{"id":1838,"date":"2026-05-22T02:56:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T02:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/?p=1838"},"modified":"2026-05-29T15:15:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T15:15:49","slug":"when-ai-becomes-the-first-stop-for-health-decisions-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/when-ai-becomes-the-first-stop-for-health-decisions-2\/","title":{"rendered":"When AI Becomes the First Stop for Health Decisions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=&#8221;When AI becomes the first stop for health decisions &#8221; subhead=&#8221;AI health assistants gain ground in China&#8217;s lower-tier cities\u2014expanding access while introducing new uncertainties&#8221; header_fullscreen=&#8221;on&#8221; background_overlay_color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.54)&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; title_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; title_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; title_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; subhead_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221; subhead_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; subhead_font_size=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/banner-image-1.png&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; title_text_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; content_text_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">By Xiao Yiqing<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|150px||150px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Mr.-Zhang\u5728\u54a8\u8be2AI\u996e\u98df\u5efa\u8bae.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Zhang is asking AI for dietary recommendations&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Template Image&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-10px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zhang is asking AI for dietary recommendations<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (From Zhang Chaoyang)<\/span><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>At seven a.m., 54-year-old Zhang Chaoyang sits at his dining table in Luoyang\uff0cwhich is an industrial city in central China\u2019s Henan province, taking a photo of his breakfast \u2014 a bowl of multigrain porridge, a boiled egg and a few slices of vegetables.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of sending it to a doctor, he uploads it to an AI health app on his phone.<\/p>\n<p>Zhang is part of a rapidly growing group of users in China turning to AI tools as their first stop for health-related questions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCan I eat this? Will it affect my blood sugar?\u201d Zhang types into the chat box.<\/p>\n<p>Within seconds, the app responds with dietary advice, calorie estimates and a suggestion to reduce carbohydrate intake.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|150px||150px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>For Zhang, who has been trying to control his blood sugar since being diagnosed with diabetes in 2020, these daily interactions have become routine.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf using search engines before was like looking up information, using AI feels more like asking a health consultant,\u201d Zhang said through an online meeting.<\/p>\n<p>According to Beijing Daily, Ant Group\u2019s AI health assistant app \u201cAQ\u201d has surpassed 100 million users in February 2026, with more than 52% coming from third-tier cities and below.<\/p>\n<p><span>As AI health tools become more embedded in everyday life, they may widen access in places where medical resources are uneven, but also shift triage, interpretation, and risk onto patients themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;mobile&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Mr.-Zhang\u5728\u54a8\u8be2AI\u996e\u98df\u5efa\u8bae.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Zhang is asking AI for dietary recommendations&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Template Image&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-10px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zhang is asking AI for dietary recommendations<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (From Zhang Chaoyang)<\/span><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"dropcap\">A<\/span>t seven a.m., 54-year-old Zhang Chaoyang sits at his dining table in Luoyang\uff0cwhich is an industrial city in central China\u2019s Henan province, taking a photo of his breakfast \u2014 a bowl of multigrain porridge, a boiled egg and a few slices of vegetables.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of sending it to a doctor, he uploads it to an AI health app on his phone.<\/p>\n<p>Zhang is part of a rapidly growing group of users in China turning to AI tools as their first stop for health-related questions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCan I eat this? Will it affect my blood sugar?\u201d Zhang types into the chat box.<\/p>\n<p>Within seconds, the app responds with dietary advice, calorie estimates and a suggestion to reduce carbohydrate intake.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>For Zhang, who has been trying to control his blood sugar since being diagnosed with diabetes in 2020, these daily interactions have become routine.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf using search engines before was like looking up information, using AI feels more like asking a health consultant,\u201d Zhang said through an online meeting.<\/p>\n<p>According to Beijing Daily, Ant Group\u2019s AI health assistant app \u201cAQ\u201d has surpassed 100 million users in February 2026, with more than 52% coming from third-tier cities and below.<\/p>\n<p><span>As AI health tools become more embedded in everyday life, they may widen access in places where medical resources are uneven, but also shift triage, interpretation, and risk onto patients themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|150px||150px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle why&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Why are patients turning to AI first?