Table of Contents
1. Practice when the stakes are low
2. Provide context, but maintain privacy
3. Double check during long conversations
4. Ask AI to ask back
5. Invite ChatGPT to debate
6. Use AI as a learning partner, not a decision maker
Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
ChatGPT
Now they are not only asked about cooking recipes or work ideas, but also about
health
.According to a KFF survey in June 2024, one in six adults regularly asks for health advice from artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbots.
But how safe is it actually to consult a ChatGPT “doctor”?
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Research shows that ChatGPT is able to pass medical exams and even solve clinical cases with high accuracy.But on the other hand, AI is also known for “making up” facts, and in the context of health, a small mistake can have fatal consequences.
“This risk doesn’t mean you should stop using chatbots, but it’s important to remain vigilant and think critically,” said Ainsley MacLean, former Chief AI Officer of Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, citing
CNA
.
Here are the things you need to pay attention to before consulting ChatGPT about health:
1. Practice when the stakes are low
Before asking about something serious like a disease diagnosis, first get used to using the chatbot for light things.For example, ask again about things your doctor has explained to you.
Compare ChatGPT answers with the doctor’s explanation.This method can help you understand how the chatbot responds and how accurate its answers are.
“Don’t wait until you have a major medical problem to start experimenting with AI,” says Robert Pearl, author of ChatGPT, MD.
Also avoid leading questions, such as “You think I need an MRI, right?”.
Chatbots tend to “assert” and can provide false validation.Instead, use open questions such as “What are the possible causes of a persistent cough?”
2. Provide context, but maintain privacy
ChatGPT doesn’t know who you are except from the information provided.Providing context, such as age, medical history, or employment can help the AI provide more relevant answers.However, still be careful about privacy.
“Most popular chatbots are not subject to medical data protection rules like HIPAA,” said Dr Ravi Parikh of Emory University.
Avoid mentioning your full name, address, or uploading medical records.If you are worried, use anonymous mode or a medical chatbot that is safe and certified, such as My Doctor Friend or Counsel Health.
3. Double check during long conversations
Free chatbots like the basic version of ChatGPT can sometimes “forget” the context of the chat.That’s why it’s best to start new conversations periodically or use the paid version which has better memory.
Occasionally ask the chatbot to summarize what it knows about your condition.This step can help correct mistakes and ensure the conversation stays on the right track.
4. Ask AI to ask back
ChatGPT tends to give quick answers, but rarely asks questions back like a doctor.In fact, follow-up questions are important to assess the condition more precisely.
Try writing, ‘Ask me whatever you need to know to give a safe answer,’
After that, the chatbot will usually ask a series of questions, answer them one by one so that the results are more accurate.But remember, AI doesn’t have real clinical experience, so still verify the results with a doctor.
5. Invite ChatGPT to debate
As intelligent as they sound, chatbots can also be confidently wrong.So, get used to being critical.Ask for sources, then make sure they actually exist.
You can also tell the AI to critique its own answers, then compare the two.In fact, try asking ChatGPT to answer from different perspectives, for example as a general practitioner, then as a specialist.This step helps assess the consistency and depth of the answers.
6. Use AI as a learning partner, not a decision maker
Experts agree: there is no definite limit to the medical questions that can or cannot be asked to a chatbot.However, what matters is how you use the information.
Use ChatGPT as an educational resource, not as a personal doctor.AI can help you understand medical terms and prepare smarter questions to ask your doctor, but health decisions must still be made by humans.
In conclusion, consulting with a ChatGPT ‘doctor’ can be the first step to understanding your health, as long as it is done wisely.Make AI a tool, not a replacement for a real doctor.
(tis/tis)
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