AI Prompts for Healthcare Professionals: 40+ Ready-to-Use Templates

TL;DR - Best AI Prompts for Healthcare Professionals

Looking for ready-to-use AI prompts for healthcare? This guide contains 40+ copy-paste prompts that work with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Each prompt is completely self-contained—just copy, customize the placeholder comments, and paste. For foundational prompting skills, see the Prompt Engineering Fundamentals guide.

What’s included:

• Clinical Documentation — SOAP notes, discharge summaries, referral letters
• Patient Communication — Education materials, instructions, consent explanations
• Research & Literature — Article summaries, literature reviews, research synthesis
• Administrative — Prior authorizations, coding support, policy summaries
• Professional Development — Case discussions, continuing education

⚠️ Critical Disclaimer: These prompts are for documentation assistance, education, and administrative support only. AI should never be used for diagnosis, treatment decisions, or clinical judgment. All AI outputs must be reviewed by qualified healthcare professionals. Protect patient privacy—never enter PHI into non-compliant systems. For more on AI safety and limitations, see the Understanding AI Safety, Ethics, and Limitations guide.

How to Use These Prompts Safely

1. Privacy First

• Never enter protected health information (PHI) into public AI systems
• Use only HIPAA-compliant, organization-approved AI platforms for patient data
• These prompts use placeholders—fill in only de-identified or hypothetical information

2. Professional Review Required

• All AI-generated content must be reviewed before use
• Clinical documentation requires professional verification
• Patient-facing materials need accuracy checks

3. Know the Limitations

• AI can draft, not decide
• AI may generate plausible but incorrect information
• AI is not aware of current guidelines or recent research

Clinical Documentation Prompts

Generate SOAP Note Draft

You are a medical documentation assistant helping draft clinical notes.

⚠️ REMINDER: This is a draft requiring physician review and approval.

=== PATIENT ENCOUNTER (Use de-identified or hypothetical data) ===
Patient demographics: 
# REPLACE: Age, sex (e.g., "45-year-old female")

Chief complaint: 
# REPLACE: Reason for visit
# Example: "Follow-up for hypertension management"

History of present illness: 
# REPLACE: Relevant details about current condition
# Example: "Patient reports improved BP readings at home (avg 135/85) since 
# starting lisinopril 10mg 4 weeks ago. Denies headaches, dizziness, or 
# chest pain. Compliant with daily medication and low-sodium diet."

Relevant history: 
# REPLACE: Pertinent PMH, medications, allergies
# Example: "PMH: HTN x 5 years, Type 2 DM. Meds: Lisinopril 10mg daily, 
# Metformin 500mg BID. NKDA."

Examination findings: 
# REPLACE: Key physical exam findings
# Example: "BP 132/82, HR 78, Weight stable. General: well-appearing. CV: RRR, 
# no murmurs. Lungs: clear bilaterally."

Assessment and plan notes: 
# REPLACE: Your clinical thinking
# Example: "BP improved on current regimen. A1c due for recheck. Consider 
# continuing current meds, recheck in 3 months."

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Draft a SOAP note based on this encounter information.

**SUBJECTIVE**
- Chief complaint
- HPI with relevant details
- Review of systems (pertinent positives/negatives)
- Relevant PMH, medications, allergies

**OBJECTIVE**
- Vital signs
- Physical examination findings
- Relevant lab/imaging results (if provided)

**ASSESSMENT**
- Problem list with clinical assessment
- Status of each condition

**PLAN**
- Diagnostic plan (tests ordered)
- Therapeutic plan (medications, interventions)
- Patient education provided
- Follow-up instructions

Format: Clear, concise, professional medical documentation style.

Note: This draft requires review and attestation by the treating provider.

Create Discharge Summary

You are a medical documentation assistant helping draft discharge summaries.

⚠️ REMINDER: Draft requiring physician review before entry into medical record.

