Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Turn to Chatbots for Health Advice as Costs and Waits Rise
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 22
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Turn to Chatbots for Health Advice as Costs and Waits Rise
2 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 22
Summary
KFF found nearly 1 in 3 Americans have used AI chatbots for health information, even though the tools warn they cannot diagnose conditions or give medical advice.
Cost, speed and access are driving that use, with people turning to bots to interpret medical records, assess symptoms and understand treatment options when care is expensive or slow.
Patients interviewed said the tools can help them prepare questions or decode jargon, but they are also learning to treat chatbot answers cautiously rather than as a substitute for clinicians.
The survey adds to broader concern that growing reliance on health chatbots reflects gaps in the U.S. care system while leaving users exposed to inaccurate guidance and privacy risks.
Is the AI 'doctor' a tech breakthrough or a symptom of a healthcare system in crisis?
Can new safety frameworks truly protect patients from the hidden biases and errors of AI medical advisors?
As AI health advice grows, who is liable when its 'perfectly confident' guidance proves fatally wrong?
AI Chatbots in Healthcare: 3 in 10 Americans Rely on Digital Advice—Opportunities, Risks, and Regulation
Overview
As of 2026, AI chatbots have rapidly transformed healthcare by becoming widely used, especially among younger people. Their engaging and agreeable design makes users feel heard and validated, leading to high satisfaction—over 91% of users find their advice helpful. This positive experience encourages people to use chatbots repeatedly, marking a clear shift in user behavior. While AI chatbots offer immediate health information and support, they have not replaced traditional healthcare professionals. Instead, they serve as a supplementary tool, reshaping how individuals approach their health and interact with the healthcare system.