Your Doctor Might Be Using AI: Here’s How to Protect Your Health Data

Your Doctor Might Be Using AI: Here’s How to Protect Your Health Data

Artificial intelligence is quietly becoming part of everyday medical visits. Some doctors now use AI scribes to listen to conversations and automatically write notes. Others rely on AI tools to help analyze images, suggest possible diagnoses, or flag lab results. If you’ve been to a clinic recently, it’s possible your health data was handled by an algorithm without you knowing.

A recent announcement by OntarioMD — a not‑for‑profit that provides digital health services to physicians in Ontario, Canada — highlights how quickly this is changing. OntarioMD has updated its privacy and security training for clinicians specifically to address the growing use of AI in practice. The move is a sign that even medical organizations recognize the need for clearer safeguards.

For patients, the question is: what does this mean for your privacy, and what can you do about it?

What happened

OntarioMD, which supports family doctors and other clinicians with tools like electronic medical records, now offers enhanced training on privacy and security as AI tools become more common. While the exact details of the training are not public, the general direction is clear: clinicians are being reminded that patient data used by AI must be handled with the same, if not stronger, protections as any other health information.

This is happening in a context where many AI tools used in healthcare are relatively new. Some are built into existing electronic record systems; others are standalone apps that a doctor subscribes to. The consent and data handling practices of these tools can vary significantly.

Why it matters

Health data is among the most sensitive personal information you have. It can include details about your medical history, medications, genetics, and even the way you speak during an appointment. When that data is processed by an AI system, a few things can go wrong:

• Data breaches. If an AI tool stores your information in the cloud, that data could be exposed if the vendor has weak security.
• Lack of clear consent. Many patients are never told that AI is being used, or how their data will be used beyond the immediate visit.
• Algorithmic bias. AI models trained on incomplete or skewed data may produce less accurate results for certain groups, and if you’re affected, you might not know.

The enhanced training from OntarioMD is a positive step, but it does not automatically mean every clinic using AI has strong privacy practices. It also does not change the fact that patients rarely have a direct say in which tools their doctor chooses to adopt.

What readers can do

You do not need to become a privacy expert to protect your health data, but asking a few specific questions can help you stay informed.

1. Ask whether your doctor uses AI during your visit.
You can say something like: “I noticed you’re using a computer or device to take notes / help with decisions — is there any AI software involved?” Most doctors will answer honestly, and knowing the answer is the first step.

2. Ask what data the AI collects and where it goes.
If the answer is yes, follow up: “Does this tool store my information on a server? Who has access to it? Is it used to train the AI further?” Some tools are designed to be private by default (data stays on the local device), but others upload data to the vendor’s cloud.

3. Ask if you can opt out or request an alternative.
In many jurisdictions, you have the right to decline a specific technology during your care. For example, you might ask for a human‑generated note instead of an AI scribe, or for a second opinion that doesn’t rely on a particular AI diagnostic tool. Your doctor may accommodate you, though it could require scheduling a longer appointment.

4. Review your clinic’s privacy notice.
Most doctor’s offices have a privacy policy that explains how health information is used and disclosed. Look for any mention of third‑party tools, data storage, or analytics. If it’s vague, ask for clarification.

5. Know your legal rights.
In Canada, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and provincial health‑privacy laws generally require organizations to obtain meaningful consent and to protect data. In the United States, HIPAA applies to covered entities (doctors, hospitals) and their business associates — including many AI vendors. However, HIPAA’s protections were written before modern AI, so some gaps exist. If you believe your data was mishandled, you can file a complaint with your provincial privacy commissioner (Canada) or the Office for Civil Rights (U.S.).

6. Request a human review.
If AI contributed to a diagnosis or treatment recommendation, you have the right to ask your doctor to explain the reasoning and to have a human verify the results. This is especially important if something seems off or if you belong to a group that may be underrepresented in the data used to train the AI.

Staying informed without sacrificing care

AI in healthcare is not inherently bad. It can reduce administrative burden, catch early signs of disease, and make appointments more efficient. But the benefits should not come at the cost of your privacy or trust.

The OntarioMD training update is a reminder that even as technology moves quickly, the fundamentals of patient consent and data security remain essential. By asking the right questions, you can be an active participant in your own care — and help ensure that the data you share is treated with the care it deserves.

Sources

• OntarioMD Enhances Privacy and Security Training Amid Growing Clinician Use of AI, Yahoo Finance, June 11, 2026.
• Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada – Guidance on AI and health information.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – HIPAA and third‑party data uses.