Many people today receive their medical test results via patient portals before they’ve had a chance to speak with their doctor. This can create confusion and anxiety, especially when reports are filled with complex medical jargon. Increasingly, people are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT to make sense of their test results, looking for immediate clarity. While this can be helpful, it also comes with limitations and risks.
One of the biggest advantages of using AI in this context is its ability to translate dense medical language into plain English. Medical test reports, especially radiology or pathology reports, are usually written for doctors, not patients. This can make them difficult to understand. AI can break down these complex terms and present information in a way that is easier for patients to digest. For example, a phrase like “tortuous colon” may sound alarming, but AI can explain that it simply refers to extra twists in the colon, which are usually harmless.
Plain-language explanations can help patients feel more informed and reduce unnecessary worry. Some studies suggest that people who receive AI-generated summaries of their reports often understand their medical conditions better than those who receive only the original documents. In some cases, this understanding can reduce panic, especially when the results are normal or indicate low-risk findings.
However, there are also important downsides. While AI tools can be impressively accurate, they are not perfect. They may misinterpret details or “hallucinate,” meaning they provide information that sounds factual but is actually false or unsupported by medical sources. This can be misleading and cause unnecessary concern or false reassurance.
Another key limitation is the lack of personal context. AI tools typically analyze results in isolation and don’t account for a patient’s full medical history. For instance, a low hemoglobin level may trigger a list of possible causes, including serious conditions, without recognizing that the patient has had that level for years and it’s not new or worrisome. This makes it essential to approach AI-generated information with caution and remember that only a doctor can interpret results with the full picture in mind.
To get the most helpful results from an AI tool, patients can use a method known as “prompt engineering.” This involves providing context (such as age or relevant health history), a clear action (what you want the AI to do), a role (such as radiologist or pathologist), and expectations (like the reading level of the explanation). For example, a prompt could say: “Assume the role of a radiologist. Simplify this report at a fourth-grade reading level. I am a 45-year-old with no previous history of this condition.”
Trying different prompts and comparing the results can improve accuracy and understanding. In some cases, it may be better to use AI tools specifically trained on medical data, which are more likely to provide reliable, evidence-based information.
Finally, it’s important to discuss AI-generated insights openly with your doctor. If you’re unsure or anxious about something the AI said, bring it up in your next conversation. Doctors understand that patients seek information online or through AI, and many are willing to explain and clarify. Ultimately, while AI can be a useful tool for making sense of test results, it should complement not replace the advice of your healthcare provider.
