The data: More than two-thirds (69%) of US adults have used AI to get a second opinion after a medical appointment, and 45% have done so more than once, according to a recent Tebra survey.

Among those who used AI after a medical visit, the top reasons were to clarify or verify medical information:

• 33% wanted help understanding medical terms, test results, or written notes.
• 30% sought a clearer explanation of their diagnosis or health condition.
• 11% checked the accuracy or completeness of the information they received.

Why it matters: AI is playing an influential role in healthcare decision-making as more people turn to the tech not just for information before an appointment, but also to take action after seeing a medical professional.

The actions taken by patients after consulting AI included:

• 45% sought another professional medical opinion, per Tebra.
• 37% changed how they used medication or treatment.
• 29% delayed or postponed care.
• 26% decided not to schedule a follow-up visit.

Implications for healthcare systems and providers: Providers’ recommendations are now being reinterpreted by tools they don’t control or know about. For example, 79% of patients who used AI after an appointment didn’t tell their healthcare provider about it, per Tebra. That creates risks for patient safety and continuity of care and requires providers to rethink how they follow up on diagnoses, test results, and treatment plans.

Healthcare systems and providers also have a narrow window to remain part of the post-visit decision-making process. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of consumers who used AI for a second opinion in Tebra’s survey consulted the technology within 48 hours, increasing pressure on doctors to quickly communicate summaries and care instructions, and weigh in on test results after a visit.

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