For Occupational Therapists ·
What you'll accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll have ChatGPT Pro configured with your specific OT setting, documentation format, and common diagnoses — so every time you open ChatGPT, it already knows you're an OT and produces notes in exactly the format you need without re-explaining context. Most OTs save 5–10 minutes per documentation session just from not having to set up context each time.
What you'll need
What you should see: The ChatGPT interface — a clean white chat window with a message box at the bottom.
Troubleshooting: If you've never used ChatGPT, the interface may prompt you with example uses. Click away from them to get to the blank chat window.
What you should see: Two empty text boxes labeled "What would you like ChatGPT to know about you?" and "How would you like ChatGPT to respond?"
In the first box ("What would you like ChatGPT to know?"), paste and customize this template:
I am a licensed occupational therapist (OTR/L) working in [your setting — e.g., outpatient hand therapy / school district / acute care hospital / skilled nursing facility].
My common patient/student populations: [e.g., adults post upper extremity surgery, elderly patients with ADL deficits, pediatric students with developmental disabilities]
Common diagnoses I treat: [e.g., distal radius fracture, rotator cuff repair, CVA, TBI, autism spectrum disorder, developmental coordination disorder]
My documentation format: [SOAP / DAP / narrative — pick yours]
My EMR system: [Epic / Net Health / WebPT / PointClickCare / Frontline]
Insurance context: [Medicare Part B / Medicaid / commercial — describe your main payers]
I supervise OT Assistants (COTAs): [Yes/No]
Fill in the brackets with your actual situation. You don't need every field — even the basics (setting, documentation format, common diagnoses) make a significant difference.
In the second box ("How would you like ChatGPT to respond?"), paste:
When helping me with clinical documentation:
- Always use professional OT clinical language appropriate for insurance documentation
- Use the [SOAP/DAP/narrative] format unless I specify otherwise
- Include measurable, specific language (levels of assistance, degrees of motion, frequency/duration)
- Never include patient names or identifying information — use [patient] as a placeholder
- When I provide bullet notes, convert them into a complete professional note
- If I provide a prior authorization request, write in medical necessity language
- Keep responses focused and concise — documentation-ready, not explanatory
Click Save when done.
Open a new chat. Type:
"Draft a progress note. Patient presented with 5/10 shoulder pain, performed AROM shoulder flex 95 degrees, practiced donning pullover shirt with min assist, required 2 verbal cues for scapular retraction. Progressing toward goal of independent UE dressing."
What you should see: A complete SOAP (or DAP) note formatted for your setting, using clinical language, without you having to specify any of that context. The note should reference your patient population's typical language.
After testing, create a simple text file or Notes app document with your most-used prompts. Saved prompts you can copy-paste instantly:
Daily SOAP note:
Draft a SOAP progress note. [paste session bullet notes]
Prior auth:
Draft a prior authorization letter for OT. Diagnosis: []. Functional deficits: []. Services requested: [X sessions over Y weeks]. Medical necessity reason: []
Discharge summary:
Draft discharge summary. Initial status: []. Discharge status: []. Goals met: []. Recommendations: []
[IEP Goal]
Write 3 IEP OT goals for a [grade] student with [diagnosis]. Current level: []. Target areas: []
[Prior Auth]
Draft prior authorization for OT. Diagnosis: []. Functional deficits: []. Requested: [X sessions]. Justify skilled care.
[Patient Education]
Create a home program handout for [diagnosis] about [topic]. Reading level: 6th grade. Patient: [adult/pediatric].