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In an age where AI promises to “automate everything,” the smartest clinics are asking a better question: What should we automate first?

Automation can transform how your clinic operates—but only if it’s done thoughtfully. At Dorsum, we’ve worked with practices across specialties to identify what brings the biggest impact, and what’s better left manual (at least for now).

Start With: High-Frequency, Low-Complexity Tasks

If something happens often, and it’s predictable, it’s a great candidate for automation.

Top examples:

• Form filling – Radiology, pathology, referrals: these should be auto-filled once you’ve entered the core patient data.

• Post-consult distribution – Automatically email/fax letters to GPs, admins, and patients without needing to export manually.

• Saving to EMR – Manual uploads are error-prone. Automate this step to reduce double-handling and compliance risks.

• Scheduling follow-ups – If a consult requires a review, trigger an alert or calendar event straight from the note.

These automations are low-risk, highly repeatable, and save hours per week across the team.

Leave Alone (for Now): Tasks That Rely on Judgement

Not everything should be delegated to a system—especially tasks that require clinical nuance or real-time decision-making.

Examples:

• Diagnostic pathways – While AI can assist, choosing which investigation to order still depends heavily on clinical context.

• Final treatment decisions – Recommendations may be surfaced, but doctors should remain firmly in control.

• Highly bespoke notes – When letters require very personal context or uncommon formats, automation can support but not replace.

The Rule of Thumb

Automate the repeatable. Assist the complex. Leave the critical to clinicians.

This is how Dorsum approaches every clinic we work with. We don’t just give you buttons—we help you build workflows that save time without compromising care.

Final Thought:
The goal isn’t to automate everything. It’s to automate the right things. And when done well, it can dramatically reduce your admin load while keeping quality of care—and decision-making—exactly where it belongs.

Dorsum.ai is an AI-powered medical automation platform based in Sydney designed to help clinicians streamline documentation—without compromising trust.