Americans ask AI for health care. Hospitals think the answer is more chatbots.

In a landscape where many Americans are increasingly seeking health guidance from Large Language Models, healthcare providers across the nation are beginning to implement their own branded chatbots. This strategy aims to capitalize on the growing trend and direct more patients to their services. Hospital executives advocate that these chatbots offer a convenient option for patients, promoting digital equity by meeting users where they are. They argue that their proprietary solutions will provide a safer alternative to the commercial AI models currently in use. Allon Bloch, CEO of K Health, a clinical AI firm, remarked, "We are at an inflection point in healthcare. Demand is accelerating, and patients are already using AI to navigate their lives." K Health is collaborating with Hartford HealthCare in Connecticut to introduce the PatientGPT chatbot to tens of thousands of current patients. Bloch emphasized that the critical question is not whether AI will influence healthcare, but rather how to implement it safely and transparently within a system that integrates with patients' medical records and care teams. "PatientGPT represents that turning point," he stated. However, some experts express skepticism regarding the rollout of these chatbots. Concerns have been raised about their readiness for widespread deployment, the adequacy of monitoring, and potential liability issues. Critics wonder if these AI solutions genuinely address the fundamental care challenges patients face. Adam Rodman, a clinical reasoning researcher and internist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, shared his reservations, noting, "It’s a tempting idea, but there isn’t yet an evidence base to show that integrating chatbots into health systems improves patient outcomes. We’re not there yet."