With AI being introduced just about everywhere, it’s no surprise that it’s now being used to help patients manage their own medical care. While it’s not a replacement for in-person visits when they’re needed, it is a great way to get more information about medical subjects, get help managing medical care, and a lot more. It is important for patients to know what to expect before they start using an AI doctor to help them track and manage their own health.
Privacy When using an AI Doctor
One of the biggest questions many people have before using an AI doctor will be, is the ai doctor anonymous? The answer to this lies in the privacy policy used by the AI doctor, so it’s hard to provide a single answer. In most cases, an AI doctor will not require a patient to reveal their name or other identifying details before providing information. However, many of them do use cookies, which can include identifying information, so it is best to read through the privacy policy before using it for the first time.
Can Using an AI Doctor Speed Up Care?
Sometimes, symptoms can be a little hard to decipher. Is it something that requires an emergency room visit, or is it possible to wait a couple of weeks to see a doctor? An AI doctor can take all of the symptoms and provide advice on the next steps to take. This helps patients determine if they need help right away through an urgent care clinic or if it’s something that can be managed at home for now, and see if they feel better. The AI doctor uses a lot of information to determine what the symptoms likely mean and what would be the best course of action, whether that’s getting more rest and staying hydrated or scheduling a doctor’s appointment right away.
Know When it Is and Isn’t Helpful
It is important for patients to understand that an AI doctor isn’t the perfect solution for everything. While it can help speed up the diagnosis for someone, it isn’t as nuanced as seeing a doctor in person. It can be highly accurate, but the symptoms may not tell the whole picture, so it is often good to follow up in person with a doctor, especially if the symptoms don’t seem to be getting better after a few days. AI is perfect for minor symptoms and general questions, but if anything seems serious or doesn’t improve, it’s better to get help from a physician or urgent care clinic right away.
Using to Prepare for a Doctor’s Visit
Another way to use an AI doctor is to help prepare for a doctor’s appointment. When patients have a number of symptoms or have a few different things they want to discuss with the doctor, it can be hard to remember everything. If they forget anything, they may have to schedule another visit. Instead, with an AI doctor to help, patients can easily organize their thoughts well ahead of the appointment, make sure they have everything ready, and print out a list of symptoms as well as a list of questions for the doctor. This way, nothing is forgotten, and they can get the best care possible at each appointment.
Ask Questions After a Doctor’s Visit
Patients may end up having questions after their doctor’s visit. They may not have thought of them during the appointment or may have questions about their prescriptions, follow-up care, or other concerns. An AI doctor can answer most or all of these questions, so the patient doesn’t have to schedule another doctor’s visit just to ask them. This may make it easier for patients to get answers to their questions and can help them determine if they need to go back to the doctor or not.
Follow-Up Care or Changing Symptoms
AI doctors can help with checking on the management of the symptoms, as well as determining if follow-up care is needed. If the patient isn’t recovering as fast as expected, they may use the AI doctor to determine if they need to see a doctor again to get further help. If the person’s symptoms change, they may use the AI doctor to determine if this is a sign they’re recovering or if there are any concerns. This way, they can easily track their symptoms and determine if they need to visit the doctor again to discuss any new or changing issues.
Choosing a Reliable Option
It is important for patients to make sure they choose a reliable platform if they would like to use an AI doctor to help care for their health. It is a good idea to look for ones that are backed by medical professionals or that use transparent data to provide results. Always look into the information provided by the tool before using it, as a reliable platform will be more honest about what it can and can’t do to help patients.
The Future of Healthcare
AI may be the future of healthcare. As innovations make it possible for patients to get the medical care they need, AI makes it easier to access the information they might need to help manage their care. Though this is relatively new right now, the results from patients using AI doctors are promising and show a need for more in the future. With the support available through AI doctors, patients can feel more in control over their own health and get help faster, without having to wait for a doctor’s appointment every time they have questions.
If you’re worried about a medical condition, wondering what your symptoms mean, or need help keeping track of everything while you work with your doctor, an AI doctor can help. Though there are limitations, it can be an excellent way to keep on top of health concerns and make sure you get the right help when you need it. Check out an AI doctor today to learn more about how they work and what they can do to help you manage your health.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
