Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people approach healthcare, and patients are already using tools like ChatGPT to seek medical advice. This trend isn’t just anecdotal; over a third of Americans now consult large language models (LLMs) for health concerns. While these AI systems hold enormous potential for patient empowerment, they also carry risks, from eroding doctor-patient relationships to fueling health anxiety.
Maximize Appointments with AI Assistance
The average patient spends only 18 minutes per year directly with their doctor, yet has access to full medical records under the 21st Century Cures Act. Most patients don’t review these records, or struggle to decipher the medical jargon. Even worse, outdated or incorrect information (“chart lore”) can remain in records, misleading both patients and doctors.
AI can bridge this gap. Before your next appointment, extract your medical notes (removing personal identifiers) and paste them into an LLM. Update the model with your current symptoms, then ask it: “Given this context, what three questions should I ask my doctor?” This ensures you arrive prepared, focusing on relevant issues.
Improve Symptom Clarity
Accurately describing symptoms is crucial for effective diagnosis. Doctors are trained to extract key details from patient accounts, but many patients struggle to articulate their health concerns. LLMs can help. “Interview me as if you’re a doctor,” and let the chatbot guide the conversation. The resulting question-and-answer process can clarify your symptoms and rule out unnecessary fears.
Guard Against AI Bias
LLMs are designed to please users, which can be dangerous when seeking medical advice. “Cyberchondria” – the tendency to spiral into anxiety through online health searches – is exacerbated by AI’s tendency to reinforce your fears. These models can amplify alarming possibilities, pushing a simple headache discussion toward brain cancer speculation, much like social media’s doomscrolling effect.
In conclusion, AI can be a powerful tool for health management when used cautiously. Enhance, don’t replace, your doctor’s appointments. Prioritize clear communication and be aware of the potential for AI to reinforce anxieties rather than provide objective guidance.
