As more patients turn to large-scale language models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to answer questions about symptoms, medical conditions, and more, the American Medical Association (AMA) offers some go-to advice to help you get the most out of your AI chatbot experience while staying safe.
The key to effectively using AI chatbots to achieve optimal health is to harness their incredible power to learn, compare, and prepare for treatment, not as a replacement for the evidence-based personalized guidance you can get from asking your doctor.
“As technology evolves, it is important that patients use AI to complement, rather than replace, their physician’s advice,” said John Whyte, MD, MPH, CEO and Executive Vice President of the AMA. “These recommendation prompts help individuals ask better questions, cut through jargon, and understand their options. Using AI in an informed and safe manner helps patients make smarter health decisions, but medical expertise remains irreplaceable.”
To do this, use these five simple prompts from the AMA. The goal is to explore possibilities using AI, not to become a doctor.
explore possibilities
“I have these symptoms. 5 prompts to help patients get the most out of AI chatbots American Medical Association. What are the common causes, how do they differ, and what details can help narrow down the cause?”
simplify information
“Please explain this in simple words. [medical term, doctor’s diagnosis or instructions].
Add relevant context
“Considering my situation, [my age and gender, lifestyle, goals, etc.] What should I know? ”
know your options
“What treatment methods are there?” [diagnosis name] What are the benefits, risks, and side effects of each?”
prepare for the visit
“What questions should I ask my doctor to better understand this situation?”
Behind the ledger, there are some important limitations to be aware of when using AI chatbots to answer health questions.
Here are four things to keep in mind when using AI safely:
- AI cannot diagnose or know your complete medical history.
- AI can rely on incomplete, outdated, or unvetted information.
- AI can sometimes sound confident, even when it’s wrong.
- Results vary depending on how the question is asked.
The AMA also reminds patients to protect their health data when interacting with AI chatbots. Avoid sharing personal or private information. In particular, privacy protections may differ from those provided in a doctor’s office.
Also, do not rely on AI chatbots for emergencies, diagnostic or treatment decisions, or to replace your doctor. If your symptoms are severe or sudden, call 911.
Doctors are also using AI
This and other great advice was detailed by Dr. White at the Digital Medicine Association conference this week. The association convenes and galvanizes leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the world at the intersection of digital innovation and healthcare.
The AMA describes AI tools as augmented intelligence and emphasizes that their role is to help humans, and human doctors, make smarter decisions.
In the AMA survey, nearly two-thirds (66%) of physicians reported using healthcare AI (often referred to as artificial intelligence) in 2024. Among other things, physicians are finding use for AI in documenting billing codes, medical records, and visit notes. Preparation of discharge instructions, care plans, or progress notes. Translation services, diagnostic support, etc.
The AMA survey found that physicians have positive feelings toward AI and are increasingly aware of the benefits that AI technology can offer. Most physicians surveyed said they recognized the benefits of AI, with 68% reporting that AI has at least some clear benefit in patient care.
From implementing AI to digital health adoption to EHR ease of use, the AMA is working to harness technology for the benefit of physicians and make it an asset to physicians. This includes the recently launched AMA Center for Digital Health and AI to give physicians a powerful voice in deciding how to leverage AI and other digital tools to improve the patient and clinician experience.
Earlier this month, the AMA outlined four ways Congress can help improve safety when it comes to AI chatbots and mental health, and also detailed seven keys to stopping deepfake “doctors” appearing online to mislead patients.
