These tips help you get the best audio quality, fastest processing, and most accurate note output when recording with Abridge.
Device and connection
- Use a high-speed Wi-Fi connection. A strong Wi-Fi signal produces the fastest note generation and the smoothest uploads.
- Place your phone between you and your patient with no obstructions. Clear line-of-sight to both speakers gives Abridge the best audio to work with.
- Do not use headphones or other Bluetooth connections. Bluetooth audio routing can block Abridge from accessing your microphone. For telehealth visits, your phone needs to pick up audio directly from your computer's speakers — see Record a telehealth encounter for details.
- Close other apps that use your microphone before recording. If another app is holding the microphone, Abridge may not be able to access it.
During the recording
- Converse instead of dictate. Abridge is designed to process natural clinician-patient conversation. Talk to your patient the way you normally would.
- Verbalize findings and plans throughout the visit, including during the physical exam. Abridge can only capture what is spoken — vocalize non-verbal cues such as nods and shrugs. For guidance on physical exam technique, see Physical exam best practices.
- Use pause and resume to add context before or after the visit. You can pause the recording, see another patient, and resume — or use the time after a visit to verbalize additional medical terminology or clarifications. The more detail you provide, the higher quality the note.
- If you answer a phone call during a recording, Abridge automatically pauses. After you end the call, tap the Abridge app to bring it back to the foreground — the recording should resume automatically.
App and account
- Never log out of or delete the app. If you are experiencing a recording or upload issue, check the Troubleshooting articles or contact the Abridge support team at help@abridge.com before logging out.