AI Health Advice? Doctors Warn of Dangerous Guesswork

Patients are turning to artificial intelligence chatbots for medical advice, but doctors warn the technology can produce dangerous errors. AI tools like ChatGPT can now answer health questions in seconds. Users describe symptoms and receive instant suggestions. However, these systems often invent facts — a problem experts call "hallucination." The tools can also miss serious conditions or recommend harmful treatments. Health officials stress that AI chatbots are not doctors. They cannot examine patients, review medical history, or order tests. Several cases have emerged of people delaying proper care after trusting chatbot advice. Regulators are racing to set safety rules as AI spreads into medicine. Some hospitals now use AI to assist staff — but under strict supervision. For now, experts urge the public to verify any AI health advice with a qualified professional.