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It feels almost inescapable. Every app, every part of your digital experience seems to be littered with artificial intelligence (AI). And, unfortunately, the real-world use of these Ais seems to be both limited and frustrating. But, what happens when the AI you interact with can have real world consequences, like your health? 

With the rise of AI, many people are turning to AIs and LLMs to get answers to their healthcare needs and concerns. SO, is ChatGPT your new first port of call or should you rather still Chat to your GP?

A new way to find information
AI has certainly changed the way we look for things online. Instead of Googling for answers, you can ask an AI to find the answers and even summarise an answer for you. You don’t even have to look for explanations; it can summarise complex information in the blink of an eye. And because it’s available 24/7, it’s the most convenient option.
It’s scary, it’s wonderful and it can be useful, but needs to be wielded with care. 

The Streisand effect
Just telling people to stay away from AI won’t work. It’s the Streisand effect: The more you tell someone to look away, the more they want to see. So, we should be clear about what the limitations of AI are and honest about our expectations. 

So, if your goal is to learn more about healthcare, like what high blood pressure is or the causes of seasonal allergies or cholesterol-lowering lifestyle tips … great!  
BUT (and it really is a big but), there’s a massive difference between general information and a medical diagnosis.

AI tools generate responses based on pre-determined patters. It can’t know you. It can’t see your complete medical history to assess your risk factors or even see physical signs and symptoms, no matter how much information you give it.

Your GP can.

Your GP will take your age, lifestyle, family history and pre-existing conditions into account before giving a diagnosis. They will also refer you to a specialist if they are unsure or need a second opinion or confirmation. An AI will confidently spit out an answer based on the information it has.

The human touch
Finally, there’s the most important element of all – the human touch. Being able to discuss your concerns face-to-face with an expert that can reassure you that you’ll be okay or give you the correct diagnosis to get the treatment you need is invaluable. 
AI just can’t replicate that. Your healthcare is deeply personal, and being able to trust your healthcare provider can improve your long-term outcomes.

The role of AI in healthcare
Despite the criticisms, AI does actually have a place in healthcare. Like a scalpel or a surgical drill, it’s a new tool for healthcare practitioners to wield. Combing through piles of data to provide valuable information or detecting early signs of disease or cancer can truly mean the difference between life or death. So, while your GP might not type your symptoms into an AI to diagnose you, in clinical trials or specialist procedures, AI tools can make a real difference. 

So, remember, AI as a tool for medical diagnosis is like a scalpel: not something you should use on yourself, and deadly in the wrong hands. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t educate yourself. Use AI to learn more about medical conditions and even possible early warning signs to look out for that you can discuss with your doctor.

References: 

Streisand effect. Brittanica. 2026. Available here.

The Dangers Of Diagnosing Yourself With AI. Henry Ford Health. 2026. Available here.

Human–AI collectives make the most accurate medical diagnoses. Max-Planck-Gesellschaft. 2025. Available here.

AI succeeds in diagnosing rare diseases. Nature. 2026. Available here.

Adapting to the Rise in AI Self-Diagnosis Among Patients. Cardiology Advisor. 2025. Available here.