Top 3 Mistakes Physicians Should Avoid in ChatGPT

There’s no question. AI is here to stay.

ChatGPT and other AI tools have shown up fast and loud, and physicians across the board are testing out how they might fit into clinical work, writing, business building, patient education, you name it.

And truthfully? That’s exciting. This kind of innovation doesn’t come around often.

Now, we know most clinicians are already doing the right thing. Being careful. Being thoughtful. Absolutely wanting to protect their patient’s privacy and their own peace of mind. So if you’re already playing it safe, amazing. We’re not here to tell you how to do your job, we’re just here to make that a little easier.

Think of this like a quick field guide. These are three things to be aware of if you’re experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT in your workflow. Not as a warning label, but more like a “Hey, just in case you hadn’t thought of this yet…”

Disclaimer: While these are general suggestions, it’s important to conduct thorough research and due diligence when selecting AI tools. We do not endorse or promote any specific AI tools mentioned here. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, financial, or clinical advice. Always comply with HIPAA and institutional policies. For any decisions that impact patient care or finances, consult a qualified professional.

1. Don’t enter identifiable patient information

This one’s probably already on your radar, and rightfully so.

Unless you’re using a specific, institution-approved version of ChatGPT (with a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA) in place), it’s not HIPAA-compliant. Meaning, it’s not built to handle Protected Health Information (PHI) safely or legally.

That includes anything that could link back to a patient: names, MRNs, images, even very specific dates or locations. Even if you’re trying to “anonymize” the data, there’s still a risk if the details can be reverse-engineered.

And most clinicians already know this. You’ve been trained to protect patient privacy with extreme care. This is just a reminder that tools like ChatGPT, unless explicitly cleared for use with PHI, should be treated like any other non-secure platform.

What to do instead:

You can still use AI for general note structure, writing templates, brainstorming differential diagnoses, or rewording patient education materials. Just keep anything personally identifiable out of it unless you’re working in a secure, integrated platform that your organization has vetted.

2. Don’t rely on AI for clinical decision-making or prescribing

We know you’re not turning to ChatGPT to replace your clinical judgment. Still, it can be tempting to plug in a quick question for a differential or ask what guidelines say for a rare condition.

Here’s the thing: ChatGPT is trained on large amounts of text, not real-time, peer-reviewed, up-to-date clinical data. It doesn’t cite specific sources (and when it does, it might make them up), and it doesn’t carry any responsibility for outcomes. You do.

Some physicians have even seen it recommend inappropriate dosages or outdated treatments. That’s not just a “small error”, that’s a risk no one wants to take.

You already know this, of course. But in the moment (between charts and consults) it’s helpful to pause and ask: “Is this just helping me think, or am I starting to lean on it for decisions?”

What to do instead:

Use it as a second brain, not a substitute. Ask it to summarize a topic. Have it explain a concept in plain English. Use it as a sounding board, not a final authority.

3. Don’t copy-paste AI content into documentation, billing, or marketing without reviewing

AI is pretty slick with words. Sometimes too slick.

More and more clinicians are using ChatGPT to draft SOAP notes, create marketing content for their practice, or summarize patient interactions for billing. And while this can be a major time-saver, it also opens up a few subtle risks.

For example:

• Chart notes may include inaccurate or exaggerated language that doesn’t match the encounter
• Billing summaries might unintentionally upcode or imply services that weren’t actually performed
• Marketing blurbs can sound too good to be true (or worse, mislead patients unintentionally)

And again, you’re probably already reviewing things with a sharp eye. This is just a reminder that AI can sometimes add a little too much polish, or assume too much… which could trigger audits or patient confusion down the line.

What to do instead:

Use it to start the draft, not finish it. Think of AI as your intern who can write fast but needs your final sign-off (because, let’s be honest, your name’s the one on the chart, not theirs).

Final Thoughts

If you’re a physician, you’re already balancing a thousand things. Privacy, accuracy, time, trust, patient care, documentation… and now, suddenly, AI too.

So first off, credit where it’s due: You’re navigating all of this with care.

This isn’t about scaring anyone or putting up a stop sign. This is about giving you just a bit more clarity, so you can keep using AI tools in smart, responsible, useful ways.

Because we all want the same thing here: better care, less burnout, more efficiency, and more time for the things that matter.

So don’t be afraid to keep exploring what’s possible with AI. Just do it with the same professionalism, curiosity, and judgment you already bring to everything else.

And if this helps you avoid even one future headache? That’s a win.

If you want to learn more about AI and other cool AI tools, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter! We also have a free AI resource page where we share the latest tips, tricks, and news to help you make the most of technology.

To go deeper, check out PIMDCON 2025 — The Physician Real Estate & Entrepreneurship Conference. You’ll gain real-world strategies from doctors who are successfully integrating AI and business for massive results.

See you again next time! As always, make it happen.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on available public data and may not be entirely accurate or up-to-date. It’s recommended to contact the respective companies/individuals for detailed information on features, pricing, and availability. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, financial, or clinical advice. Always comply with HIPAA and institutional policies. For any decisions that impact patient care or finances, consult a qualified professional.

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Peter Kim, MD is the founder of Passive Income MD, the creator of Passive Real Estate Academy, and offers weekly education through his Monday podcast, the Passive Income MD Podcast. Join our community at the Passive Income Doc Facebook Group.

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