Doctors Warn Against Relying on AI Chatbots for Health Advice

Study finds AI chatbots are no better than Google at providing accurate medical diagnoses

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A new study has found that AI chatbots are not ready to be used for actual patient care, as they can deliver unreliable and inconsistent health information. While some doctors are using AI to take on administrative tasks, experts warn that relying on chatbots for medical advice, especially for mental health issues, can lead to patient anxiety and in some cases, psychosis and suicidal thoughts.

Why it matters

As AI chatbots become more prevalent, there are growing concerns about their ability to provide trustworthy health information. This study highlights the risks of patients seeking medical advice from unqualified AI systems, which could lead to serious consequences. It also raises questions about the role of AI in the healthcare industry and how it should be responsibly integrated to support, but not replace, human medical expertise.

The details

The study, published this week, evaluated several AI chatbots and found that they were no better than using Google to find health information. Worse, the chatbots sometimes provided contradictory advice if the question was rephrased. Despite this, the study found that one in six adults regularly use chatbots to explore health information, and major tech companies like Amazon and OpenAI have unveiled products designed to answer users' health questions.

  • The study was published this week.
  • One in six adults regularly use chatbots for health information.

The players

Teddy Rosenbluth

A health reporter who covered the study's findings.

Gina Kolata

A science reporter who interviewed doctors about how they are using AI in their practices.

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What’s next

Doctors and medical experts will likely continue to evaluate the appropriate use of AI in healthcare, balancing the potential benefits with the risks of relying on unproven technology for medical advice.

The takeaway

This study underscores the importance of consulting qualified medical professionals for health concerns, rather than trusting unregulated AI chatbots that can provide unreliable or even dangerous information. As AI technology advances, it will be crucial for the healthcare industry to develop clear guidelines and safeguards around its responsible use.