Should I trust health advice that ChatGPT gives me?
Check health claims before using them to make a decision.
Treat health advice from ChatGPT as something to check, not a diagnosis or care plan. It can miss facts or give a wrong reply with a calm, clear tone.
It may use information you have shared, but it cannot examine you. A clinician may need more history, tests or an exam to advise you.
A good use is to help prepare one question. Keep private records out of practice. Use your care team's secure service for advice about you.
- Try the made-up note below. Ask for one clear question.
- Check that the draft keeps the request to explain 'follow-up'. It must not choose tests or invent a health problem.
- You can ask that question at a real visit if it fits. A follow-up means a later check or contact; confirm its purpose and timing with your care team.
- Do not change treatment based only on an AI reply. Seek urgent help for urgent symptoms instead of waiting for a chat.
Practice only. A person saw the word 'follow-up' in a clinic note and wants it explained. Draft one plain question for the care team. Do not add a diagnosis, test or date.
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
Open a cited health source and read it yourself. A source link alone is not proof that the reply is right.
Sources and more help
These links open in a new tab.