As the volume of messages sent by patients to their doctors via communication platforms like MyChart skyrockets, a growing number of healthcare providers are adopting artificial intelligence tools to manage their communication. Unbeknownst to many patients, some of the responses they receive may be created by artificial intelligence.
A screenshot of the MyChart application on a smartphone shows a graph plotting a patient's blood pressure readings, accompanied by promotional text that advertises: “All your health information in one place.” This patient portal, widely used in US hospitals, now incorporates an AI-powered feature that assists doctors in drafting messages for their patients.
Every day, countless messages detailing symptoms and medical concerns, from the consistency of skin rashes to changes in vital signs, are sent to doctors using platforms like MyChart. While patients expect personal answers from their doctors, the reality is changing. Currently, approximately 15,000 physicians and physician assistants in more than 150 health systems use AI to create initial responses to patient questions.
This shift towards AI-assisted communication highlights a significant transformation in the healthcare communication landscape, where efficiency is becoming as crucial as effectiveness. The use of AI not only helps manage the heavy influx of daily communications with patients, but also ensures timely responses, potentially improving patient satisfaction and engagement.
Teddy Rosenbluth, a healthcare reporter and participant in the 2024-25 Times Fellowship for Emerging Journalists, explores this evolution in patient-doctor interactions, highlighting the combination of technology and personalized care in modern medicine.
