What You Should Know:
– A new KLAS Flash Insights report explores how Epic’s native clinician-facing ambient AI speech tool has the potential to reshape the market.
– Initially, Epic provided ambient speech through integrations with partners like Microsoft and Abridge. However, at its annual UGM in August 2025, Epic announced its own native clinician-facing ambient speech tool, developed with Microsoft.
– To understand the industry reaction, KLAS interviewed 35 Epic customers who attended UGM, prompting leaders to reassess their roadmaps and vendor strategies.
Most Customers Welcome Epic’s Entry, Awaiting Maturity
Excitement around artificial intelligence (AI), particularly ambient speech, has surged as healthcare organizations seek to improve operations and reduce clinician burden. In response to this demand, the market has rapidly grown. The announcement of an Epic-native AI tool was largely anticipated by customers.
Overall, 67% of interviewed leaders reacted positively. They expressed confidence that Epic’s tool will eventually offer stronger integration and a lower price point than competing ambient speech solutions. Only a small minority expressed frustration, with one feeling Epic had wasted their time by encouraging work with a partner only to develop a competing product. For most, the prevailing question is how quickly Epic can deliver a tool that matches the maturity of current solutions.
Pressure on Vendors and Near-Term Adoption Plans
Epic’s large presence in healthcare IT is viewed as both a benefit and a drawback. While some worry Epic’s expanding portfolio may reduce competition, others hope the added pressure on incumbent vendors will spur them to accelerate innovation and expand functionality.
Most interviewed organizations anticipate adopting Epic’s ambient speech tool within the next two years. This confidence is driven by satisfaction with and investment in Epic. For many, the prospect of consolidation and native integration with the full patient record is compelling. Organizations without a current ambient solution also expect to adopt Epic’s tool quickly.
However, adoption may be slowed by:
- Existing contracts with other ambient vendors.
- Concerns about the new solution’s maturity and functionality compared to existing tools.
Long-Term Outlook Favors Epic Exclusivity
Looking further ahead, most respondents expect Epic to eventually become their exclusive ambient solution. This mirrors historical patterns where customers prioritize Epic’s perceived integration and cost advantages over concerns about early functionality gaps.
Specifically, Microsoft customers express the highest confidence in moving to Epic exclusively, largely due to Microsoft’s involvement in the tool’s development. Customers of other vendors are generally more cautious, waiting for Epic to demonstrate system maturity, particularly regarding specialty support and functionality beyond basic note generation.
Ultimately, the long-term strategy for many will be a mixed approach: deploying Epic’s tool where it fits best while retaining other specialized ambient tools to meet specific specialty needs.
“When Epic’s solution is ready for prime time, we will likely look to replace our current solution. I feel bad for our current vendor, but it is hard to compete with Epic when they have all the native integrations and access to the entire record. Working with Epic becomes a no-brainer, but the question is how long it will take until Epic ambient voice is ready.” —Senior directorFor more information about the report, visit https://klasresearch.com/report/epic-s-ambient-speech-announcement-2025-how-epic-s-move-into-ambient-speech-may-shape-customer-strategies/3920
