ChatGPT for HIPAA compliant healthcare automation
Generative AI, ChatGPT particularly, is changing the modern healthcare industry and creating new approaches. However, before accepting innovation with arms wide open, healthcare leaders must consider one hindrance – HIPAA compliance.
So, can ChatGPT actually play nice with established healthcare standards? That’s what we’re here to unpack.
Generative AI gaining momentum: market overview
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI describes algorithms for creating new content – text, images, audio, videos, and now even code. Rather than simply analyzing and classifying existing content, Generative AI can generate authentic outputs from patterns learned earlier.
What has that to do with healthcare automation?
For example, ChatGPT can process applications, transform coordination, automate documentation, and more. Of course, if used with respect to the established laws (as unfortunately, ChatGPT is not compliant by design).
- 75% of healthcare organizations are experimenting with scaling Generative AI across enterprises
- The surveyed healthcare companies are placing big hopes on using Generative AI:
- for efficiency (92%)
- and decision-making (65%)
- More than 10% of healthcare professionals in the United States are using Generative AI
- And nearly 50% plan to in the future
Bonus fact: ChatGPT ranked the highest by surveyed healthcare experts for addressing patient queries among other popular chatbots.
HIPAA compliant ChatGPT integration: what is the issue?
ChatGPT’s allure is undeniable – it promises unparalleled efficiency in processes across departments.
- Appointment scheduling and reminders
- Medical documentation and transcription
- Data entry
- Prior authorization
- Triage and symptom checking
- Billing and claim processing
- Staff communication and coordination
- Staff training and onboarding
Yet the obvious elephant in the room remains: how can you use it without compromising confidentiality?
Some believe creating models specifically designed for handling sensitive information could change the game. With the appropriate safeguards – end-to-end encryption, for example – bringing innovation and compliance shouldn’t present impassable hurdles.
But let’s talk about why using ChatGPT without substantial customization is against HIPAA requirements.
ChatGPT and healthcare regulations
ChatGPT isn’t HIPAA compliant, so feeding it sensitive patient information is off the table. But what’s the issue? OpenAI will not sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with both healthcare organizations and affiliates.
That means ChatGPT-based diagnoses and treatments are against the regulations (as great as that may sound).
ChatGPT and HIPAA compliance: getting into the details
ChatGPT can’t handle so-called Protected Health Information (PHI) but can still automate everyday processes. If it’s used the right way, of course.
From cutting administrative workload to boosting patient engagement – there are many ways to make it work.
The key is de-identification – if the Protected Health Information (PHI) is stripped of personal patient identifiers by using HIPAA-approved methods, it is no longer considered PHI and falls straight outside HIPAA regulations. Of course, staff training is still very important to avoid accidental slip-ups.
Another thing – ChatGPT isn’t HIPAA compliant, but there are solutions specifically designed to help you out. To name an example, BastionGPT and CompliantGPT assistants – HIPAA compliant chatbot solutions – are built on the basis of ChatGPT’s capabilities but adding extra layers of security.
Healthcare and ChatGPT applications
By focusing on non-PHI, HIPAA-secure scenarios, healthcare providers can get the best out of ChatGPT usage:
Patient inquiries
ChatGPT can safely provide appointment instructions, post-hospital guidelines, and general health education. No more staff drowning in repetitive patient inquiries!
Internal communication and collaboration
ChatGPT can quickly generate regular newsletters, policy-related reminders, and accurate meeting notations. Just think of it as an assistant that never takes sick leaves.
Administrative documents
If any identifiable information stays out of the entire process, ChatGPT can efficiently handle content curation. General emails, social media posts about flu season – no problem.
Medical research & summarization
ChatGPT can also help with managing conference proceedings, public reports, and medical reference materials. That means, healthcare professionals can still stay informed without spending hours reading dense paperwork.
HIPAA and ChatGPT implementation: key considerations
To use ChatGPT efficiently while staying HIPAA compliant, healthcare providers must take some precautions:
Data encryption
Strong encryption is introduced to ensure that even during interception, data processed remains unreadable. Without having appropriate protocols in place, healthcare organizations might expose sensitive information, thereby risking security violations.
Data anonymization
Data anonymization – masking, generalization, and scrambling – is implemented to ensure patient protection. Without removing identifiable information, healthcare companies might discredit patient privacy and security, thereby facing reputational damage at least.
How we can help
A reliable healthcare partner, Abto Software can integrate AI solutions while preserving regulatory conformity. From implementing data encryption & anonymization to building custom models for unique business requests – we deliver healthcare solutions perfectly aligned with current HIPAA guidelines.
To navigate HIPAA compliance while leveraging ChatGPT capabilities isn’t easy – but that’s where we come in.
Our services:
- AI development
- RPA services
- .NET development
- ASP.NET development
- Web development
- Mobile development
- Cloud services
- Custom product software development
Our expertise:
- AI & CV supported telemedicine applications
- A-Z legacy EHR/EMR modernization
- AI based pose detection for new-age MSK rehabilitation
- ML based medical imaging
- API integration
- HIPAA-compliant integration, and more
FAQ
Woefully, OpenAI is not HIPAA compliant – the company doesn’t sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs). While they’ve taken measures to improve data protection, these measures don’t meet HIPAA’s standards.
Sadly, ChatGPT is not HIPAA compliant – it cannot be leveraged to process Protected Health Information (PHI). However, there are still ChatGPT use cases in healthcare settings that don’t involve processing patient details.
There are HIPAA compliant Large Language Models (LLMs) specifically designed to satisfy healthcare needs. These models are built with reliable security measures (for example, end-to-end encryption, access controls), to ensure regulatory compliance.
Yes, whilst the standard ChatGPT assistant is not HIPAA compliant, some solutions are built to make it work. For example, BastionGPT and CompliantGPT implement ChatGPT’s capabilities while adding extra protection.