=== ADMISSION DETAILS (De-identified) ===
Patient: 
# REPLACE: Age, sex
# Example: "67-year-old male"

Admission date: 
# REPLACE: Date or "Day 1"

Discharge date: 
# REPLACE: Date or "Day 5"

Admitting diagnosis: 
# REPLACE: Why admitted
# Example: "Community-acquired pneumonia"

=== HOSPITAL COURSE ===
# REPLACE: What happened during hospitalization
# Example: "Admitted with fever, productive cough, and hypoxia. CXR showed 
# right lower lobe infiltrate. Started on ceftriaxone and azithromycin. 
# Required 2L O2 on admission, weaned to room air by day 3. Afebrile x 48hrs 
# by day 4. Repeat CXR showed improving infiltrate."

=== PROCEDURES/INTERVENTIONS ===
# REPLACE: Procedures performed
# Example: "None. CT chest considered but not performed given clinical improvement."

=== DISCHARGE INFORMATION ===
Discharge condition: 
# REPLACE: Condition at discharge
# Example: "Stable, improved, ambulatory, room air"

Discharge medications: 
# REPLACE: Medications on discharge
# Example: "Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875mg BID x 5 more days, resume home meds"

Follow-up: 
# REPLACE: Follow-up instructions
# Example: "PCP in 1 week, return if symptoms worsen"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Draft a comprehensive discharge summary including:

1. **PATIENT INFORMATION**
   - Demographics, admission/discharge dates

2. **ADMISSION DIAGNOSIS**
   - Primary and secondary diagnoses

3. **HOSPITAL COURSE**
   - Presenting symptoms and findings
   - Diagnostic workup and results
   - Treatment provided
   - Response to treatment
   - Consultations (if any)

4. **DISCHARGE DIAGNOSIS**
   - Final diagnoses

5. **PROCEDURES**
   - Any procedures performed with dates

6. **DISCHARGE MEDICATIONS**
   - Complete list with dosages and frequencies
   - Note any changes from admission medications

7. **DISCHARGE CONDITION**
   - Patient status at discharge

8. **FOLLOW-UP INSTRUCTIONS**
   - Appointments scheduled
   - Warning signs to watch for
   - Activity restrictions (if any)

9. **PENDING RESULTS**
   - Any tests with pending results and plan for follow-up

Format: Clear, organized, professional discharge summary appropriate for 
medical record and care transitions.

Write Referral Letter

You are a medical documentation assistant helping draft professional referrals.

=== REFERRAL DETAILS ===
From: 
# REPLACE: Referring provider and specialty
# Example: "Dr. Sarah Chen, Internal Medicine"

To: 
# REPLACE: Specialist and specialty
# Example: "Cardiology"

=== PATIENT INFORMATION (De-identified) ===
Patient: 
# REPLACE: Age, sex
# Example: "58-year-old male"

=== REASON FOR REFERRAL ===
# REPLACE: Why you're referring
# Example: "Evaluation of atypical chest pain with concerning stress test findings"

=== RELEVANT HISTORY ===
# REPLACE: Pertinent history for the consultant
# Example: "Patient presented with exertional chest discomfort x 3 months. 
# Episodes occur with moderate exertion, last 5-10 minutes, relieved by rest. 
# No associated dyspnea, diaphoresis, or radiation. Risk factors: HTN, 
# hyperlipidemia, former smoker (quit 10 years ago), family history of MI 
# (father at age 60)."

=== WORKUP COMPLETED ===
# REPLACE: Tests already done and results
# Example: "Resting ECG: NSR, no ST changes. Exercise stress test: achieved 
# 7 METs, stopped due to chest discomfort, 1.5mm ST depression in V4-V6. 
# Echo: EF 55%, no wall motion abnormalities at rest."

=== CURRENT MEDICATIONS ===
# REPLACE: Current medication list
# Example: "Lisinopril 20mg daily, Atorvastatin 40mg daily, Aspirin 81mg daily"

=== SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ===
# REPLACE: What you want the consultant to address
# Example: "Would appreciate evaluation for possible coronary artery disease 
# and recommendation regarding need for coronary angiography."

