Not all AI vendors are equal. Learn how clinics can evaluate privacy, data use, and integration.
With the explosion of AI tools in healthcare, clinics are faced with a new challenge: how to choose the right vendor. From privacy concerns to integration capabilities, there are a lot of factors needing careful consideration. Below, we break down the key questions every clinic should ask before adopting an AI solution and explain how Accuro helps simplify the process.
By Mike Checkley, President, and Brian Ellis, Senior Director of Product
Privacy Considerations
Understanding how vendors handle privacy, consent, and data ethics is essential when considering their AI solutions. AI systems typically use session memory—processing data in real time without retaining it—but they may be designed to use training data, which stores data and therefore requires consent. In the section below, we offer questions you can ask to clarify this distinction.
Transparency with patients is also vital, including clear communication about how their data is used. Accuro takes a privacy-first approach by vetting vendors through security assessments, requiring explicit consent, and preventing patient data from being used to train external models.
Ask with the Right Questions
Mike Checkley, co-founder of Accuro EMR, emphasizes that clinics should approach AI vendors with a healthy dose of curiosity—and caution:
“You should probably pay for your AI. If it’s free, they’re likely making money off your data.”
A vendor’s Terms of Service should clearly state how your data will be used, but the due diligence is up to you. Here are some essential questions to ask to ensure you know exactly what you’re signing up for:
- What happens to my data?
Is it stored? Used for training? Shared with third parties? - Do you use session memory or persistent training data?
Session memory is temporary. Training data is long-term and may be used to improve the model. - Can I opt out of data sharing or training?
Look for vendors that offer clear, customizable privacy settings. - What’s your business model?
If the tool is free, understand how the company is generating revenue. - How do you handle consent?
Especially for tools that record conversations, vendors should support transparent patient consent workflows.
Understand Integration Levels
Not all AI tools integrate equally well with your EMR. Some require manual copy-pasting, while others offer seamless, API-based integration.
“Our job is to build these tools into the workflow—and give clinics choice.” —Mike Checkley
Accuro’s API allows vetted vendors to securely access EMR data (with clinic consent) and write outputs directly into the patient chart. This reduces friction and ensures data integrity.
Look for Transparency in Terms
Brian Ellis advises clinics to read the fine print:
“Ask about secondary uses [using data beyond its original purpose]. Ask about de-identification [removing personal identifiers from data, which requires consent]. Not all vendors treat it the same way.”
Look for clear language in:
- Privacy policies
- Terms of service
- Data use agreements
If a vendor says they “may use anonymized data to improve services,” ask what that really means—and whether you can opt out.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right AI vendor isn’t just a technical decision, it’s also a strategic one. Clinics must navigate a landscape filled with promises, pitfalls, and privacy implications. By asking the right questions, understanding integration capabilities, and demanding transparency, though, you can make informed choices that protect patient data and enhance care delivery. With the right partner, AI becomes not just a tool but a trusted extension of your clinical team.
By Mike Checkley, President, and Brian Ellis, Senior Director of Product