More than 80% of clinicians have had to correct AI-supplied misinformation during patient visits: New patient + provider survey
U.S. patients wait an average 31 days to see a doctor, so it’s no wonder 65% of surveyed consumers have consulted AI specifically because it’s faster and easier.
Meanwhile 77% of clinicians appreciate the technology’s contributions to healthcare—yet 1 in 5 patients have tried to hide their use of AI from their doctors.
Most who admit to the secrecy chalk it up to a fear of being judged.
The findings are from a survey report released March 24 by Zocdoc, a digital appointment-booking service that has markedly increased its use of AI.
For the market research, Zocdoc hired Censuswide to query 1,186 patients and 1,000 U.S. providers in February.
Five other findings of note from the project:
- Gen Z patients (14 to 29 years old in 2026) are the most likely cohort to conceal their use of AI from a doctor. More than three-quarters of this demographic, 77%, say they have hidden or would hide their AI usage from their provider. That rate makes Z-ers twice as likely as other generations to get sneaky about medical AI.
- Most providers, 78%, want patients to disclose their use of AI. Relatedly, 77% of providers report more thoughtful questions from AI-using patients and 76% report better engagement in their own car.
- 83% of providers have had to correct AI-generated misinformation during patient visits. 63% say the problem adds time to appointments.
- Patients are wary of risks. 33% say AI can be overly reassuring, 62% think it can create a false sense of security and 41% are concerned it can make them feel overly confident.
- More than half of patients, 52%, say AI can be helpful for most medical issues. Their most common use: helping unpack what doctors tell them.
“More patients are turning to AI for answers and guidance. But many aren’t telling their doctors,” comments Zocdoc founder and CEO Oliver Kharraz, MD. “Handled openly, AI can help patients feel more prepared and make visits more productive. Handled secretly, it can create friction, confusion, and erode trust.”
Zocdoc’s booking services are free to patients. For providers, it’s a fee-based program for patient acquisition.
Download the full March 24 report here.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.