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Draft a professional referral letter including:

1. **HEADER**
   - Date, recipient, regarding patient

2. **INTRODUCTION**
   - Brief statement of referral purpose
   
3. **CLINICAL SUMMARY**
   - Presenting problem
   - Relevant history and risk factors
   - Current symptoms

4. **WORKUP TO DATE**
   - Tests performed and results
   - Current management

5. **REASON FOR REFERRAL**
   - Specific reason for consultation
   - Questions for the consultant

6. **PATIENT INFORMATION**
   - Current medications
   - Allergies
   - Relevant social history

7. **CLOSING**
   - Availability for questions
   - Contact information

Tone: Professional, collegial, concise but complete.

Patient Communication Prompts

Create Patient Education Material

You are a health education specialist creating patient-friendly materials. For advanced prompting techniques, see the [Advanced Prompt Engineering guide](/tech-articles/advanced-prompt-engineering/).

=== TOPIC ===
Condition/Procedure: 
# REPLACE: What to explain
# Example: "Managing Type 2 Diabetes"

=== TARGET AUDIENCE ===
# REPLACE: Who this is for
# Example: "Newly diagnosed patients, general adult population, no medical background"

Reading level: 
# REPLACE: Desired reading level
# Example: "6th-8th grade reading level"

=== KEY POINTS TO COVER ===
# REPLACE: Essential information to include
# - What is diabetes (simple explanation)
# - Why blood sugar management matters
# - Diet and exercise basics
# - Medication adherence importance
# - When to seek help
# - Resources for support

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Create patient education material that is:

1. **CLEAR AND SIMPLE**
   - Use plain language, avoid medical jargon
   - When medical terms are necessary, define them
   - Short sentences and paragraphs

2. **WELL-ORGANIZED**
   - Clear headings
   - Bullet points for key information
   - Logical flow

3. **ACTIONABLE**
   - Specific steps patients can take
   - Clear instructions
   - Realistic recommendations

4. **STRUCTURE**
   
   **What is [Condition]?**
   [Simple explanation]
   
   **Why Does This Matter?**
   [Importance, consequences if not managed]
   
   **What Can You Do?**
   [Practical steps, lifestyle changes]
   
   **Your Medications**
   [Medication information if applicable]
   
   **Warning Signs**
   [When to call the doctor or seek emergency care]
   
   **Questions for Your Doctor**
   [Sample questions to ask]
   
   **Resources**
   [Where to learn more]

5. **TONE**
   - Supportive and encouraging
   - Not scary or overwhelming
   - Empowering, not condescending

⚠️ Note: This material is for educational purposes. Include statement that 
patients should consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Simplify Medical Instructions

You are a patient communication specialist simplifying medical information.

=== ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS ===
# REPLACE: Paste the complex medical instructions to simplify
# Example: "Post-operative instructions following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: 
# Patient may resume regular diet as tolerated. Ambulation encouraged. 
# Incision care: Keep steri-strips in place until they fall off naturally 
# (approximately 7-10 days). May shower after 24 hours; avoid submerging 
# incisions in water for 2 weeks..."

=== TARGET READING LEVEL ===
# REPLACE: Desired simplicity
# Example: "5th-6th grade reading level"

=== PATIENT CONTEXT (if relevant) ===
# REPLACE: Any specific patient considerations
# Example: "Elderly patient, lives alone, has home health aide visiting daily"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Rewrite these instructions in plain, simple language:

1. **USE SIMPLE WORDS**
   - "Take" instead of "administer"
   - "Eat" instead of "resume oral intake"
   - "Cut" instead of "incision"

2. **BE SPECIFIC**
   - Replace "as needed" with specific guidance
   - Give exact times when possible
   - Use concrete examples

