As costs rise, more patients are turning to 'DIY healthcare'

As the costs of health insurance rises—along with co-pays and deductibles—a trend is emerging where Americans are taking a “do-it-yourself” approach to healthcare. 

In a feature for the Washington Post, journalist Laura Landro outlined a how-to guide, which includes the use of AI, smartphone apps, and paying cash for services, as opposed to relying on insurance. 

Examples include a rising number of patients who rely on ChatGPT to help diagnose conditions, in addition to developing treatment plans. In some cases, these LLMs are leveraged to support the management of chronic conditions, like diabetes, through a combination of diet and exercise. 

In the feature, experts warned that this carries risks, especially when the diagnoses and treatment plans lack physician review. Other concerns surround data privacy, as most consumer AI applications are not subject to HIPAA rules and can freely use and share patient data without a need to anonymize. 

As for smartphone apps and at-home diagnostic tests—as Landro lays out, those have come a long way. At-home devices can check blood glucose levels, track fitness and sleep quality, and some apps can even check blood pressure without the need for a cuff. 

Once again, experts warn that the reliability of these devices is suspect, as many are not subjected to rigorous scientific review or physician oversight. 

Luckily, for many uninsured health gurus, professionals are still an important part of their routine. At-home kits allow samples of blood, urine, hair and more to be checked by sending specimens to labs, where patients can pay directly at hugely discounted rates. 

In addition, more primary care providers than ever are making cash visits a reality, bypassing insurance entirely. And in some cases, those physicians are reviewing details from the apps, to help guide patients on their DIY healthcare journey. 

For more, read the full Washington Post feature at the link below.