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Time of India

Is Dr AI good for your health?

When we asked 21-year-old Harsheeta Gandhi from New Delhi how often she uses AI for medical help, she admits, 'I've honestly become a bit addicted to using AI tools to check symptoms or understand how I'm feeling—physically or mentally. Whether it's a sudden skin breakout or an unusual pain, I turn to apps like Gemini or ChatGPT for quick answers, instead of stressing or waiting for a doctor's appointment.' Similarly, Rohan Jha (29), also from New Delhi, uses an AI symptom checker whenever he experiences a mild headache or cold. 'It helps me stay calm and monitor my health. If things worsen or new symptoms appear, then I consult a doctor,' he says. Like them, many people across age groups are now using AI as a first step for medical help. Yet, despite its rapid development, a World Economic Forum report notes healthcare is still slow to adopt AI compared to other sectors. - Searches for AI Symptom Checker increased 134.3% in 2024 compared to 2023, showing that more people are turning to AI to check their health - Searches for AI Doctor also rose by 129.8% in the same period - Meanwhile, searches for AI for medical diagnosis increased by 49.3% , suggesting people are becoming more confident in using AI for health-related advice ( as per Google Trends 2024 ) WHY PEOPLE ARE USING AI AI uses simple language without medical jargon For Faridabad-based Tanya Bhatia (27), what appeals to her is how clearly AI explains things. 'I like that it breaks things down in a simple way. I've tried online symptom checkers, but ChatGPT and Gemini feel more helpful because I can ask follow-up questions. They help me understand possible causes without using too many medical terms,' she says. Affordable 'I chose to use an AI tool instead of seeing a doctor mainly because it's convenient, affordable, and saves time, especially for minor health issues. I know these tools aren't perfect and can't replace a qualified medical professional, but they're a helpful first step in understanding everyday health concerns,' shares Jha. 'AI said it's nothing serious' Both Harsheeta and Tanya admit skipping doctor visits when AI tools suggested their symptoms were minor. 'I've avoided seeing a doctor because AI said it was likely nothing serious, and I felt better after rest or basic meds,' says Harsheeta. Tanya shares, 'There were times I skipped visiting a doctor because AI made it seem like a minor issue, like a common cold. But I've never taken medication purely based on AI advice—I always double-check or wait to see if things get better.' Making medical reports readable From identifying the most suitable doctor for a particular medical condition to simplifying complex terminology, AI tools are helping users better understand medical jargon. After using ChatGPT to interpret his medical reports, a Reddit user remarked: 'Totally worth it, as long as you're aware of the risks concerning your personal health information and understand that what ChatGPT says might not be entirely accurate. I used it to review my medical reports, explore treatment options and procedures, and subsequently consulted my GP for further discussion.' Time-saving Simran Wadhwa (28), 'I usually use AI tools when I'm unsure about seeing a doctor. Sometimes it's just quicker and easier than booking an appointment, especially late at night or on weekends. Though at times they cause unnecessary worry. I've learnt to treat the results as a starting point, not a final answer.' In another case, Noida-based Divya Dwivedi adds, 'I don't use AI tools as a substitute for visiting a doctor. Rather, they help me better understand my symptoms and assess whether a doctor's visit might be necessary.' IS IT WISE TO AVOID SEEING A DOCTOR? Risk of misdiagnosis Mumbai-based chief pathologist Dr Rajesh Bendre, explains, 'Many people may misread their symptoms, leading to incorrect conclusions, unnecessary panic, or even self-medication. Symptoms of various health conditions often overlap, which can result in misdiagnosis.' He adds, 'Most AI tools are built using data from Western populations, which poorly represent the Indian context, and this limits their accuracy.' Anxiety from AI predictions 'Many patients tend to look up their symptoms using ChatGPT, Google Bard, or health apps, often jumping to extreme conclusions on their own. These assumptions can lead to unnecessary anxiety or, worse, missed serious conditions due to a lack of proper clinical evaluation,' shares Dr Prashant Chandra, a consultant - surgical oncology. He adds, 'People may dwell on inaccurate AI-generated diagnoses, which can trigger overthinking, stress, and anxiety. Always consult a qualified doctor before beginning any treatment.' WHY AI CAN'T FULLY REPLACE HUMAN DOCTORS As per AI experts, with all AI tools, relying on medical advice without a doctor's input can be risky. 'This applies not just to rare diseases but also to common ones. AI can help us learn more, do better research, and even discover new things—but expert guidance is still very important. A doctor's oversight should always be part of the process,' shares Jaspreet Bindra, an AI expert. He further states, 'AI often misses important context, like emotional distress or personal history. Human doctors treat the patient as a whole, not just a set of symptoms. They consider things like stress, lifestyle, or hidden symptoms that AI may overlook. That's why human oversight is still essential when using AI for medical advice.' In my experience, the AI tool didn't give the exact diagnosis but often came close. For example, it suggested a muscle strain, which aligned fairly well with the doctor's final diagnosis of a mild sprain New Delhi-based Rohan Jha It's important to see AI as a supportive aid, not a substitute for a doctor. Don't follow trends blindly. The increasing reliance on AI is worrying. The human touch and empathy a medical professional offers can never be replaced by technology Mumbai-based Dr Rajesh Bendre