Many Americans Turning to AI for Health Advice, Polls Show

Convenience and cost drive use of chatbots like ChatGPT for medical information, though concerns remain about accuracy and privacy

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:20am

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring, with a glowing neon outline of a human figure set against a dark background, symbolizing the flow of health information through AI-powered tools.As Americans increasingly turn to AI chatbots for health advice, the technology offers convenience but raises concerns about accuracy and privacy.Theodore Today

A recent Gallup poll found that around one-quarter of U.S. adults had used an AI tool like ChatGPT for health information or advice in the past 30 days. Many say they turn to AI for quick answers and to evaluate whether they need to see a doctor, especially younger adults and those with lower incomes who may be struggling to access traditional healthcare. However, there are also significant concerns about the accuracy and privacy of the information provided by AI chatbots.

Why it matters

The rise of AI-powered health advice tools highlights growing challenges in the U.S. healthcare system, including high costs, limited access, and dissatisfaction with traditional providers. While these tools can provide quick information, there are concerns they may not replace the need for professional medical care, especially for serious conditions. The trend also raises questions about the role of AI in healthcare and how to ensure the information it provides is accurate and secure.

The details

The Gallup poll found that the top reasons people use AI tools for health advice are to get quick answers, find additional information, or simply out of curiosity. About 70% of recent AI health users cited these reasons. Many also say they use the tools to decide whether they need to make a doctor's appointment or can simply monitor a minor issue on their own. A smaller but significant share, around 30-40%, say they turn to AI because accessing traditional healthcare is too expensive or inconvenient, they don't have time for an appointment, or they feel dismissed by providers. Younger adults and those with lower incomes are more likely to cite these access barriers as reasons for using AI.

  • The Gallup poll was conducted in late 2025.
  • A KFF poll with similar findings was conducted in late February 2026.
  • A Pew Research Center survey was conducted in October 2025.

The players

Tiffany Davis

A 42-year-old resident of Mesquite, Texas who uses ChatGPT for health advice about the weight-loss injections she is taking.

Rakesia Wilson

A 39-year-old assistant principal in Theodore, Alabama who uses AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to decide whether she needs to take time off for a doctor's appointment or can simply monitor an ailment.

Dr. Karandeep Singh

The chief health AI officer at the University of California San Diego Health, who says AI tools are an upgraded version of traditional web searches for health information.

Dr. Bobby Mukkamala

An ear, nose and throat doctor and the president of the American Medical Association, who says AI should be considered a tool and not a stand-in for medical care.

Tamara Ruppart

A 47-year-old director in Los Angeles who says she contacts doctors in her husband's family instead of using chatbots for health advice, given her family history of breast cancer.

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What they’re saying

“I'll just basically let ChatGPT know my status, how I'm feeling. I use it for anything that I'm experiencing.”

— Tiffany Davis

“It'll let me know if something's serious or not.”

— Tiffany Davis

“I just don't necessarily have the time if it's something that I feel is minor.”

— Rakesia Wilson, assistant principal

“It is an assistant but not an expert, and that's why physicians need to be involved in that care.”

— Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, ear, nose and throat doctor, president of the American Medical Association

“Health care is something that's pretty serious. And if it's wrong, you could really hurt yourself.”

— Tamara Ruppart, director

What’s next

Experts and policymakers will likely continue to monitor the use of AI for health advice, weighing the benefits of improved access against concerns about accuracy and privacy. Potential regulatory frameworks or industry standards may emerge to ensure these tools provide reliable information and protect user data.

The takeaway

The rise of AI-powered health advice tools highlights both the promise and perils of using technology to bridge gaps in the U.S. healthcare system. While convenient and potentially helpful for some, these tools cannot fully replace professional medical care, especially for serious conditions. As their use grows, ensuring the accuracy and security of the information they provide will be crucial.