ChatGPT and health: Doctor reveals when AI advice can become dangerous
Experts explained why an AI response cannot replace a full check-up (photo: Getty Images)
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a kind of "first advisor" when people notice an unusual symptom, receive test results, or simply want to understand what is happening with their bodies. However, using ChatGPT as a substitute for a doctor can be dangerous.
Exclusively for Wave RBC.UA, family doctor Liliia Sarakhman explained why even a highly convincing AI response cannot replace a full medical examination.
Why you shouldn't trust ChatGPT 100%
Doctor Sarakhman says one of the main problems is that artificial intelligence cannot see the patient.
During an in-person examination, a doctor assesses much more than just a description of symptoms. They can notice skin color, breathing, swelling, the nature of pain, the body's response during the examination, and many other details.
"Sometimes a single detail during an examination completely changes the diagnostic and treatment approach," Liliia emphasizes.
Family doctor Liliia Sarakhman (photo: Liliia's legacy)
That is why even a very detailed description of your condition in a chat does not always provide a complete picture.
AI can make mistakes
Another problem is that an artificial intelligence error can look like a perfectly professional answer.
ChatGPT can present information confidently, clearly, and in a well-structured way. As a result, it can be difficult for someone without medical training to tell where reliable information ends and an error begins.
Thus, a person may believe an incorrect interpretation of their symptoms, feel reassured, and delay seeing a doctor. This can be especially dangerous if seemingly minor symptoms are actually signs of a condition that requires urgent medical attention.
For example, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, or a headache can have dozens of different causes. Some may be relatively harmless, while others require immediate medical evaluation.
So why use ChatGPT?
The doctor says artificial intelligence is not the enemy. It can be a useful tool if used correctly.
For example, AI can be used to explain a medical term in simple language, prepare a list of questions for a doctor, organize information about symptoms, or better understand recommendations already given.
"A person's health is definitely not the area where you should test how well an artificial intelligence algorithm works," Doctor Sarakhman added.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
