The Digital Diagnosis: Americans Increasingly Turn to AI for Medical Guidance

AI is transforming nearly every aspect of our lives—including how we manage our health

When you’re unwell, it often comes with more than just physical symptoms. Illness can create a sense of vulnerability, even a loss of control. In those moments, patients depend on quick, reliable access to medical care. But that access isn’t always a given, especially in underserved regions where healthcare systems are already under strain. In fact, in many U.S. states, there are fewer than a handful of hospitals per 100,000 residents [1].

With AI tools like ChatGPT now widely available, more people are turning to technology for answers to their health concerns—not necessarily in place of a doctor, but often as a first step before consulting one.

To better understand this shift, we conducted a nationwide survey exploring how and why patients use AI tools for medical advice. The study explores key motivations behind this trend, reveals which groups are most open to AI in healthcare, and uncovers how people really feel about visiting medical professionals today, highlighting gaps in trust, access, and equity.

Dr. Neal Kumar, a board-certified dermatologist with an MBA in health management and co-founder of ConciergeMD, emphasizes that AI tools can assist patients with medical questions but must be used under professional supervision:

“Generative AI is opening up new opportunities for people to engage with health topics on their own terms. That’s a positive trend, as long as it’s paired with guidance and follow-up from real healthcare providers. It’s not about replacing doctors, but about giving people another layer of support to feel more confident and informed about their health.”

The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Any health-related concerns should always be discussed in consultation with a licensed healthcare professional. Do not use AI tools or online content as a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you have a medical concern or are experiencing symptoms, please contact a qualified healthcare provider. In case of an emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Many Americans Struggle to Be Heard in the Doctor’s Office—Especially Women

Accessing quality healthcare remains a challenge for millions of Americans. The survey reveals that 34% of respondents feel their symptoms were not taken seriously by medical professionals, while 1 in 4 report being misdiagnosed or experiencing delays in diagnosis.

The data reveals a troubling pattern: women consistently report poorer diagnostic experiences than other groups. Thirty-nine percent of women say their symptoms were dismissed, compared to 29% of men, and 28% report being misdiagnosed or experiencing delayed diagnosis, versus 21% of men. Additionally, 22% of women believe their gender negatively affected their care, compared to just 14% of men. These personal experiences align with growing evidence of the gender health gap, which describes systemic discrimination against women within the healthcare system, leading to poorer care and outcomes[2].

Young adults also tend to report higher levels of dissatisfaction with their medical care. Among Americans aged 16 to 24, 44% reported having to strongly advocate for themselves, while 37% felt their symptoms were dismissed. In contrast, among adults aged 55 and older, those figures were significantly lower—32% and 27%, respectively.

One in Four Americans Admit to Altering Their Medical Story to Get Proper Care

The frustration many Americans feel with their medical care sheds light on another key finding: 26% of Americans have felt compelled to change the way they communicate with healthcare providers in order to get the care they need:

  • 14% exaggerate or emphasize symptoms,
  • 13% withhold information to avoid dismissal or bias,
  • and about 6% admit to lying to get tests or medication.

Younger Americans (ages 16–44) are more likely to report these behaviors, with the highest rate—around 37%—among 16- to 24-year-olds. In contrast, only 12% of those over 55 admit to not always being completely honest with medical professionals. Overall, women and men report similar rates.

As the healthcare system faces growing scrutiny, these findings highlight the critical need for more inclusive, responsive, and patient-centered care. This raises the question: could AI tools help fill the gap?

AI Becomes the First Stop for Health Advice Amid Crowded Healthcare Systems

Across the U.S., more people are asking AI tools like ChatGPT about their health instead of going to a doctor. Overall, 35% of Americans say they’ve used AI to research a health concern. These numbers are even higher among younger generations:

  • Nearly half of 16- to 34-year-olds have turned to AI for health advice
  • Men (41%) are more likely than women (29%) to rely on AI10

Adoption also varies by region. In tech-driven cities like Phoenix (48%), San Francisco (45%), and Los Angeles (44%), AI usage is especially common. This isn’t surprising, as these areas are home to major tech companies and startups, where residents are often early adopters of new technologies. Plus, longer wait times and crowded healthcare systems in large cities may push people to seek quicker answers online.

AI isn’t replacing doctors just yet, but for many Americans, it’s becoming the first step toward understanding their health.