3. **ORGANIZE CLEARLY**
   
   **RIGHT AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE**
   [Immediate instructions]
   
   **EATING AND DRINKING**
   [Diet instructions]
   
   **TAKING CARE OF YOUR CUT**
   [Wound care in simple terms]
   
   **PAIN CONTROL**
   [Medication instructions]
   
   **ACTIVITY**
   [What you can and cannot do]
   
   **WARNING SIGNS - CALL US IF:**
   [Red flag symptoms in plain language]
   
   **YOUR FOLLOW-UP**
   [When to come back]

4. **FORMAT**
   - Short sentences
   - Bullet points
   - Bold for important items
   - White space for readability

5. **INCLUDE**
   - Phone number to call with questions
   - When to go to emergency room
   - Checklist format where helpful

Explain Test Results to Patient

You are a health communication specialist helping explain results to patients.

⚠️ Note: This is to help explain results—all clinical interpretation and 
recommendations should come from the healthcare provider.

=== TEST TYPE ===
# REPLACE: What test was performed
# Example: "Complete Blood Count (CBC)"

=== RESULTS ===
# REPLACE: The results to explain (de-identified)
# Example: 
# WBC: 11.2 (Normal: 4.5-11.0)
# RBC: 4.5 (Normal: 4.5-5.5)
# Hemoglobin: 14.2 (Normal: 12-16)
# Platelets: 250 (Normal: 150-400)

=== CLINICAL CONTEXT ===
# REPLACE: Why the test was ordered
# Example: "Test ordered as part of routine annual physical"

=== PROVIDER'S INTERPRETATION ===
# REPLACE: What the provider concluded
# Example: "Slightly elevated WBC, likely due to recent mild cold. Overall 
# normal results, no action needed."

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Create a patient-friendly explanation of these results:

1. **WHAT THE TEST CHECKS**
   Explain in simple terms what this test measures and why.

2. **YOUR RESULTS**
   For each value:
   - What it measures (simple explanation)
   - Your result
   - Whether it's normal, high, or low
   - What this might mean

3. **THE BIG PICTURE**
   Summarize what the overall results show.

4. **WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU**
   Based on the provider's interpretation.

5. **QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE**
   Common questions patients ask about these results.

6. **WHAT HAPPENS NEXT**
   Any follow-up needed.

Format: 
- Use plain language
- Define medical terms
- Be reassuring but accurate
- Don't minimize or exaggerate
- Include reminder to discuss with provider if questions

Research & Literature Prompts

Summarize Medical Article

You are a medical research assistant summarizing clinical literature.

=== ARTICLE INFORMATION ===
Title: 
# REPLACE: Article title
# Example: "Efficacy of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic 
# Review and Meta-Analysis"

Source/Journal: 
# REPLACE: Publication source
# Example: "JAMA Internal Medicine, 2024"

=== ARTICLE CONTENT ===
# REPLACE: Paste key portions of the article or provide details
# (Abstract, methods summary, key results, conclusions)

=== SUMMARY PURPOSE ===
# REPLACE: Why you need this summary
# Example: "For journal club presentation to residents"
# OR: "To decide if this changes our treatment protocol"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Provide a structured summary:

1. **QUICK SUMMARY** (2-3 sentences)
   Bottom-line findings for busy clinicians.

2. **STUDY OVERVIEW**
   | Aspect | Details |
   | Study Type | |
   | Population | |
   | Sample Size | |
   | Duration | |
   | Primary Outcome | |

3. **KEY FINDINGS**
   - Primary outcome results
   - Secondary outcomes
   - Subgroup findings (if significant)
   - Safety/adverse events

4. **CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE**
   - Effect size (clinically meaningful?)
   - NNT/NNH if calculable
   - Practical implications

5. **STRENGTHS**
   - Study design strengths
   - Methodological quality

6. **LIMITATIONS**
   - Potential biases
   - Generalizability concerns
   - What the study doesn't answer

7. **HOW THIS APPLIES**
   Implications for clinical practice.

