There’s no query. AI is right here to remain.
ChatGPT and different AI instruments have proven up quick and loud, and physicians throughout the board are testing out how they could match into scientific work, writing, enterprise constructing, affected person training, you title it.
And honestly? That’s thrilling. This type of innovation doesn’t come round typically.
Now, we all know most clinicians are already doing the fitting factor. Being cautious. Being considerate. Completely wanting to guard their affected person’s privateness and their very own peace of thoughts. So in case you’re already enjoying it secure, wonderful. We’re not right here to inform you the way to do your job, we’re simply right here to make that just a little simpler.
Consider this like a fast discipline information. These are three issues to concentrate on in case you’re experimenting with AI instruments like ChatGPT in your workflow. Not as a warning label, however extra like a “Hey, simply in case you hadn’t considered this but…”
Disclaimer: Whereas these are basic ideas, it is necessary to conduct thorough analysis and due diligence when deciding on AI instruments. We don’t endorse or promote any particular AI instruments talked about right here. This text is for instructional and informational functions solely. It’s not meant to offer authorized, monetary, or scientific recommendation. All the time adjust to HIPAA and institutional insurance policies. For any choices that impression affected person care or funds, seek the advice of a certified skilled.
1. Don’t enter identifiable affected person info
This one’s most likely already in your radar, and rightfully so.
Except you are utilizing a particular, institution-approved model of ChatGPT (with a signed Enterprise Affiliate Settlement (BAA) in place), it is not HIPAA-compliant. That means, it is not constructed to deal with Protected Well being Info (PHI) safely or legally.
That features something that would hyperlink again to a affected person: names, MRNs, photographs, even very particular dates or places. Even in case you’re making an attempt to “anonymize” the information, there’s nonetheless a threat if the small print may be reverse-engineered.
And most clinicians already know this. You’ve been educated to guard affected person privateness with excessive care. That is only a reminder that instruments like ChatGPT, except explicitly cleared to be used with PHI, needs to be handled like another non-secure platform.
What to do as an alternative:
You’ll be able to nonetheless use AI for basic notice construction, writing templates, brainstorming differential diagnoses, or rewording affected person training supplies. Simply hold something personally identifiable out of it except you’re working in a safe, built-in platform that your group has vetted.
2. Don’t depend on AI for scientific decision-making or prescribing
We all know you are not turning to ChatGPT to exchange your scientific judgment. Nonetheless, it may be tempting to plug in a fast query for a differential or ask what pointers say for a uncommon situation.
Right here’s the factor: ChatGPT is educated on massive quantities of textual content, not real-time, peer-reviewed, up-to-date scientific information. It doesn’t cite particular sources (and when it does, it’d make them up), and it doesn’t carry any duty for outcomes. You do.
Some physicians have even seen it suggest inappropriate dosages or outdated therapies. That’s not only a “small error”, that’s a threat nobody desires to take.
You already know this, in fact. However within the second (between charts and consults) it’s useful to pause and ask: “Is that this simply serving to me suppose, or am I beginning to lean on it for choices?”
What to do as an alternative:
Use it as a second mind, not a substitute. Ask it to summarize a subject. Have it clarify an idea in plain English. Use it as a sounding board, not a closing authority.
3. Don’t copy-paste AI content material into documentation, billing, or advertising and marketing with out reviewing
AI is fairly slick with phrases. Typically too slick.
An increasing number of clinicians are utilizing ChatGPT to draft SOAP notes, create advertising and marketing content material for his or her follow, or summarize affected person interactions for billing. And whereas this is usually a main time-saver, it additionally opens up just a few refined dangers.
For instance:
- Chart notes might embody inaccurate or exaggerated language that doesn’t match the encounter
- Billing summaries may unintentionally upcode or suggest providers that weren’t really carried out
- Advertising and marketing blurbs can sound too good to be true (or worse, mislead sufferers unintentionally)
And once more, you’re most likely already reviewing issues with a pointy eye. That is only a reminder that AI can generally add just a little an excessive amount of polish, or assume an excessive amount of… which may set off audits or affected person confusion down the road.
What to do as an alternative:
Use it to begin the draft, not end it. Consider AI as your intern who can write quick however wants your closing sign-off (as a result of, let’s be sincere, your title’s the one on the chart, not theirs).
Unlock the Full Energy of ChatGPT With This Copy-and-Paste Immediate Components!
Obtain the Full ChatGPT Cheat Sheet! Your go-to information to writing higher, sooner prompts in seconds. Whether or not you are crafting emails, social posts, or shows, simply observe the components to get outcomes immediately.
Save time. Get readability. Create smarter.
Ultimate Ideas
If you happen to’re a doctor, you’re already balancing a thousand issues. Privateness, accuracy, time, belief, affected person care, documentation… and now, all of a sudden, AI too.
So first off, credit score the place it’s due: You’re navigating all of this with care.
This isn’t about scaring anybody or placing up a cease signal. That is about supplying you with only a bit extra readability, so you’ll be able to hold utilizing AI instruments in good, accountable, helpful methods.
As a result of all of us need the identical factor right here: higher care, much less burnout, extra effectivity, and extra time for the issues that matter.
So don’t be afraid to maintain exploring what’s potential with AI. Simply do it with the identical professionalism, curiosity, and judgment you already carry to all the pieces else.
And if this helps you keep away from even one future headache? That’s a win.
If you wish to be taught extra about AI and different cool AI instruments, make certain to subscribe to our e-newsletter! We even have a free AI useful resource web page the place we share the newest suggestions, methods, and information that will help you take advantage of know-how.
To go deeper, try PIMDCON 2025 — The Doctor Actual Property & Entrepreneurship Convention. You’ll acquire real-world methods from docs who’re efficiently integrating AI and enterprise for large outcomes.
See you once more subsequent time! As at all times, make it occur.
Disclaimer: The knowledge offered right here relies on accessible public information and is probably not solely correct or up-to-date. It is advisable to contact the respective firms/people for detailed info on options, pricing, and availability. This text is for instructional and informational functions solely. It’s not meant to offer authorized, monetary, or scientific recommendation. All the time adjust to HIPAA and institutional insurance policies. For any choices that impression affected person care or funds, seek the advice of a certified skilled.
IF YOU WANT MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS, MAKE SURE YOU SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER TO GET UPDATES ON THE LATEST TRENDS FOR AI, TECH, AND SO MUCH MORE.
Peter Kim, MD is the founding father of Passive Revenue MD, the creator of Passive Actual Property Academy, and affords weekly training by his Monday podcast, the Passive Revenue MD Podcast. Be part of our group on the Passive Revenue Doc Fb Group.
Additional Studying