Don’t fully rely on AI chatbots for health issues, warn experts

Washington (Web Desk): Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots have become increasingly popular, with many people turning to them for health-related information. However, health experts caution that relying entirely on AI chatbots for complex medical issues can be risky.

Dr. Margaret Lozowatsky, Chief Medical Information Officer at the American Medical Association, stated that the medical advice provided by chatbots is often outdated or incomplete. This is because these chatbots depend on limited training data and do not have access to personal medical histories. As a result, they cannot accurately diagnose new or complicated conditions or provide timely treatment recommendations.

Experts suggest that the best use of AI chatbots is to obtain general information or understand medical terms better, enabling patients to ask more informed questions during their doctor visits. However, consulting a qualified physician remains essential for diagnosis and treatment.

Research shows that some chatbots’ information is not always aligned with the latest medical guidelines. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its recommendation for flu vaccines for people over six months old, but many chatbots are unaware of this update.

In a concerning case, a 60-year-old individual followed AI chatbot advice and used sodium bromide instead of salt, resulting in poisoning that required three weeks of psychiatric hospitalization.

Experts emphasize that information obtained from AI should never replace professional medical advice, and it is crucial to consult a trusted healthcare provider before acting on any AI-generated health information.