The AI-Informed Patient
How patients are using AI for medical advice — and why they’re not telling their doctors
Hiding in plain sight
Patients are keeping their AI use to themselves — even though 77% of providers feel positively about it. The gap isn’t resistance. It’s a conversation that isn’t happening.
Confident, not correct
AI makes patients feel sure about what to do next — even when the information isn’t reliable. 83% of providers say they’ve had to correct AI-sourced misinformation.
Care can’t wait
70% of patients still prefer to talk to a doctor. But when care takes weeks and AI answers in seconds, patients are making rational tradeoffs.
About the research
Most coverage of AI in healthcare focuses on the technology. This report focuses on the relationship between patients and providers — what they’re actually experiencing, and the gap between them.
Based on a national survey of 1,186 U.S. patients and 1,000 U.S. providers, commissioned by Zocdoc and conducted by Censuswide in February 2026.
For press inquiries, contact press@zocdoc.com.