Link: About 15,000 US doctors and assistants are using an AI feature in MyChart, a ubiquitous communications platform at US hospitals, to draft messages for patients (Teddy Rosenbluth/New York Times)

Patients often share highly detailed medical issues via MyChart, expecting personalized advice from their doctors.

However, a growing number of those responses utilize an artificial intelligence feature, unbeknownst to many patients.

About 15,000 healthcare professionals across over 150 systems now use this A.I. to compose preliminary responses. This raises concerns among experts about the accuracy of such replies and the potential intrusion of A.I. into sensitive doctor-patient interactions.

Originally introduced to alleviate the administrative burden on overworked physicians, the tool promises efficiency but has faced criticism for potentially compromising the integrity of medical advice.

Some health systems disclose the use of A.I. in their communications, while others believe such transparency might undermine trust or quality perceptions. There's ongoing debate on whether the benefits of such technology—like reduced burnout—outweigh the risks of impersonal or erroneous medical counsel.

With increasing reliance on this technology, questions persist about the appropriate balance of human oversight and A.I. assistance in healthcare communications, reflecting broader concerns about the role of technology in medicine.

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Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.