Think about how a GPS navigation app works when we drive. Over time, it learns our usual routes, traffic patterns and the fastest way to get where we’re going. It doesn’t drive the car. It doesn’t decide the route or place we travel. We do, but it helps us make better-informed decisions by analyzing a lot of information very quickly.

AI in medicine works in a similar way. AI tools can review large amounts of medical information, such as imaging, lab results or patterns across many patients, and highlight things a doctor may want to take a closer look at and consider. The doctor and patient are the ones working together to make the decisions on care. Like navigation, AI is an assistant.

No. At Johns Hopkins, patient health data is not sold. That means we don’t give your name, medical record or personal details to companies so they can market to you or profit from knowing who you are. The use of artificial intelligence in research and care is governed by strict privacy laws and institutional safeguards designed to protect patients and their information. Sometimes, we share information with trusted technology partners who help us improve the tools we use for patient care, but in those situations, we confirm there are agreements in place with the partner to ensure your data remains confidential.

Protecting patient information is a top priority. When hospitals use AI, your health information is protected by the same privacy laws, security reviews and legal agreements that protect the rest of your medical record. The AI tools can use data only for approved health care purposes, not for selling, advertising or contacting you.

AI at Johns Hopkins is guided by several oversight groups that focus on privacy, security, ethics and responsible use. These include councils and committees that set standards for how data is handled, reviewed and protected. Legal, privacy and cybersecurity experts work together to ensure that AI tools are developed and used in ways that respect patients and uphold trust.

Yes. Medicine is already highly regulated, and patient privacy is protected by federal laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Johns Hopkins builds on these legal requirements with additional policies and governance structures to ensure patient information remains secure as new technologies, including AI, are introduced.

Collaboration is essential for advancing research, but it does not mean sharing patient data freely. When collaborating with other centers, Johns Hopkins uses a secure approach that allows institutions to work together either without sending patient data back and forth or by sending data through industry-standard secure mechanisms. In either case, the data is shared under an agreement that requires that the data stay secure, confidential and used only for approved collaborations. Each center keeps its data protected while contributing to shared scientific progress.

AI is used to support care, not replace your doctor.

Before AI tools are used in patient care, they are carefully reviewed to meet clinical, safety and regulatory standards. In some cases, these tools may help analyze complex medical information or flag possible concerns.

Your doctors and care team review this information and make all medical decisions based on their training, clinical guidelines and your individual needs.

Security, privacy and ethics are built into our AI from the start, not added later. Johns Hopkins leaders view patient trust as foundational. The goal is to move science forward while honoring the responsibility that comes with caring for people and their most personal information.

The goal of using AI in medicine is to empower your care team to provide more precise, proactive and human-centered care. We leverage these tools to detect diseases earlier, tailor treatments to your specific needs and accelerate research into lifesaving new therapies. By using AI to reduce or remove administrative burden, we aim to give your care team more time to focus on what matters most: the human connection between you and your doctor. 

With your consent, the technology records your conversation with your care team. Using AI, it analyzes the transcript of the recording to create a draft note that includes key details, such as symptoms you share, questions your care team asks and the care plan you discuss. Your care team then reviews the draft note for accuracy before it is finalized. This helps them get an accurate record of your conversation while focusing more on you.

The recording allows the system to create a transcript of what was discussed so it can create a draft note for your care team.

The recording is stored temporarily on a secure server, and it is used to create a transcript of the conversation, confirm the quality of the output and improve the technology of the product. The recording and transcript are then routinely deleted to protect your privacy.

Yes, it is your choice. If you decide you do not want this AI technology used for your conversation, just let your care team know. They can still take care of you without using the tool.

Your privacy is very important to us. All recordings are stored safely and securely in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and they are routinely erased at regular intervals. Many health systems across the country are using similar technology to improve patient care while maintaining the highest standards for privacy and security.

The recording and transcripts are retained only temporarily and are not part of the medical record, so we are unable to provide a copy to patients. You will be able to see the note that is finalized by your care team in your medical record and MyChart account.