Member-only story
ChatGPT vs. Doctors — Which Do Patients Prefer?
New research evaluates the effectiveness of AI communication in healthcare
There is a reason so many people rely on Dr. Google for their health concerns. Seeing a healthcare provider in person can be a challenge.
It’s time-consuming and expensive. You also may need to wait days or weeks for the next available appointment. If I just have a couple of questions, why would I go through the hassle?
I’m a physical therapist, and I believe in the value of in-person healthcare. I am also a healthcare consume,r and I understand (and experience) the concerns patients have. There are many instances when it is worth the wait and the cost to see a provider in person. But there are also cases when a quick online chat will suffice.
As technology expands, so do treatment and communication options. Virtual healthcare is expanding. This means more people can receive care via telehealth and online platforms. While these provide convenience for patients, the burden for providers is often the same.
Burnout is a major concern in healthcare as more clinicians are leaving clinical care. Simply having virtual options doesn’t lighten documentation or productivity expectations. Furthermore, portals and chats, while convenient to the…