Why Americans Turn to AI for Health

For many Americans, speed matters when it comes to health advice. The top reason people use AI is to get faster answers—43% overall, including nearly half of men (49%) and 46% of those 55 and older.

Other common motivations include:

  • 💊 Understanding medication side effects is a common reason for using AI, cited by 35% of respondents—and even higher at 44% among 18–29-year-olds.
  • 📝 Preparing questions for doctor visits motivates 31% overall, especially 37% of women.
  • 😟 Reducing anxiety while waiting for a diagnosis is another key use at 31%, with women leading at 33%.

While practical needs dominate, curiosity also plays a role:

  • 🤖 24% use AI out of curiosity, with higher rates among women (30%) and 18–29-year-olds (32%).
  • 💸 23% use AI to avoid medical costs, especially men (27%)
  • 🔍 20% seek second opinions or missed diagnoses, slightly more men (22%)

Smaller percentages also use AI for more sensitive reasons:

  • ⚖️ 17% to avoid perceived healthcare bias
  • 🧠 11% for mental health support, with women (14%) most likely to turn to AI for emotional guidance

Beyond the common reasons, participants also shared more personal motivations for using AI tools. Some used them to decide if their symptoms warranted a doctor’s visit, while others sought  clearer explanations of conditions they had already discussed with healthcare providers. A few said they preferred AI to avoid the risk of bias or unfair treatment, highlighting deeper trust issues within the healthcare system.

Nearly 40% of Americans Trust AI for Medical Advice

As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, many Americans are beginning to see it as a reliable source for health-related guidance.  In fact, 39% of Americans say they trust tools like ChatGPT to help them understand medical issues, while another 31% are neutral. Only 30% expressed clear distrust of AI in handling medical inquiries.

  • Men are significantly more trusting than women, with 48% of men expressing trust in AI vs. 31% of women.
  • Middle-aged and older adults show the strongest confidence:
    • 52% of those aged 45–54
    • 46% of 35–44-year-olds
    • 42% of adults over the age of 55

Despite early assumptions that younger generations would lead in AI trust, it’s actually middle-aged Americans who show the highest confidence. This is a strong sign that AI health tools are catching on across age groups, not just among digital natives.

Using AI Tools for Health: Expert Tips for Safe and Effective Guidance

AI tools can be valuable allies in exploring health questions, but using them responsibly is key. To get the most accurate and helpful insights, we recommend following these expert-backed best practices. That said, AI is no substitute for professional medical care—always consult a licensed healthcare provider about any health concerns.

  1. Treat it as a support tool, not a substitute

Think of AI as a way to complement professional medical advice, not replace it. Use it to clarify terms, explore possible questions for your healthcare provider, or better understand symptoms or diagnoses you’ve already received.

  1. Ask clear, focused questions

The more specific your query, the more useful the response. For instance, instead of asking, “Is this symptom serious?” try, “What are common causes of sudden chest pain in adults, and when should someone seek emergency care?”

  1. Protect your privacy

Avoid entering names, addresses, medical record numbers, or any other identifiable information. Describe your concern in general terms (e.g., “a 35-year-old with persistent headaches”) rather than using personal health details.

  1. Be especially cautious with complex, rare, or sensitive conditions

Information on niche medical topics or rapidly evolving health issues may be incomplete or outdated. In such cases, always prioritize direct consultation with a specialist.

  1. Don’t rely on it for emergencies or urgent situations

Generative AI cannot assess urgency, offer real-time triage, or replace emergency services. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or seek immediate care.

  1. Use it to enhance your health literacy

AI tools can help you understand medical terms, test results, treatment options, or the pros and cons of certain medications. Make sure to remember to double-check what you learn with credible sources or healthcare professionals.

  1. Consider the context and your own biases

AI responses are based on patterns in large datasets, not your unique medical history or personal values. Be mindful of confirmation bias when interpreting information, especially on controversial or lifestyle-related topics.

  1. Confirm information with a medical professional

Never use your tools as a springboard for further discussion, not as a final source of truth. Share what you’ve found with your doctor, pharmacist, or other trusted healthcare provider for confirmation or clarification.

About the Survey

Commissioned by Drip Hydration and conducted by Censuswide, this survey reached 2,000 U.S. adults aged 21+ across all 50 states, conducted from June 25 to 30, 2025. The sample was representative by age, gender, and region, providing a comprehensive national snapshot of the usage of AI tools in patients.