Understanding Our AI Assistant & Consent Form
We recently sent you a text message asking you to review and sign an AI Consent Form before your upcoming appointment. We know that technology in healthcare is changing fast, and you might have questions about exactly what you are signing.
Any Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology we use at Houston Thyroid & Endocrine Specialists (HTES) is strictly secure, private, and fully follows federal healthcare privacy laws (HIPAA). It is used only to give you better, more focused care.
Below is a simple breakdown of how this technology helps us look after your health, and what the form means for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What am I being asked to agree to?
You are agreeing to let our clinic use secure, private AI tools to assist our doctors and office staff. We use these approved tools for three main reasons:
Better Focus on You (Ambient Documentation): The AI assistant safely listens to your visit and writes a rough draft of the medical note. This means your doctor can look at you and talk to you normally, instead of being glued to a computer screen typing.
A Smart Opinion (Clinical Analysis): We may sometimes use secure AI tools (like highly protected versions of Google Gemini) to review your long medical history, outside records, and lab results. The AI helps your doctor by organizing the trends and suggesting medical possibilities or diagnostic directions for your doctor to check. Sometimes it will be used to help write prior authorization letters and denials
Accurate Insurance Billing: The AI may check the medical codes for your visit. This ensures your insurance claim is correct, which prevents unexpected bills or insurance denials.
2. Why am I getting this form now? (The Law in Texas)
The main reason for this form is to follow state laws in Texas. Texas law requires that all medical clinics clearly tell patients in plain language whenever AI technology is used to help with their care, notes, or medical assessments. We are sharing this openly so you are fully informed and protected.
3. Why did the text message feel so urgent?
We apologize if the automated text message felt a bit demanding! Because Texas compliance laws are very strict, our system automatically reminds any patient who hasn’t reviewed the form yet. We send these out ahead of time so we can check you in quickly and not delay your appointment when you arrive.
4. How is my private data protected?
Strict Privacy: Every tool we use follows strict HIPAA privacy laws. Your information is encrypted, kept totally confidential, and stored on secure servers located entirely within the United States.
No Public Sharing: Your information is never shared with public AI models and is never sold or used for advertising.
Human Doctors Are Always in Control: The AI never makes a final medical decision. It only gives suggestions and drafts. Your doctor personally reviews, edits, and approves any diagnosis, and treatment plan.
5. What happens if I check "I CONSENT"?
Your doctor will be able to speak with you normally without a computer screen between you, while utilizing advanced technology to double-check medical options and billing accuracy.
6. What happens if I check "I DO NOT CONSENT"?
Your access to care will not change. If you choose to decline, your doctor will simply take your notes and evaluate your charts the traditional way—by hand. You will receive the exact same dedicated medical attention and treatment options from our specialists. You will never be turned away for saying no.