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 medical work, writing, enterprise constructing, affected person training, you identify 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 best factor. Being cautious. Being considerate. Completely wanting to guard their affected person’s privateness and their very own peace of thoughts. So for those who’re already enjoying it secure, wonderful. We’re not right here to let you know how one can do your job, we’re simply right here to make that a bit of simpler.
Consider this like a fast discipline information. These are three issues to concentrate on for those who’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 vital 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 isn’t meant to offer authorized, monetary, or medical recommendation. At all times adjust to HIPAA and institutional insurance policies. For any choices that influence affected person care or funds, seek the advice of a certified skilled.
1. Don’t enter identifiable affected person data
This one’s in all probability 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. Which means, it is not constructed to deal with Protected Well being Info (PHI) safely or legally.
That features something that might hyperlink again to a affected person: names, MRNs, pictures, even very particular dates or areas. Even for those who’re making an attempt to “anonymize” the information, there’s nonetheless a danger 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, until explicitly cleared to be used with PHI, ought to be handled like another non-secure platform.
What to do as a substitute:
You possibly can nonetheless use AI for basic observe construction, writing templates, brainstorming differential diagnoses, or rewording affected person training supplies. Simply preserve something personally identifiable out of it until you’re working in a safe, built-in platform that your group has vetted.
2. Don’t depend on AI for medical decision-making or prescribing
We all know you are not turning to ChatGPT to exchange your medical 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 medical knowledge. 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 remedies. That’s not only a “small error”, that’s a danger nobody desires to take.
You already know this, after all. However within the second (between charts and consults) it’s useful to pause and ask: “Is that this simply serving to me assume, or am I beginning to lean on it for choices?”
What to do as a substitute:
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 with out reviewing
AI is fairly slick with phrases. Typically too slick.
Increasingly more clinicians are utilizing ChatGPT to draft SOAP notes, create advertising content material for his or her observe, or summarize affected person interactions for billing. And whereas this is usually a main time-saver, it additionally opens up a couple of refined dangers.
For instance:
- Chart notes could embody inaccurate or exaggerated language that doesn’t match the encounter
- Billing summaries may unintentionally upcode or indicate companies that weren’t truly carried out
- Advertising blurbs can sound too good to be true (or worse, mislead sufferers unintentionally)
And once more, you’re in all probability already reviewing issues with a pointy eye. That is only a reminder that AI can typically add a bit of 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 a substitute:
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 trustworthy, your identify’s the one on the chart, not theirs).
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Ultimate Ideas
In the event you’re a doctor, you’re already balancing a thousand issues. Privateness, accuracy, time, belief, affected person care, documentation… and now, all of the 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 providing you with only a bit extra readability, so you may preserve 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 doable with AI. Simply do it with the identical professionalism, curiosity, and judgment you already convey to every part else.
And if this helps you keep away from even one future headache? That’s a win.
If you wish to study extra about AI and different cool AI instruments, ensure that to subscribe to our e-newsletter! We even have a free AI useful resource web page the place we share the most recent ideas, methods, and information that will help you benefit from expertise.
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 all the time, make it occur.
Disclaimer: The knowledge supplied right here is predicated on obtainable public knowledge and will not be fully correct or up-to-date. It is advisable to contact the respective corporations/people for detailed data on options, pricing, and availability. This text is for instructional and informational functions solely. It isn’t meant to offer authorized, monetary, or medical recommendation. At all times adjust to HIPAA and institutional insurance policies. For any choices that influence affected person care or funds, seek the advice of a certified skilled.
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Peter Kim, MD is the founding father of Passive Earnings MD, the creator of Passive Actual Property Academy, and affords weekly training via his Monday podcast, the Passive Earnings MD Podcast. Be part of our neighborhood on the Passive Earnings Doc Fb Group.
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