<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Body Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Zhang, the move towards AI was driven\u00a0 by necessity as much as convenience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cChronic conditions require constant management. It\u2019s unrealistic to go to the hospital every day,\u201d he said. \u201cAppointments are difficult, and the entire process from registration to examination and then to follow-up visit is very time-consuming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After completing a structured health programme where health experts gave personalised guidance to help bring his blood sugar levels back within a normal range, Zhang found himself without ongoing professional support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He began relying on online information, watching videos and reading articles to guide his diet and exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBut the information online is fragmented, and sometimes mixed with advertisements,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI, by contrast, offered something simpler: immediate, low-cost and personalised responses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He now uses multiple AI health apps to analyse medical reports, ask about exercise routines and check whether certain foods are suitable for his physical condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In one instance, after undergoing treatment for a herniated disc, Zhang planned to continue the exercise training to manage diabetes. But after consulting AI, he decided against it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt advised me to avoid movements that increase abdominal pressure within three months after treatment, and suggested alternative exercises,\u201d he said. \u201cSo I followed that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNow, whenever I have a question about my health, I tend to ask AI first,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This kind of real-time decision support is becoming one of the defining features of AI health tools and a key reason for users\u2019 adoption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lin Yantong, a master\u2019s student from Yulin in Guangxi province who is preparing applications for doctoral programmes, said she also turns to AI almost daily for fitness planning and general health questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With much of her time occupied by research and application preparations, Lin said AI tools helped simplify the process of health management and made it more executable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAI can directly generate workout plans based on my needs, which saves me a lot of time and effort looking through information,\u201d Lin said. \u201cIt feels more convenient because you can ask questions anytime, and there\u2019s less pressure than talking to a doctor.\u201d<\/span><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;mobile&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle why&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Why are patients turning to AI first?<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Body Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Zhang, the move towards AI was driven\u00a0 by necessity as much as convenience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cChronic conditions require constant management. It\u2019s unrealistic to go to the hospital every day,\u201d he said. \u201cAppointments are difficult, and the entire process from registration to examination and then to follow-up visit is very time-consuming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After completing a structured health programme where health experts gave personalised guidance to help bring his blood sugar levels back within a normal range, Zhang found himself without ongoing professional support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He began relying on online information, watching videos and reading articles to guide his diet and exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBut the information online is fragmented, and sometimes mixed with advertisements,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI, by contrast, offered something simpler: immediate, low-cost and personalised responses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He now uses multiple AI health apps to analyse medical reports, ask about exercise routines and check whether certain foods are suitable for his physical condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In one instance, after undergoing treatment for a herniated disc, Zhang planned to continue the exercise training to manage diabetes. But after consulting AI, he decided against it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt advised me to avoid movements that increase abdominal pressure within three months after treatment, and suggested alternative exercises,\u201d he said. \u201cSo I followed that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNow, whenever I have a question about my health, I tend to ask AI first,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This kind of real-time decision support is becoming one of the defining features of AI health tools and a key reason for users\u2019 adoption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lin Yantong, a master\u2019s student from Yulin in Guangxi province who is preparing applications for doctoral programmes, said she also turns to AI almost daily for fitness planning and general health questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With much of her time occupied by research and application preparations, Lin said AI tools helped simplify the process of health management and made it more executable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAI can directly generate workout plans based on my needs, which saves me a lot of time and effort looking through information,\u201d Lin said. \u201cIt feels more convenient because you can ask questions anytime, and there\u2019s less pressure than talking to a doctor.\u201d<\/span><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|150px||150px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle can&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Can AI help fill healthcare gaps?<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Beyond individual users, healthcare professionals are beginning to observe shifts in patients&#8217; behaviour.<\/p>\n<p>Liu Liang, a chief physician of the emergency intensive care department of a hospital in Dalian (a port city located in Northeast China), said that he had seen fewer patients with mild or non-acute conditions seeking emergency treatment in recent years as AI health tools became more widely used.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSome people now purchase medicine for treatment on their own with the guidance of AI, observe their condition, and only come to the hospital if it doesn\u2019t improve. This may help reduce pressure on emergency services by filtering out less urgent cases,\u201d Liu said through an online call.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Liu-Liang\u533b\u751f\u5de5\u4f5c\u7167.