Notice on AI Use and “Red-Flag First-Line Screening”

Tanashi Kitaguchi Acupuncture and Moxa Clinic
Last updated: September 3, 2025

To prioritize patient safety, we use artificial intelligence (AI) as a supplemental tool while conducting a “red-flag” first-line screening designed to avoid missing potentially serious conditions. AI helps standardize explanations and documentation, but all final clinical decisions and responsibilities rest with the licensed acupuncturist. If you prefer not to have AI used in your case, you can opt out at any time.

Open Science (Public Materials)

• OSF (protocols, operational notes, materials): https://osf.io/tghr6/

• GitHub (checklists / SOP / templates): https://github.com/KenjiroShiraishi/ai-redflag-checklist

Implementation Rules

• Who: New patients presenting with low back pain, headache, numbness, or dizziness (multiple symptoms allowed)

• When: About 5 minutes after check-in and the initial interview, before treatment

• What: A guideline-based checklist to identify urgent signs (red flags) that warrant medical evaluation

Result Explanation

• If red flags are present → We recommend same-day medical evaluation (orthopedics/neurology/emergency). Acupuncture is generally deferred. A referral letter can be provided.

• If no red flags → Treatment may proceed. We will re-evaluate if symptoms worsen.

Transparency of Records

• We note the time when an AI prompt is executed and save the prompt and output as a PDF on the same day (as a supplemental clinical record).

• Records are stored securely in a de-identified manner.

Note: This screening is not a diagnostic test; it is a first-line safety check.

About Our Observational Study (Opt-Out)

• We conduct an observational, quality-improvement study to improve the safety and implementation of the screening described above.

• Only de-identified aggregate data are used for analysis or reporting.

• AI use and record-keeping are performed to ensure transparency (e.g., PDF archiving of prompts/outputs).

• Participation is voluntary; you may opt out at any time.

  • How to opt out: Tell our front desk or your practitioner, or contact us by email/phone to say, “I do not wish to participate in the study / AI use.”

• Choosing to opt out will not disadvantage your care or the quality of treatment in any way.

Privacy & Data Handling

• Records are anonymized and stored securely within the clinic.

• Any public sharing (e.g., presentations) will not include identifiable information.

• If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to ask our staff.

FAQs

Q. Does AI use my information automatically?
A. No. We use AI in an anonymized, limited manner. All final clinical decisions are made by the acupuncturist.

Q. Can I refuse the use of AI?
A. Yes. You can opt out at any time. Please tell the front desk or your practitioner.

Q. Why do you save PDFs of prompts and outputs?
A. For accountability and reproducibility (transparency)—to document when and what explanations supported our decisions, which ultimately helps protect patient safety.

Issued by: Kenjiro Shiraishi (Licensed Acupuncturist)
Clinic: Tanashi Kitaguchi Acupuncture and Moxa Clinic
Contact: TEL 042-497-4586 / Email: kenjiroushiraishi@hotmail.co.jp