What's Happening?
Epic has announced a new native ambient speech tool developed in collaboration with Microsoft, aimed at improving clinician operations and reducing burdens in healthcare settings. This tool was unveiled at Epic's annual UGM in August 2025 and has been met with positive reactions from 67% of interviewed Epic customers. The tool promises stronger integration and cost advantages over existing solutions, although some customers are cautious about its maturity and functionality.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of Epic's native ambient speech tool could significantly impact the healthcare industry by streamlining clinical documentation and reducing administrative burdens on healthcare professionals. This development may lead to increased efficiency and improved patient care. However, the tool's success will depend on its ability to match or exceed the functionality of existing solutions. The move also places pressure on other vendors to innovate and expand their offerings, potentially leading to a more competitive market.
What's Next?
Many healthcare organizations anticipate adopting Epic's ambient speech tool within the next two years, driven by the promise of integration with Epic's existing systems. However, adoption may be delayed by existing contracts with other vendors and concerns about the tool's maturity. Long-term, Epic is expected to become the exclusive provider of ambient solutions for many organizations, provided it can deliver a mature and functional product.
