AI Scribe Provincial VOR – Frequently Asked Questions
Dear Halton Physicians,
We are writing to provide an update and reminder about the Ontario AI Scribe Program. This initiative, led by OntarioMD and Supply Ontario, has completed its vendor of record (VOR) list for AI scribes.
Key Benefits of the Ontario AI Scribe Program
- Preferential pricing contracts
- Additional protection from liability (privacy & security)
- Support in selecting the right AI scribe for your needs
- Pre- and post-onboarding support
While EMR integration was not a requirement for inclusion on the list (to ensure physician needs—not EMR vendor priorities—drove the selection process), many vendors do offer integration.
You can submit an expression of interest here:
👉 OntarioMD AI Scribe Program
Canada Health Infoway Program
Separately, Canada Health Infoway offered 10,000 free one-year licenses for nine AI scribes (all but one of which also appear on Ontario’s list). While these licenses have already been distributed, physicians with an active license can still switch vendors within 3 months of their initial selection.
For comparisons:
- Features Comparison Matrix and EMR Integration Matrix are available here (select “view all” when asked to choose your region): Infoway AI Scribe Program
About Heidi
Many have asked why Heidi was excluded from Ontario’s VOR list. While the reason remains unclear, we have been told it is not related to being a non-Canadian vendor. Heidi remains a popular option, though in our evaluations some AI scribes have outperformed it in certain areas.
It is important to note that the VOR list will be refreshed within the next 12 months, so excluded vendors such as Heidi may be added in the future.
Our Local Evaluation
We are currently evaluating several AI scribes in clinical practice, focusing on:
- Speed of note generation
- Customization options
- Note quality & sophistication
- Extra features (e.g., billing codes, referral letters, adaptive learning)
Because each tool requires repeated patient visits to evaluate, a full review of all vendors will take time. In the meantime, we encourage you to trial an AI scribe directly—most vendors provide free trials.
Practical Tips
- Microphone quality matters. Built-in mics often underperform when voices move around the room. For best results, consider an external condenser microphone on a stand.
- Check transcripts. If they are clean and free of errors or nonsensical speech, your setup is likely adequate.
Bottom Line
An effective AI scribe should be intuitive, reliable, accurate, and efficient—reducing administrative burden while keeping costs manageable. The Ontario AI Scribe Program can help you identify the right solution, with the added reassurance of security and privacy protections.
We will share further updates in the coming months as our local evaluations progress.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kris Martiniuk
CCHOHT Clinical Lead, PCN Development
Dr. Yasar Razvi
CCHOHT Clinical Lead, Digital Projects
