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.”