DocsGPT: The AI-Based Writing Assistant Helping Doctors Streamline Administrative Tasks

Introduction

Doximity, the digital platform for medical professionals, has launched a beta version of its AI-based writing assistant tool for doctors called DocsGPT. The tool streamlines time-consuming administrative tasks, such as drafting and faxing preauthorization and appeal letters to insurers. DocsGPT is an integration with ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence large language model developed by OpenAI.

Streamlining Time-Consuming Administrative Tasks

The integration with ChatGPT works with Doximity’s free fax service. DocsGPT features a library of best medical prompts where the AI-based writing assistant has been trained on healthcare-specific prose. The library of prompts ranges from clinical correspondence to progress notes to patient education to help doctors with charting and to draft communications to colleagues and patients.

Many of the initial prompts available on DocsGPT.com are based on real-world feedback from Doximity’s physician members, according to Nate Gross, M.D., co-founder, and chief strategy officer at Doximity. With at least 70% of healthcare providers still exchanging medical information by fax, this integration could help doctors be more productive so they can focus on what matters the most—spending more time with their patients.

ChatGPT in Healthcare

ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence large language model developed by OpenAI, was launched last November. Many doctors already have been testing it out to see whether the AI-based chatbot could help with the tasks that doctors need to do regularly. However, the technology has major limitations, specifically that medical citations are often inaccurate.

With an eye toward accelerating breakthroughs in AI, tech giant Microsoft announced a “multiyear, multibillion dollar” investment into ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The investment is rumored to be as much as $10 billion. The hype about ChatGPT and its future in healthcare reached a fever pitch when an paper, published on medRxiv, found that the chatbot was capable of passing the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam.

FAQs

Q: What is DocsGPT?

A: DocsGPT is an AI-based writing assistant tool that helps doctors streamline administrative tasks, such as drafting and faxing preauthorization and appeal letters to insurers.

Q: How does DocsGPT work?

A: DocsGPT is an integration with ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence large language model developed by OpenAI. The tool features a growing library of best medical prompts where the AI-based writing assistant has been trained on healthcare-specific prose.

Q: Can I use DocsGPT if I’m not a Doximity member?

A: No, currently, only Doximity members can use DocsGPT.

Q: Is DocsGPT HIPAA-compliant?

A: Yes, the company’s HIPAA-compliant portal allows users to review and edit AI-generated responses before they send the digital fax.

Q: Can DocsGPT replace doctors or nurses?

A: No, the technology is not designed to replace healthcare professionals. Instead, it helps doctors be more productive so they can provide better care for their patients by streamlining administrative work.

Q: Are there any limitations to DocsGPT?

A: Yes, the technology has limitations, specifically that medical citations are often inaccurate. Therefore, physicians are encouraged to review and ensure the accuracy of the letter content before submitting them.

Q: Can I monetize the DocsGPT service?

A: According to Jeffrey Tangney, Doximity co-founder, and CEO, monetizing the DocsGPT service is a possibility down the road.

Conclusion

DocsGPT is still in its very early stages, and that is by design. Doximity is developing DocsGPT with extensive input from physicians. In addition to insurance approvals, DocsGPT could be used to quickly generate templates for common administrative and documentation tasks, summarize and analyze medical articles or prepare study materials for medical students. As a result, DocsGPT could save doctors and their staff up to two hours a day by streamlining administrative work they would otherwise have to do manually.