8. **CRITICAL APPRAISAL**
   Overall quality assessment and confidence in findings.

⚠️ Note: Always verify key facts against the original article.

Synthesize Literature on Topic

You are a medical research assistant synthesizing evidence on a clinical question.

=== CLINICAL QUESTION ===
# REPLACE: PICO format preferred
# P (Population): Adults with chronic low back pain
# I (Intervention): Yoga therapy
# C (Comparison): Standard physical therapy
# O (Outcome): Pain reduction and functional improvement

Or in question form:
# REPLACE: "In adults with chronic low back pain, how does yoga compare to 
# standard physical therapy for pain reduction and functional improvement?"

=== CONTEXT ===
# REPLACE: Why you're researching this
# Example: "Developing patient handout on non-pharmacological options for 
# chronic low back pain"

=== SCOPE ===
# REPLACE: What to cover
# Example: "Focus on systematic reviews and RCTs from last 10 years"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Synthesize the current evidence:

1. **EXECUTIVE SUMMARY**
   What does the evidence overall suggest? (3-4 sentences)

2. **EVIDENCE OVERVIEW**
   | Source | Study Type | Key Finding | Quality |
   Summarize major studies/reviews on this topic.

3. **AREAS OF AGREEMENT**
   What do studies consistently find?

4. **AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY**
   Where do findings conflict or remain unclear?

5. **QUALITY OF EVIDENCE**
   Overall strength of evidence (GRADE if applicable):
   - High / Moderate / Low / Very Low
   - Reasoning for assessment

6. **CLINICAL BOTTOM LINE**
   Practical guidance based on current evidence.

7. **GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE**
   Questions that remain unanswered.

8. **KEY REFERENCES**
   Most important studies to know about.

⚠️ Limitations: 
- AI has knowledge cutoff and may miss recent publications
- Verify all citations—AI can generate plausible but incorrect references
- This is a starting point, not a substitute for systematic review

Administrative Prompts

Draft Prior Authorization Letter

You are a healthcare administrative assistant helping with prior authorizations.

=== PATIENT INFORMATION (De-identified) ===
Patient: 
# REPLACE: Age, sex
# Example: "52-year-old female"

Insurance: 
# REPLACE: Type of coverage
# Example: "Commercial PPO"

=== MEDICATION/PROCEDURE REQUESTED ===
# REPLACE: What needs authorization
# Example: "Dupixent (dupilumab) 300mg subcutaneous every 2 weeks"

=== DIAGNOSIS ===
# REPLACE: Clinical diagnosis with ICD code if known
# Example: "Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (L20.9)"

=== CLINICAL JUSTIFICATION ===
# REPLACE: Why this treatment is needed
# Example: "Patient has moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis affecting 25% BSA. 
# Failed adequate trials of: 
# - High-potency topical corticosteroids (triamcinolone 0.1% x 3 months)
# - Tacrolimus ointment (0.1% x 2 months)
# - Narrow-band UVB phototherapy (24 sessions, minimal improvement)
# Currently experiencing significant impact on sleep and quality of life. 
# EASI score: 28."

=== RELEVANT GUIDELINES ===
# REPLACE: Any guideline support
# Example: "AAD guidelines recommend systemic therapy for moderate-to-severe 
# atopic dermatitis uncontrolled by topical therapy"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Draft a prior authorization letter including:

1. **HEADER**
   - Date
   - To: Insurance Medical Director
   - Re: Prior Authorization Request for [medication/procedure]
   - Patient: [De-identified reference]
   - Member ID: [Placeholder]

2. **OPENING**
   Clear statement of what is being requested.

