Is It Safe To Take Treatment Advice From ChatGPT? Top Doctor Says...
Since the arrival of the internet, Google, and artificial intelligence, people have come to believe that every answer is just a click away. Whether it's a familiar issue or something completely new, users now instinctively turn to the web for information. In fact, 95 out of every 100 smartphone users reportedly search for disease names and symptoms online when experiencing health concerns.
This habit doesn't stop at symptoms. Many individuals also attempt to interpret their ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI reports using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Grok, or Gemini. While this may seem helpful, health experts warn that it can do more harm than good.
AI May Create More Anxiety Than Answers
According to Dr GC Khilnani, former professor at AIIMS and head of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at PSRI Hospital in Delhi, the rise of self-diagnosis through AI tools is concerning.
'What I am witnessing is a flood of information on platforms like Google and ChatGPT. Patients come to me anxious and panicked after reading online content about their symptoms or test results. I often spend extra time clarifying facts and correcting misinformation. In many cases, patients are so overwhelmed with data that they struggle to accept the real diagnosis," he explains.
By contrast, patients using AI platforms read surface-level information within minutes, often misinterpreting or oversimplifying complex medical topics. In some cases, AI-generated responses may be outdated, misleading, or even incorrect, leading patients to draw dangerous conclusions.
Why Doctors Don't Always Have Instant Answers
Another misconception is that doctors should have an immediate answer to every health concern. However, as Dr Khilnani points out, medicine is not an exact science. Diagnoses often require detailed investigation and clinical judgement, which AI simply cannot replicate.
What Should Patients Do?
Dr Khilnani strongly advises that patients consult a medical professional directly rather than relying on platforms like Google, Gemini, or ChatGPT for diagnosis and treatment.
'Searching for symptoms online only increases unnecessary anxiety," he says. 'Patients often begin to fear serious illnesses they don't actually have. Instead of guessing, go to a qualified doctor, someone who can guide you with proper testing, interpretation, and care."
While AI and the internet are powerful tools for learning, they are not substitutes for professional medical advice. In matters of health, turning to a trained doctor remains the safest and most reliable choice.
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