What is the story about?
NEW YORK (AP) — Many Americans, including Tiffany Davis from Mesquite, Texas, are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for health advice instead
of consulting their doctors. A recent West Health–Gallup Center on Healthcare in America poll indicates that approximately one-quarter of U.S. adults have utilized an AI tool for health information within the last 30 days. The poll, conducted in late 2025 and corroborated by at least three other surveys with similar outcomes, highlights a growing trend where individuals like Davis rely on AI platforms such as ChatGPT for guidance on health symptoms and conditions.
AI Tools as a Health Resource
Dr. Karandeep Singh, chief health AI officer at the University of California San Diego Health, describes AI tools as an evolution of traditional web searches for health information. He emphasizes that these tools provide a more efficient means of obtaining relevant information.“I almost view it like a better entry portal into web search,” he stated, noting that users can receive concise summaries instead of sifting through numerous search results.
Demand for Quick Health Insights
Many Americans who engage with AI tools for health purposes express a desire for immediate responses. This trend is particularly evident among those who seek guidance on whether they need medical attention.Davis shared her experience, saying, “It’ll let me know if something’s serious or not,” indicating that she often consults ChatGPT before deciding to schedule a medical appointment.
The Gallup survey found that about 70% of U.S. adults who used AI for health research in the past month were primarily looking for quick answers or additional information, with many utilizing these tools before or after seeing a doctor.
AI Usage Among Younger and Lower-Income Adults
The findings reveal that the increasing reliance on AI for health advice does not replace traditional medical consultations. Approximately 80% of U.S. adults report having sought professional medical care in the past year, while about 30% acknowledge using AI tools or chatbots.Some individuals, particularly younger adults and those with lower incomes, resort to AI for health information due to challenges in accessing professional medical care. The Gallup study indicates that a notable portion of respondents turned to AI because of high costs or inconvenient access to healthcare services.
Trust and Privacy Concerns Surrounding AI Medical Advice
Despite the growing use of AI for health inquiries, many individuals remain skeptical about the reliability of information provided by these tools. The Gallup poll revealed that about one-third of adults who recently utilized AI for health information expressed trust in its accuracy, while an equal percentage voiced distrust.Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, acknowledged the value of AI in enhancing patient inquiries but stressed that it should not replace professional medical care. He remarked, “It is an assistant but not an expert, and that’s why physicians need to be involved in that care.”
Privacy concerns also persist, with around 75% of U.S. adults expressing apprehension regarding the confidentiality of their medical information shared with AI tools. Singh noted that while many AI platforms allow users to control their data usage, vigilance is necessary to protect personal information.
