One in four adults in the U.S. – that’s around 66 million people – are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) tools or chatbots for health advice. This comes from a recent study by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America, which surveyed over 5,500 adults from October to December 2025.
People are using AI not to replace doctors, but to enhance their healthcare experience. More than half of the respondents reported that they consult AI before or after seeing a healthcare provider. So, what drives this trend?
A significant 71% of users sought quick answers, while another 71% wanted extra information. Curiosity also plays a big role; 67% were eager to see what an AI tool would say. Additionally, about 60% used AI to do their own research related to health.
Interestingly, almost half of those who utilized AI felt more confident discussing their concerns with their doctors afterward. Some even acknowledged that AI helped them spot health issues early or avoid unnecessary tests.
Tim Lash, President of the West Health Policy Center, emphasized the importance of keeping pace with AI advancements in healthcare. “The risk isn’t that AI is moving too fast – it’s that health systems may move too slowly to guide its use responsibly,” he stated.
While many are using AI to complement their healthcare, some chose not to see a provider, primarily due to factors like cost and access. Among AI users, 27% felt they couldn’t afford a doctor’s visit. Others cited reasons such as not having time for appointments or past experiences where they felt dismissed by a healthcare provider. Interestingly, although 84% of users still saw a provider, about 14% decided against it due to the information AI provided. When scaled to the national population, that’s about 14 million people.
Trust in AI-generated health information varies. About one-third of users have some level of trust, but only 4% strongly believe in its accuracy. Alarmingly, around 11% reported that AI recommended information they deemed unsafe.
Joe Daly, a Gallup executive, noted that AI can sometimes serve as a substitute for doctor visits, but it is mostly used to clarify symptoms or information patients receive from their doctors.
Motivations to use AI for health inquiries also differ by age and income. Younger adults are more likely to conduct research using AI than older ones. Of adults earning less than $24,000 a year, 32% utilized AI because they couldn’t afford medical visits, compared to just 2% of those making over $180,000 annually.
In terms of topics, people frequently consult AI about everyday health questions. This includes physical symptoms (58%), nutrition (59%), side effects of medications (46%), and even mental health concerns (24%).
As AI continues to evolve in healthcare, understanding its role can lead to better health outcomes. People are adjusting to this new tech, but ensuring that proper guidance exists is essential to alleviate any potential risks.
For more detailed insights on the study, visit West Health.
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