What You Should Know:
– Highmark Health announced today the launch of an enterprise-wide collaboration with Abridge to deploy its ambient clinical documentation platform, collaborate on a paradigm-shifting prior authorization solution at the point of conversation, and invest in other innovative tools that integrate Abridge’s AI technology.
– Highmark Health is a Pittsburgh-based organization that includes a multi-state insurance services division (Highmark Inc.) and a 14-hospital care provider (Allegheny Health Network). Abridge, also based in Pittsburgh, is a pioneer in developing AI technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce clinician burdens.
Ambient Clinical Intelligence Enhances Patient Care and Reduces Clinician Burnout
Allegheny Health Network (AHN) has begun the first phase of its collaboration with Abridge to deploy the company’s ambient clinical intelligence platform across its offices and hospitals. The AI-powered technology automates clinical documentation, enabling providers to focus on patient interaction rather than note-taking. Using secure smartphone or desktop recording—with patient consent—Abridge transforms conversations into real-time clinical notes within the provider’s workflow. Clinicians can review, edit, and submit notes directly into the patient’s electronic health record (EHR). This eliminates the need for manual typing during appointments, improves patient engagement, and reduces after-hours “pajama time” spent on documentation.
AHN’s own testing found 92% of patients felt their providers were more attentive when ambient scribe technology was used. Clinicians piloting the system reported major improvements in documentation accuracy, workflow efficiency, and work-life balance. The rollout will begin in outpatient settings, with plans to expand system-wide across all AHN hospitals and practices, including physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses.
“Providing patients with exceptional, personalized care is our highest priority, and that starts with empowering clinicians to be their best,” said Mark Sevco, President of AHN. “Abridge’s technology allows clinicians to spend more time listening to and engaging with their patients, creating a far better experience for both parties.”
Real-Time Prior Authorization at the Point of Care
In addition to ambient documentation, Highmark Health and Abridge are pioneering a real-time prior authorization solution designed to secure near-instant approvals during patient encounters. Traditional prior authorization often delays care, as insurers review requests after the visit. Abridge’s AI technology brings this process into the live clinical conversation—automating form completion, submission, tracking, and early identification of prior-authorization requirements. Clinicians maintain full oversight, reviewing AI-generated recommendations before submission and instantly seeing if documentation meets payer requirements.
This initiative builds on Highmark Health’s existing innovations in prior authorization and aligns with the organizations’ shared vision of positioning Western Pennsylvania as a leading hub for next-generation healthtech. Highmark Health’s technology subsidiary, enGen, is among the teams enabling and scaling these solutions. By combining ambient AI documentation with real-time administrative automation, AHN, Highmark Health, and Abridge aim to deliver more connected, efficient, and patient-focused healthcare—while helping clinicians reclaim time, reduce burnout, and improve care delivery.
