Help & FAQs

What is Patiently AI?

Patiently AI is a free web tool that transforms complex medical text — discharge letters, lab results, scan reports, prescriptions — into clear, patient-friendly explanations using AI. It's designed for patients who want to understand their own health records, and for clinicians preparing patient-ready documents.

How do I use Patiently AI?

There are five quick steps:

1. Enter text — paste medical notes, upload a file (audio, image, PDF, Word), or use a sample.
2. Adjust settings — choose reading level, tone, and language.
3. Simplify — click Simplify Notes, or press Cmd/Ctrl+Enter.
4. Review — read the simplified version, check medications mentioned, and review the suggested questions.
5. Export — copy, print, email, or create an Appointment Prep Worksheet.

Do I need to create an account?

No. Patiently AI works immediately, with no sign-up or account creation. Paste your medical text and start simplifying.

What reading levels are available?

Child: simple language suitable for young children (ages 8–12).

Teen: clear explanations for teenagers (ages 13–17).

Adult: straightforward language for adults, avoiding jargon.

Carer: detailed information for carers and family members supporting a patient.

What languages does Patiently AI support?

The interface is available in English, German, Spanish, and Italian. The output translation supports 17 languages including French, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and more — pick any of these from the Output language dropdown.

Is my medical information secure?

Yes. Your text is never stored on our servers, and no sign-up is required. When privacy mode is on (the default), personal identifiers — health ID numbers, postcodes/ZIP codes, phone numbers, emails, dates, and names — are automatically removed on your device before your text is sent for simplification. You can preview exactly what gets sent using the Preview redacted text panel below the input.

What does privacy mode remove?

Privacy mode detects and replaces personal identifiers with placeholders before any text leaves your device:

• Health ID numbers — NHS numbers (validated with check-digit algorithm) and US Social Security Numbers
• Postcodes / ZIP codes — UK postcodes and US ZIP codes (context-aware to avoid false positives)
• Phone numbers — UK and US mobile, landline, and international formats
• Email addresses
• Dates — all common formats (e.g. 15/03/1985, 03/15/1985, 3rd January 2024)
• Patient names — in common clinical letter patterns (e.g. "Dear Mr Smith", "Re: John Smith")
• Addresses — house number + street patterns and "Address:" headers
• Medical record numbers — MRN, hospital numbers, patient IDs

Clinical details (diagnoses, medications, lab values) are preserved so simplification still works accurately. Name and address detection uses conservative patterns and may not catch every format — review the preview if you have concerns. You can turn privacy mode off at any time using the toggle above the input.

Is Patiently AI a regulated medical device?

Yes. Patiently AI is registered with the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a Class I medical device. It is designed to support patient understanding of medical information; it does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

What file types can I upload?

Audio files: MP3, M4A, WAV, AAC, OGG, WebM, FLAC (max 10 MB).

Images: JPG, PNG, HEIC, WebP (max 10 MB).

Documents: PDF (max 20 MB), Word/DOCX (max 10 MB).

All files are processed securely and never stored on our servers. Once text is extracted from a file, privacy-mode redaction applies before simplification — the same as pasted text.

Can I upload audio recordings of doctor appointments?

Yes. Upload audio recordings of consultations or voice notes — Patiently AI transcribes them automatically and then simplifies the text. Supported formats: MP3, M4A, WAV, AAC, OGG (max 10 MB, about 12 minutes).

Can I use voice input?

Yes. Click the microphone button to dictate your medical notes instead of typing. This is helpful if you are reading from a physical document or prefer speaking over typing.

Can I listen to the simplified text?

Yes. After simplifying your medical notes, click the speaker button to hear the text read aloud. You can choose from different voices and adjust the playback speed in Settings.

Can I save or share my simplified notes?

Yes. Use the Copy, Print, or Email buttons to save or share your simplified medical notes. Your recent simplifications are also saved locally in your browser. When privacy mode is on, only the redacted version of your input is stored in history — the original text with personal details is never persisted.

What is the Medications section?

When your medical notes mention medications, Patiently AI automatically identifies them and displays helpful information — what each medication is typically used for and common side effects. This helps you understand your prescriptions better and prepare questions for your healthcare provider.

How do the suggested questions work?

After simplifying your notes, Patiently AI generates personalised questions you might want to ask your doctor based on the content. These are organised by category (e.g., Understanding Your Condition, Treatment Options) and can help you prepare for your next appointment. Click any question to copy it.

What is the Appointment Prep Worksheet?

The Appointment Prep Worksheet creates a printable one-page document you can bring to your doctor's appointment. It includes a summary of your simplified notes, your top questions to ask, medications to discuss, key medical terms, and space for handwritten notes during your visit. Click the clipboard icon next to the Print button to generate it.