for better communication and transparency around AI use between many patients and providers.

Private practices can bridge this gap by proactively informing patients when AI tools are used, even for routine tasks like scheduling or documentation. Taking time to explain how AI supports — but doesn't replace — clinical decision-making can also ease concerns and reinforce trust, especially when it’s part of technology-enabled care coordination that prioritizes both efficiency and empathy Clear, upfront communication helps patients feel more confident in their care and more connected to their providers.

Patients want to be informed: 60% said they would prefer to know every time AI is used, even for administrative tasks. However, 72% said their doctors had never mentioned AI during their care. Lack of communication may explain why 26% felt AI weakened their relationship with their provider. In contrast, 7% said it improved their connection due to increased efficiency.

Transparency is not just a preference. It's also a way to build patient-provider trust. Many patients (66%) said they would feel most comfortable knowing AI only assists and doesn't make final decisions. Others feared bias, with 36% worrying AI might treat patients unfairly based on race, age, or income.

While 11% said they would trust AI alone to diagnose a condition if proven accurate, only 14% saw AI as entirely positive. Most patients (58%) believed its impact would depend on how it's used, and 23% saw it as a potential risk to care quality.

Navigating AI in private practice means balancing innovation with empathy and efficiency with communication. The results of Tebra's survey show that while AI tools are already making a difference, especially in easing provider workloads, success depends on thoughtful implementation.

To ensure smoother transitions, private practices should involve staff early in the AI adoption process — especially when rolling out workflow technologies with AI-powered features embedded in EHR software or automated systemsEducating patients about how AI supports but doesn't replace human decision-making can help maintain trust. Transparency, supported by digital front door tools like automated messaging, appointment scheduling and documentation alerts, reinforces trust and helps strengthen patient relationships. Clear, ongoing communication, both internal and external, will be key to making AI in private practice a success. 

Tebra surveyed 203 healthcare professionals and 801 Americans about AI in healthcare, specifically for use with patients. Among healthcare professionals, 66% work in a public healthcare setting, 16% work in a private practice, 6% work in an outpatient clinic, 5% work for a corporate entity, and 7% work in another environment.

Tebra, headquartered in Southern California, empowers independent healthcare practices with cutting-edge AI and automation to drive growth, streamline care, and boost efficiency. Our all-in-one EHR and billing platform delivers everything you need to attract and engage your patients, including online scheduling, reputation management, and digital communications.

Inspired by "vertebrae," our name embodies our mission to be the backbone of healthcare success. With over 165,000 providers and 190 million patient records, Tebra is redefining healthcare through innovation and a commitment to customer success. We're not just optimizing operations — we're ensuring private practices thrive.

This content may be shared for noncommercial purposes with proper attribution. If you use any insights from this article, please include a link back to Tebra.