3 Mistakes Solo Providers Make When Trying AI Tools
⚠️ Mistake #1: “Testing AI with Real Patient Info”
“I just wanted to see how well it could write a SOAP note, so I pasted in my last progress note and asked ChatGPT to rewrite it.”
Many solo providers make this misstep out of curiosity — but testing AI tools using actual patient data, even once, could violate HIPAA’s Minimum Necessary Rule and expose PHI to systems without a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
✅ Do this instead:
Use safe, de-identified mock data
Draft prompts in advance using a HIPAA-safe format
Test tools in a sandbox setting before production use
⚠️ Mistake #2: “Assuming AI is Smart = Secure”
“It gave me the perfect script for explaining a diagnosis. I figured something this advanced must be safe to use.”
Performance ≠ compliance. Just because an AI tool generates impressive content doesn’t mean it meets privacy, security, or legal standards. Tools like ChatGPT or Claude do not come with HIPAA guarantees unless explicitly covered by a BAA.
✅ Do this instead:
Check the tool’s privacy policy and HIPAA status
Ask vendors to provide a signed BAA
Maintain a list of approved tools with proper documentation
⚠️ Mistake #3: “No Audit Trail or Policy in Place”
“I tried it once or twice, but we didn’t have a policy, so nothing’s really written down.”
Even occasional use of AI in a healthcare context should be logged. If there’s a data breach or complaint, being able to show a usage log, policy, and review process can dramatically reduce your exposure.
✅ Do this instead:
Create a basic AI Acceptable Use Policy
Set up a lightweight log in Notion or Google Sheets
Include AI in your HIPAA Risk Analysis
📘 Bonus Tip:
Want to test AI safely? Start with tools that offer a HIPAA-safe BAA and a clearly documented privacy approach (like Abridge or DAX Copilot), or work with a compliance consultant who can vet your tech stack.
