Poll: Americans Increasingly Turning to AI for Health Advice

New survey reveals growing reliance on chatbots and AI assistants for medical guidance.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:30am

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A glowing neon outline of a human head with a brain-like structure inside, conceptually representing the intersection of technology and healthcare.As AI chatbots become a go-to source for medical advice, concerns grow about the accuracy and safety of the information they provide.NYC Today

A new poll has found that a significant number of Americans are now using AI chatbots and virtual assistants like ChatGPT to get health advice, often bypassing traditional medical professionals. The trend is driven by factors like convenience, cost, and a perceived lack of time with doctors.

Why it matters

This shift raises concerns about the accuracy and safety of medical information provided by AI systems, which may lack the nuance and context of professional healthcare. It also highlights the need for better patient education and integration of AI tools into the healthcare system.

The details

The poll, conducted by a major healthcare research firm, found that nearly 30% of respondents had used an AI chatbot or virtual assistant to get advice about a medical symptom or condition in the past year. The most common reasons cited were the ability to get information quickly (62%), the lower cost compared to seeing a doctor (41%), and frustration with the limited time doctors spend with patients (37%).

  • The poll was conducted in March 2026.

The players

Tiffany Davis

A New York resident who uses ChatGPT to get advice about side effects from her weight-loss injections instead of consulting her doctor.

Healthcare Research Firm

The organization that conducted the survey on Americans' use of AI for medical advice.

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What they’re saying

“When Tiffany Davis has a question about a symptom from the weight-loss injections she's taking, she doesn't call her doctor. She pulls out her phone and consults ChatGPT.”

— Tiffany Davis

What’s next

Experts say this trend highlights the need for better integration of AI tools into the healthcare system, as well as improved patient education on the limitations and risks of relying solely on chatbots for medical advice.

The takeaway

The growing reliance on AI for health guidance reflects broader societal shifts, but also raises concerns about the quality and safety of medical information provided by these systems. Healthcare providers and policymakers will need to address this issue to ensure patients receive accurate, personalized care.