Roughly one in four Americans now rely on AI for answers to their health care questions. People share their medical records and other data with AI in order to get low-cost and speedy advice. Beware, your health information is not protected when you share it with AI, Rachel Reed reports for Harvard Law Today.
Yes, the AI company might say that your data is safe with it. But, you could still find that you no longer control your health information. Be it ChatGPT, Claude or another chatbot, it is not protected by HIPAA, the health insurance portability act designed to protect the privacy of the health information you share with physicians, hospitals and other medical professionals.
Chatbots can decide to share your data at any time or your data could be the object of a cyberattack. Outsiders could identify you through your health data. And, they could get access to all your health data, not just the data you were querying your chatbot about. The data could be used to discriminate against you.
Keep in mind that you are turning over your data to a private company with private interests when you share it online. The AI company might have little concern for your personal needs, and it has no obligation to you.
Of course, using a chatbot to answer your medical questions has its benefits. You can get personalized answers 24/7 at little to no cost. That said, you should be aware that the answers your chatbot provides could be inaccurate or incomplete. It’s always wise to follow up with your treating physician.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- HIPAA and why you need a health care proxy
- Help your loved ones understand your health needs and desires
- UnitedHealth accused of preventing nursing home residents from getting needed hospital care
- Next frontier: Eye exams using artificial intelligence
- Plan ahead: Who will pay your bills if you cannot
