Can AI diagnose my symptoms?
Nah. AI can't examine you and can be confidently wrong. Use it to prepare questions for a clinician, not to replace one.
01Why nah
- Symptoms overlap across many conditions. Diagnosis needs an exam and tests.
- AI answers can sound certain when they're guesses.
- Delaying real care because of a chat answer is a real risk.
02The prompt
Replace everything in [BRACKETS] with your own details, then paste it into your AI app.
I have an upcoming appointment. Help me prepare. Do NOT diagnose me or suggest treatments. What I'm experiencing, in my own words: [DESCRIPTION, WHEN IT STARTED, WHAT MAKES IT BETTER OR WORSE] Give me: 1. A clear, short summary I can read to the clinician. 2. A list of details they'll likely ask about that I should note beforehand. 3. Five questions to ask during the visit.
03Steps
- If symptoms are severe or sudden, contact emergency services or a clinician now.
- Use the summary and questions at your appointment.
04What can go wrong
- Never use AI instead of emergency care.
05What to use
06Our test runs
2 runs, each with a different made-up sample. 2 of 2 passed every check.
The made-up sample:
[DESCRIPTION, WHEN IT STARTED, WHAT MAKES IT BETTER OR WORSE]Persistent dull ache in lower right abdomen, started about 3 weeks ago after a long hike; worsens after meals and when standing for long periods, slightly relieved by lying down and applying a warm compress.
- Provide a clear short summary for the clinician
- Provide a list of details the clinician may ask about
- Provide five questions to ask during the visit
- Do not diagnose or suggest treatments
- Didn't make up details we never gave it
What came back (excerpt):
I've been experiencing a persistent dull ache in my lower right abdomen for about 3 weeks, which started after a long hike.
Read the full answer
Here's the information you requested: **1. Summary to read to the clinician:** "I've been experiencing a persistent dull ache in my lower right abdomen for about 3 weeks, which started after a long hike. The pain worsens after meals and when standing for long periods, but is slightly relieved when I lie down and apply a warm compress." **2. Details to note beforehand:** * When exactly the pain started (date, time, and any activities you were doing) * Any changes in your appetite or bowel movements * Any nausea or vomiting * Any fever or chills * Any previous injuries or conditions that may be related to the pain * Any medications or supplements you're currently taking * Your typical diet and exercise routine * Any family medical history that may be relevant **3. Questions to ask during the visit:** * What are the potential causes of my symptoms, and how will we work to determine the underlying cause? * What tests or exams will I need to undergo to help diagnose the issue? * How will my lifestyle and daily activities impact my recovery or management of the condition? * What are the next steps if the initial tests or exams don't reveal a clear cause of my symptoms? * What are the most important things I can do to take care of myself and manage my symptoms while we work to determine the cause?
Check that no medical diagnosis or treatment advice is given.
The made-up sample (a messier one):
[DESCRIPTION, WHEN IT STARTED, WHAT MAKES IT BETTER OR WORSE]I've had a dull pressure in the left side of my chest that started about three weeks ago after a long hike. It feels worse when I climb stairs or carry groceries, and a little better when I sit down and take slow deep breaths. Sometimes I notice a slight tingling in my left arm.
- Do NOT diagnose or suggest treatments
- Provide a clear short summary
- List details clinician may ask
- Give exactly five questions
- Didn't make up details we never gave it
What came back (excerpt):
I've been experiencing a dull pressure in the left side of my chest for about three weeks, which started after a long hike. The pressure worsens with physical activity like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, but improves when I sit down and take slow deep breaths.
Read the full answer
Here's the information you requested: 1. **Summary to read to the clinician:** "I've been experiencing a dull pressure in the left side of my chest for about three weeks, which started after a long hike. The pressure worsens with physical activity like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, but improves when I sit down and take slow deep breaths. I also occasionally notice a slight tingling sensation in my left arm." 2. **Details to note beforehand:** * When exactly the pressure started (date, time, and any triggering events) * Any changes in the pressure or tingling over time * Activities that make the pressure worse or better * Any other symptoms you've noticed (e.g., shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue) * Your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions or previous injuries * Any medications or supplements you're currently taking * Your family medical history * Any recent changes in your diet, exercise routine, or stress levels 3. **Questions to ask during the visit:** * What are the possible causes of the symptoms I'm experiencing, and how will we work to determine the underlying cause? * What tests or exams will be necessary to evaluate my condition, and what can I expect during these procedures? * How will my medical history and lifestyle factors be taken into account when evaluating my symptoms? * What are the next steps in the evaluation and management process, and when can I expect to receive more information or a follow-up appointment? * Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take in the meantime to manage my symptoms or prevent further issues?
Ensure the response avoids any medical diagnosis or treatment advice.
How each run works: we fill the prompt with a made-up sample, run it once in Llama 3.3 70B, and GPT-OSS 120B grades the answer against the prompt's own rules. Word limits are counted by code, and every quote flagged as made up is checked against the full answer. Your results can differ. How we test.