Melbourne psychiatrist refuses new patients who don’t consent to AI note-taking

A Melbourne psychiatrist has refused new patients unless they agree to allow her to use an AI scribe to transcribe the conversations in their sessions.

AI-driven note taking tools are becoming popular within the medical industry – with two in five general practitioners now using such scribes, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

But there have also been concerns about the security of the data and how it might be used by the AI companies, along with the accuracy of the transcriptions.

In a registration form seen by Guardian Australia, psychiatrist Dr Hemlata Ranga outlined the requirement to potential patients.

“I consent for use of AI transcription (such as Heidi health AI/ Microsoft) software to assist with notes taking during the appointments, for preparation of clinical letters, reports, and other clinical documents to assist in my clinical care,” the form says.

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The patient is told if they do not wish AI to be used they will “need to arrange [their] regular doctor/ referring doctor to refer [them] to a different service provider”.

The uptake of AI scribes has doubled in 12 months, the RACGP says, and comes amid increased demand for mental health services.

But one patient, who asked to remain anonymous, who was referred to Ranga told Guardian Australia they objected to AI being used in their sessions.

“The way [the form] was worded – so defensively – it made me think that maybe there are a number of other people who have said something and that it’s gotten to the point where they just thought: ‘I just don’t want to deal with their objections any more. Let’s just make them sign something that says that we have to use it’.”

The patient said finding a psychiatrist was not like going to another chemist, especially when Ranga came recommended to them, and has not sought another psychiatrist.

“She’s not easily replaceable, and the process of having to go back to your doctor, make an appointment and often wait on another wait list to get back in … all just because you don’t want to use AI … it’s really weird.”

Ranga, whose practice is in the Melbourne Clinic in Richmond, did not respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for the Melbourne Clinic said it does not direct its accredited psychiatrists on their use of AI, but understands psychiatrists were increasingly incorporating the use of AI to help manage administrative load.