The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into health care is transforming how patients seek medical advice, yet it raises significant concerns about the quality and motives behind the recommendations. According to Dr. Isaac Kohane, founding chair of the department of biomedical informatics at Harvard Medical School and coauthor of “The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond,” nearly half of Americans now rely on AI chatbots for health guidance. This ranges from lifestyle modifications to critical assessments of cancer treatments.
Despite the benefits of AI, there are hidden risks. The companies developing these AI systems often prioritize profit over patient welfare, influencing the medical advice provided. For instance, a patient diagnosed with a slowly growing brain tumor near the optic nerve may be steered toward brain surgery based on AI recommendations. This standard approach, while common, does not necessarily consider alternative treatments that may be more suitable, such as specialized radiation therapy available at select cancer centers.
The reliance on AI in health care is growing, with many institutions mandating its use. As this trend continues, the potential for a uniform, AI-driven standard of care becomes more likely. Currently, the American health care system, valued at $5 trillion, faces increasing financial pressures to utilize AI in ways that may not align with the best interests of patients.
The danger lies in the possibility of errors, either through unnecessary tests or overlooking preventive measures that could avoid costly treatments later. To combat these risks, it is crucial to ensure that AI systems prioritize patient care above all else.
Empowering Patients in the Age of AI
To navigate the complexities of AI-driven health advice, patients must become informed consumers. They should utilize the unique advantages that AI offers, such as its capacity for patience and the ability to analyze issues from various perspectives. For example, patients can ask the same health question from different professional viewpoints: “What would you recommend if you were a surgeon?” followed by “What if you were a physical therapist?”
Research from Harvard Medical School indicates that different AI chatbots, like Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini, can provide contrasting clinical recommendations. This discrepancy highlights the value of seeking multiple AI opinions, which, while potentially requiring several subscriptions, remains more economical than typical co-pays for medical consultations. Patients should also engage their doctors with any AI-generated advice, fostering a collaborative approach to health care.
Another critical aspect is patient data ownership. Under the 21st Century Cures Act, individuals have the right to access their digital health data. Many hospitals now provide this access through patient portals. For those connected to platforms like Apple Health, there is an opportunity to download files that AI chatbots can analyze effectively. This proactive step can lead to better health outcomes as AI technology evolves.
Despite these advancements, patients must remain vigilant about data privacy. A significant number of AI companies do not guarantee they will not retain or learn from patient data, raising concerns about how this information might be used.
The Need for Regulatory Frameworks
As AI continues to play a pivotal role in health care, there is an urgent need for clear policies governing its use. Legislative action should be taken with caution, as hasty regulations could solidify the dominance of existing market leaders while stifling innovative alternatives, such as open-source, patient-focused AI tools.
The historical context of health privacy laws like HIPAA illustrates the complexities involved in ensuring patient rights are protected without hindering progress. Effective legislation should avoid favoring specific technologies and instead focus on transparency. This includes clear labeling of what data was used to train AI systems, the influences shaping their clinical reasoning, and how patient data is handled and controlled.
Transparency will allow diverse AI chatbots to reflect varying values and clinical philosophies, catering to a broad spectrum of patient needs. Current AI platforms often provide “model cards” that outline their specifications; an evolution of this concept could lead to detailed disclosures relevant to the medical field.
The intersection of patient empowerment and AI technology presents both opportunities and challenges. As AI increasingly shapes health care, the stakes are high. Patients must treat their health data with care, critically evaluate AI-generated advice, and demand transparency from the companies developing these tools. The future of health care lies in whether these advancements are guided by patient needs or financial interests—a question that remains to be answered.
