The Rise of AI in Patient-Doctor Communication
Every day, patients send countless messages to their doctors through MyChart, a widely used communication platform in hospitals across the United States. These messages often contain detailed descriptions of their pain and symptoms—such as the texture of rashes or the color of their stool—reflecting a deep trust in the healthcare professionals who receive them. However, a growing trend reveals that the responses to these messages are increasingly being assisted by artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, around 15,000 doctors and assistants at over 150 health systems are utilizing a new AI feature within MyChart to help draft replies to patient inquiries.
Many patients receiving these responses remain unaware that AI technology has played a role in crafting the messages. In interviews conducted with officials from several health systems using this tool, it was noted that there is no explicit disclosure to patients that their replies may include AI-generated content. This lack of transparency raises concerns among some experts, who argue that healthcare providers might not be adequately vigilant in identifying potentially harmful errors that could arise from messages produced with the assistance of AI.
While the healthcare industry has traditionally employed AI for more administrative tasks—such as summarizing appointment notes or managing insurance appeals—the increasing integration of AI in MyChart’s communication feature has sparked fears about its encroachment into clinical decision-making and the essential doctor-patient relationship.
- Trust Issues: Patients may feel uneasy if they discover that their doctor is relying on AI for their care.
- Potential for Errors: There is a real risk that AI could misinterpret or inadequately respond to a patient’s symptoms.
- Transparency Matters: Clear communication about the role of AI in healthcare is essential for maintaining trust.
