It’s late at night and something feels off. Maybe it’s a new ache, a strange symptom you don’t know how to describe or something just feels “off.” You grab your phone, open an AI chatbot and type in your question. Within seconds, you get an answer. Sometimes these answers are reassuring and other times they can be confusing or cause anxiety.
Whether you’ve turned to AI for health questions or are considering it, AI tools with health-focused platforms are becoming part of everyday life. And when used the right way, they can be helpful.
Other times, especially when it comes to your health, the results can lead to confusion, misinterpretation or even incorrect or bad advice.
Let’s explore how AI can fit into your health journey, what it can (and can’t) do and why your primary care physician, or anyone on your care team, should always be part of the conversation.
What is an AI doctor and how is it used?
When people talk about using an “AI doctor,” they’re usually referring to online tools or chatbots that can answer health questions. These tools are designed to inform you and your healthcare decisions. They use advanced online systems called large language models (LLMs) to analyze information and respond to questions in natural, conversational ways. These tools can:
- Explain symptoms and medical terms
- Help organize questions for appointments
- Offer general wellness tips
- Summarize complex health topics in plain language
Because they’re fast and available 24/7, many people find them convenient and easy to use. But it’s important to remember, even when an AI chatbot’s answer sounds confident or seems helpful, they’re not trained medical professionals, or your provider who knows you and your health.
Can AI safely suggest medical advice?
AI tools can often be a great starting point, especially for everyday wellness advice or as your personal health assistant. They can help you:
- Build a personalized exercise routine tailored to you and your fitness goals
- Help with everyday meal planning
- Learn about wellness topics
- Prepare questions to ask your doctor
- Provide explanations for complex medical terms and topics
- Track and analyze your health trends
- Understand common symptoms
When used in this way, AI can make you feel more informed and prepared. But remember, AI has its limits and doesn’t know your full medical history, can’t perform physical exams and may miss important details.
Doctors and care teams spend years studying medical information and training in their specialties and a lot of experience looking after people—which is why they are a trusted source for you and your loved ones.
For these reasons, it’s essential to see AI as a support tool, not a decision-maker when it comes to your health.
How accurate is AI at diagnosing health problems?
Chatbots aren’t built to diagnose. They can summarize information, explain complex medical information and offer general insights —but they’re not trained to evaluate or make recommendations for your health like a physician.
A recent study found that while AI provided generally accurate and empathetic responses to people’s questions, it still lacked the clinical nuance and personalized context that physicians provide.
If an AI tool suggests something concerning, don’t immediately accept the advice, follow up with your doctor.
Will AI replace doctors?
Here’s a simple rule to follow: If you’re worried, confused or something feels off, always talk to your doctor.
AI is useful for:
- General wellness tips
- Learning more about topics you’ve already discussed with your doctor
- Tracking sleep, nutrition or exercise
Skip AI and call your doctor for:
- Anything that feels urgent or unclear
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or any severe symptoms
- Mental health concerns that feel overwhelming
- Questions about your medications or treatment plan
Your physician is your partner in care, and they’re trained to see the full picture of your health.
Remember, if you have a health question or need clarification, you can always reach out to your care team directly in the MyBSWHealth app. It’s a simple, secure way to stay connected and get answers right from your phone.
What about AI therapists?
Mental health platforms offering AI therapy chatbots are growing rapidly. Some offer chat-based support or guided exercises for stress, anxiety or sleep. These tools can be helpful for everyday wellness, but they’re not a substitute for therapy. A recent study found that licensed therapists, trained to support people, responded appropriately to mental health queries 93% of the time. But AI therapy chatbots responded appropriately less than 60% of the time.
If you’re looking for support for your mental health, reach out to a licensed professional AI can support your journey, but it shouldn’t lead it.
How to use AI for your health and well-being
If you’re curious about using AI to support your wellness journey, here are a few tips to use it safely:
1. Be aware of AI hallucinations
AI tools can sometimes generate information that sounds convincing but isn’t accurate, known as “hallucinations.” If something seems unfamiliar or off, double-check with a trusted source or your physician. Understand that the science of medicine changes over time. Ideas and theories that were accepted and recommended in the past may have changed. AI assimilates large volumes of information and includes theories and treatments that may no longer be considered mainstream.
2. Use it to stay informed
AI can help you learn, but it shouldn’t make any health-related decisions for you. Use it to prepare questions to ask your doctor, explore different or better understand a condition.
3. Check the source
Before trusting any health advice from AI, ask yourself, “Where is this information coming from?” Check if the tool references a well –known website or health resource, which often only publish content that has been reviewed by a medical professional.
Understanding the credibility behind the information helps you make informed decisions and ensures it comes from qualified, reputable resources.
4. Keep your doctor informed
Share what you’ve learned from AI tools during your appointments. Your physician can help you sort facts from fiction and offer clarification and guidance that’s tailored to you and your health.
5. Protect your privacy
Be cautious about any information you share. Make sure any tool you use has strong privacy protections and avoid entering any personal information or medical records. Your health data is personal, so keep it safe and secure.
6. Use AI as a first step
Think of using an AI tool as the first step, not the final answer. It’s great for gathering general information or acting as your go-to partner for meal planning, workouts or mindfulness, but it shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
AI is a tool, not a doctor
AI can be a powerful tool in your wellness journey—but it’s not a replacement for personalized care and experienced medical knowledge. Use it to stay informed, ask better questions and explore healthy habits. But when it comes to your health, your physician should always be your first call.
Questions about your health? Find a primary care provider near you.
About the Author
David Winter, MD, is an internal medicine physician on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Signature Medicine – Tom Landry.
We make it easy.
Healthcare doesn't have to be difficult. We're constantly finding ways to make it easy so that you can get Better and stay that way.
Better tools make it easier
We all have different healthcare needs. Handle them your way with the MyBSWHealth app. Download the app today and take a hands-on approach to your healthcare.