3. **CLINICAL SUMMARY**
   - Diagnosis
   - Disease severity
   - Duration and course
   - Impact on patient

4. **TREATMENT HISTORY**
   - Previous treatments tried
   - Duration of each trial
   - Response/failure
   - Side effects encountered

5. **MEDICAL NECESSITY**
   - Why this specific treatment is needed
   - Why alternatives are not appropriate
   - Expected benefit

6. **GUIDELINE SUPPORT**
   - Relevant clinical guidelines
   - Standard of care references

7. **REQUEST**
   Specific authorization request with duration.

8. **SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION**
   List of documents included.

9. **CLOSING**
   Contact information for questions.

Tone: Professional, factual, clinically-focused.

Summarize Clinical Policy

You are a healthcare policy analyst summarizing coverage policies.

=== POLICY DOCUMENT ===
# REPLACE: Paste or describe the policy
# Example: "Medicare LCD for Continuous Glucose Monitoring" or paste policy text

=== PURPOSE ===
# REPLACE: Why you need this summary
# Example: "Quick reference for clinical staff when ordering CGMs"

=== INSTRUCTIONS ===
Create a practical summary of this policy:

1. **POLICY AT A GLANCE**
   | Aspect | Details |
   | Payer | |
   | Effective Date | |
   | Last Updated | |
   | Service/Item | |

2. **COVERAGE CRITERIA**
   Patient must meet these requirements:
   - [ ] [Criterion 1]
   - [ ] [Criterion 2]
   - [ ] [Criterion 3]

3. **DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED**
   For approval, include:
   - [Document 1]
   - [Document 2]

4. **EXCLUSIONS**
   Not covered when:
   - [Exclusion 1]
   - [Exclusion 2]

5. **QUICK ALGORITHM**
   Step-by-step: Does this patient qualify?
   
   1. Does patient have [condition]? → If No, not covered
   2. Has patient [criterion]? → If No, not covered
   3. [Continue...]

6. **COMMON DENIAL REASONS**
   Watch out for:
   - [Reason 1]
   - [Reason 2]

7. **TIPS FOR APPROVAL**
   - [Practical tip 1]
   - [Practical tip 2]

8. **APPEALS PROCESS**
   If denied, here's how to appeal.

Note: This summary is for reference. Always verify against current policy document.

Quick Reference

Tips for Healthcare AI Prompts

1. Never Enter PHI into Non-Compliant Systems

❌ "Summarize notes for John Smith, DOB 5/15/1960, MRN 12345"
✅ "Summarize notes for 63-year-old male with [condition]" (de-identified)

2. Always Require Professional Review

Every prompt should remind that outputs need verification:
"⚠️ This is a draft requiring review by a licensed healthcare professional."

3. Be Specific About Format

"Format as SOAP note" or "Write at 6th grade reading level"
Specify the output format you need for your use case.

4. Verify Citations

AI can generate plausible but incorrect references.
Always verify any cited studies, guidelines, or statistics.

5. Know the Limits

AI is not aware of:
- Your institution's specific protocols
- Recent guideline updates after its training
- Local formulary or coverage policies
- Patient-specific factors not provided

6. Use for Drafting, Not Deciding

AI can: Draft documentation, simplify language, summarize information
AI cannot: Make clinical decisions, diagnose, recommend treatment

Workflow: Documentation Assistance

Here’s how to use these prompts efficiently:

Pre-Visit:

• Pull relevant patient education materials

During/After Visit:

• Draft SOAP note → Review → Sign
• Create patient instructions → Simplify → Provide to patient

Referrals/Transitions:

• Draft referral letter → Review → Send
• Create discharge summary → Verify → Complete

Administrative:

• Draft prior auth letter → Add specifics → Submit
• Summarize policies → Create quick reference → Share with team

What’s Next

• 📚 AI Prompts for Writing — Documentation skills
• 📚 AI Prompts for Research — Literature review
• 📚 Prompt Templates & Variables — Build reusable templates
• 📚 Mega-Prompt Engineering — Create documentation assistants

Found these prompts helpful? Share with your healthcare colleagues—and remember, always prioritize patient safety and privacy.