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When AI Listens, Scores, and Speaks Back

AI shaping the next phase of patient care

Author

Matt Neufeld
July 14, 2025

Volume 16 July 14, 2025

From the Editor

AI has taken some bold leaps lately, both through federal mandates and hands-on clinical tools. This issue, we explore Yuval Harari’s take on AI empathy and whether machines might someday connect with patients better than doctors. We also dive into new tools that listen for lung sounds and score exercise form using just a smartphone. Let’s see what’s unfolding at the intersection of rehab and tech.

Can AI Empathize Better Than Doctors?

Yuval Noah Harari, in his book Nexus, suggests that AI's ability to read biometrics, tone, and facial cues may someday allow it to outperform even doctors in emotional responsiveness. While not truly empathetic, AI systems could deliver more consistent, tailored emotional reactions—especially in high-volume care settings.
Read the summary (5 min)

Why this matters for PTs:
Patient motivation and trust are often tied to emotional rapport. As AI systems become more "emotionally fluent," PTs may find new tools to support patient engagement—or new ethical questions about the limits of tech-enabled care.

Chatbots as Psychedelic Guides? Maybe Not.

A recent Wired report explores how some users are turning to AI chatbots for guidance during psychedelic trips, seeking emotional support or real-time coaching. While the intent is often therapeutic, the article highlights risks of unregulated AI involvement in deeply personal and medically complex experiences.
Read the full article (6 min)

Why this matters for PTs:
As AI becomes more embedded in health and wellness, PTs should stay alert to fringe or DIY uses of these tools—especially when they may influence patient behavior, emotional health, or recovery journeys outside the clinic.

AI Listens for Lung Issues with Surprising Accuracy

A team at the University of Washington developed an AI model that detects abnormal lung sounds, including wheezes and crackles, using just a smartphone microphone. The tool showed 86% accuracy in a real-world test, raising hopes for low-cost pulmonary screening.
Read the full article (3 min)

Why this matters for PTs:
Respiratory symptoms often affect rehab, especially in older adults or post-op patients. A quick, reliable tool to flag issues could streamline referrals and keep sessions safe.

Exercise Form Scoring Powered by AI

Startups like MotionCoach and Kinotek are now offering AI tools that assess movement form from a smartphone camera. These platforms compare user movement to ideal biomechanics and deliver near-instant feedback or "scores" to guide correction.
Read the full article (4 min)

Why this matters for PTs:
These tools won’t replace clinical judgment, but they could support remote HEP monitoring or help patients self-correct in real time—freeing up in-clinic time for more complex work.

Federal Push for Seamless EMR Interoperability

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a new initiative to enforce data-sharing standards among EMRs. The goal: reduce friction when patients move between providers, and give clinicians full access to relevant health histories.
Read the full article (3 min)

Why this matters for PTs:
Better interoperability means fewer faxes, less time chasing charts, and more context for care planning—especially helpful when working with complex or multi-provider cases.

Real-Time AI Avatars Could Support Patient Coaching

Character.AI recently demonstrated real-time, video-responsive AI avatars that can converse, coach, and adapt to user input during live interactions. While still in early stages, this technology hints at future uses in education, therapy, and patient support.
Read the full article (5 min)

Why this matters for PTs:
Imagine a digital assistant that can demonstrate exercises, respond to patient questions, or encourage adherence between visits—without waiting on you to log in.

What’s New in ManagePT

Update: Quick Filters for Daily Notes
You can now sort your patient list by visit type, last note date, or penall from the dashboard. It’s designed to speed up your day and keep follow-ups from slipping through the cracks.

Why it helps:
More visibility into your caseload at a glance = fewer surprises and better time management.

Bonus Reads