Artificial intelligence is changing how general practice works. Not in flashy, futuristic ways, but in quiet improvements to how we manage paperwork, organise information, and free up time for what matters most: the conversation between you and your doctor.
At Sandstone, we use AI tools carefully and selectively. We thought it was worth explaining what we’re actually using, why we’ve chosen these particular tools, and what role AI might play in healthcare down the track.
The AI technology we’re using now
Documentation assistance
Most of our GPs use Lyrebird, an AI scribe that listens to the consultation and generates a draft of your medical notes. Think of it as a very attentive note-taker: the doctor still reviews, edits, and signs off on everything, but instead of typing while talking, they can focus on you.
Early research suggests AI scribes can save doctors one to two hours of paperwork each day without shortening appointments. A small Australian study found they reduced stress and maintained the quality of patient interaction. We’ve found similar benefits, and importantly, the notes are often more thorough because the doctor isn’t trying to type and listen at the same time.
We chose Lyrebird because it’s Australian-hosted and meets strict local privacy regulations. Your data doesn’t leave the country, and we ask for your consent before using it. If you’d rather we didn’t, just let us know because it’s completely optional.
Behind-the-scenes admin
We also use AI for back-of-house tasks like sorting and filing incoming documents. Like Lyrebird, these are specialised medical administration tools that meet strict privacy regulations – not general-purpose AI that anyone can access. These AI tools free up our reception team to spend more time helping you directly rather than wrestling with paperwork. These tools don’t see clinical details; they’re essentially very efficient filing assistants.
What AI tools we’re not using (yet)
There’s keen interest in using AI for clinical decisions such as generating differential diagnoses, suggesting investigations, or flagging cancer risk based on patterns in your medical history. Some overseas health systems are piloting tools like this. In England, an AI cancer detection tool increased early diagnosis rates from 59% to 66% across practices that used it.
These tools show promise, but we’re watching carefully rather than rushing in. The evidence is still early: a recent analysis found AI diagnostic suggestions are about as accurate as junior doctors, but not yet as reliable as experienced clinicians. More importantly, there are genuine questions about privacy, safety, and who’s accountable when an algorithm gets it wrong.
For now, we’re keeping clinical decision-making firmly human. Any AI we use supports the consultation process, it doesn’t drive it.
Our passion shows up as partnership, too. Partnership with you, because you know your own life best. And with each other, because great healthcare isn’t a solo act.
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The future of health information (with guardrails)
It’s entirely conceivable that AI will help us deliver better care in future. Tools that help spot patterns we might miss, or support complex prescribing decisions, could genuinely improve outcomes – particularly for patients with multiple conditions or those who’d benefit from earlier diagnosis.
But healthcare AI needs guardrails. Australian regulators and medical colleges are clear: AI should augment doctors, not replace them. High-risk applications need strong oversight, transparent processes, and robust evidence before they’re used in real consultations.
Patient consent and data security aren’t negotiable.
We’re staying close to the research and watching how the technology develops. If and when we adopt new AI tools, we’ll always let you know what we’re using and why.
We will always make sure that you know, and you always have the right to say no.
Questions about privacy laws welcome
If you have concerns or questions about our use of AI, raise them at your next appointment. Good healthcare starts with conversations… and that’s one thing AI won’t be replacing. To learn more about how we protect your patient data privacy and ensure compliance with privacy laws, see our Information Security and Privacy Policy.
