Should you use a vet AI scribe on a computer or mobile?
A Practical Guide for Busy Clinics
Veterinarians can run an AI scribe from almost any device—but the device you choose will determine how reliably your notes get recorded and how smoothly they land in the EMR. Here’s the short answer and the nuance that matters.
✅ Best Practice: Use the Same Device as Your EMR
The most dependable setup is running your AI scribe on the same computer or tablet you already use for the EMR. This keeps everything in one place so the workflow becomes muscle memory:
- Never forget to record: You’re already in the EMR—starting the scribe is the next natural click.
- Seamless flow: Record → Review → Export can happen in the same breath, on the same screen.
- Fewer handoffs: Less context switching means fewer errors and faster charting.
No built-in microphone? No problem. You can purchase a reliable external USB microphone for very little cost. We’ve compiled a list of affordable, clinic-tested options here: Best Microphones for Vet AI Scribes.
📱 When a Mobile Phone Makes Sense
Phones can be convenient for quick capture, and they have one notable advantage: the microphone is closer to the doctor, which often means cleaner audio and better transcription. Still, there are tradeoffs to weigh:
- Easy to forget: If your phone isn’t in hand, recording can be missed in the rush.
- Split workflow: Recording on the phone, then moving to a computer to review/export adds steps and delay.
- More handoffs: Extra steps can lead to misfiled or late notes if the process isn’t crystal clear.
Phone-first can work in two common setups:
- Doctor-only recording: The vet records on mobile; a technician reviews and files later.
- EOD review: The vet records on mobile during the day and reviews/files on a computer at end of day.
🏥 Match Device Choice to Your Clinic
- Solo / Small clinics: Keep it simple—run the scribe on the computer or tablet with your EMR for one-click consistency.
- Mid-size clinics with tech support: Consider a hybrid—doctor records (phone for mic proximity), technician reviews/files from the workstation.
- Large / Specialty hospitals: Standardize on workstations or tablets for consistency, auditability, and training.
🧠 Pro Tips to Make Any Setup Stick
- Record in a browser extension If you use a cloud-based EMR, record in the browser extension provided by the AI scribe so you can record right alongside your EMR.
- Use a start-of-visit script: “We record this visit to create an accurate medical record—okay?” See our guide for recording laws for AI scribes.
- Define roles: Between the veterinarian and suppor staff, decide who records , who reviews, and who files—then write a 3–5 step SOP.
🚀 Bottom Line
You can use an AI scribe on any device, but the most reliable way to capture every visit and finish charts fast is to run it on the computer or tablet you already use for your EMR. Phones can still play a role—especially for higher audio quality—when paired with a clear review/filing plan.