Dear doctor, are you using ChatGPT?
ChatGPT almost passed the US Medical Licensing exam last week. The media is now making jokes about “Dr.GPT” and hypothesizing how soon AI will begin making medical decisions for doctors and patients. We seem to ignore that some doctors already use ChatGPT. Medical practitioners and mental health professional report using ChatGPT to take notes, create treatment plans, diagnose conditions, and communicate with patients. A few doctors have already created YouTube tutorials on using ChatGPT in practice. While some uses are benign and even positive, others raise legal and ethical red flags. As a patient, you have the right to know how your doctors use technology in your treatment. Here are a few questions which you should consider asking your doctors, therapists, or any other health professionals.
Do you use ChatGPT for work? If yes, how do you make sure to stay HIPAA complaint? Anything shared with Chat GPT can be used by OpenAI for other purposes. If your doctor decides to type up their notes into ChatGPT to create a treatment plan, then OpenAI will now know your symptoms and treatment plan. If your doctor accidentally copy/pastes your name or any other identifying information about you - then all that information becomes available to OpenAI. And since OpenAI is not HIPAA compliant, your personal health information will have no protections. Doctors who breach HIPAA could face monetary fines or even criminal charges for the doctor.
What tasks do you use ChatGPT for? ChatGPT is great for benign tasks like creating simple explanations of complicated diagnoses or even drafting letters to insurance. Other uses may interfere with the quality of care you experience. For example, a key aspect of therapy is the human connection between the patient and therapist. This connection is what makes therapy a unique and valuable experience. However, you lose the human connection if your therapist copies your message into ChatGPT and responds with the answers from the chatbot. AI cannot provide the same empathy as a human therapist. If your therapist uses ChatGPT to create a treatment plan for you, you may receive a cookie-cutter treatment that isn't tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. This could be disappointing and disheartening, especially when you have invested time and money into therapy.
Can I request that you do not use ChatGPT for my treatment? Your level of comfort with ChatGPT is a highly personal decision. Just like any other aspect of wellness, you should have the power to control your experience and make decisions that align with your values and beliefs. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about the use of ChatGPT in your health journey. Ask your doctor about the extent to which you have agency in this decision and what options are available to you. It's possible that your doctor will have some flexibility in accommodating your preferences. Don't be afraid to have a conversation and advocate for what you need.
Will you notify me if you use ChatGPT for any of my treatment? It is possible that your doctor isn’t using ChatGPT yet, but that may change. You have the right to be informed about the tools and methods your doctor uses to help you. If you have concerns about the use of ChatGPT or any other technology, it's essential to ask your doctor about their policy for disclosing its use. This way, you can make an informed decision and feel confident in the care you are receiving. Having open and honest communication with your doctor can help build trust and strengthen the relationship.
In conclusion, while AI tools such as Chat GPT can be useful in treatment, it is important to carefully consider the implications before making a decision. Ask your doctor about their use of Chat GPT and consider the privacy and effectiveness concerns. Take control of your health and make an informed decision about the role of technology in your wellness journey.