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Liu Liang\u533b\u751f\u5de5\u4f5c\u7167&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Template Image&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-10px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liu is working in the intensive care unit (ICU) (From Liu Liang)<\/span><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Meanwhile, Liu noted that the potential of AI in healthcare goes far beyond triage. He said that in fields such as medical imaging, pathology and laboratory testing, AI systems are already showing significant promise in assisting, and in some cases outperforming, human clinicians.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe essence of medical practice is processing information \u2014 collecting it, organising it, and comparing it with clinical findings to make decisions,\u201d he said. \u201cIn this regard, AI has clear advantages in terms of speed, scale and comprehensiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Liu added that AI could also help standardise medical resources by enabling information sharing across regions, potentially narrowing gaps in healthcare quality.<\/p>\n<p>Wang Liping, a head nurse in the emergency department at the same hospital, also pointed out the potential benefits.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese tools provide a large amount of health information. If used properly, they can help patients become more aware of their conditions and identify problems earlier,\u201d she said through an online call.<\/p>\n<p>For users like Zhang, accessibility is a major advantage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDoctors often don\u2019t have time to explain everything in detail,\u201d he said. \u201cBut AI can.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This ability to provide continuous, low-barrier support, particularly in regions where healthcare access is limited, is part of what makes AI health tools appealing.<\/p>\n<p>China\u2019s healthcare resources remain highly uneven. According to data from Horus Think Tank, China had 4,111 tertiary hospitals \u2013 China\u2019s highest-ranked hospitals for specialised and complex care, accounting for about 10% of hospitals nationwide by the end of 2024. Yet they handled nearly 64% of hospital visits, according to the Statistical Bulletin on the Development of China&#8217;s Health and Wellness Industry in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>This reflects a long-standing structural problem in China&#8217;s medical system. Although China has world-class hospitals in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, patients from non-centralized areas and rural regions often travel long distances to seek specialized treatment. Many patients flock to large city hospitals to deal with conditions that might be handled elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p>In such a context, AI tools can appear to offer a form of decentralised support.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;mobile&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle can&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Can AI help fill healthcare gaps?<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Beyond individual users, healthcare professionals are beginning to observe shifts in patients&#8217; behaviour.<\/p>\n<p>Liu Liang, a chief physician of the emergency intensive care department of a hospital in Dalian (a port city located in Northeast China), said that he had seen fewer patients with mild or non-acute conditions seeking emergency treatment in recent years as AI health tools became more widely used.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSome people now purchase medicine for treatment on their own with the guidance of AI, observe their condition, and only come to the hospital if it doesn\u2019t improve. This may help reduce pressure on emergency services by filtering out less urgent cases,\u201d Liu said through an online call.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Liu-Liang\u533b\u751f\u5de5\u4f5c\u7167.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Liu Liang\u533b\u751f\u5de5\u4f5c\u7167&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Template Image&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-10px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liu is working in the intensive care unit (ICU) (From Liu Liang)<\/span><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Meanwhile, Liu noted that the potential of AI in healthcare goes far beyond triage. He said that in fields such as medical imaging, pathology and laboratory testing, AI systems are already showing significant promise in assisting, and in some cases outperforming, human clinicians.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe essence of medical practice is processing information \u2014 collecting it, organising it, and comparing it with clinical findings to make decisions,\u201d he said. \u201cIn this regard, AI has clear advantages in terms of speed, scale and comprehensiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Liu added that AI could also help standardise medical resources by enabling information sharing across regions, potentially narrowing gaps in healthcare quality.<\/p>\n<p>Wang Liping, a head nurse in the emergency department at the same hospital, also pointed out the potential benefits.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese tools provide a large amount of health information. If used properly, they can help patients become more aware of their conditions and identify problems earlier,\u201d she said through an online call.<\/p>\n<p>For users like Zhang, accessibility is a major advantage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDoctors often don\u2019t have time to explain everything in detail,\u201d he said. \u201cBut AI can.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This ability to provide continuous, low-barrier support, particularly in regions where healthcare access is limited, is part of what makes AI health tools appealing.<\/p>\n<p>China\u2019s healthcare resources remain highly uneven. According to data from Horus Think Tank, China had 4,111 tertiary hospitals \u2013 China\u2019s highest-ranked hospitals for specialised and complex care, accounting for about 10% of hospitals nationwide by the end of 2024. Yet they handled nearly 64% of hospital visits, according to the Statistical Bulletin on the Development of China&#8217;s Health and Wellness Industry in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>This reflects a long-standing structural problem in China&#8217;s medical system. Although China has world-class hospitals in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, patients from non-centralized areas and rural regions often travel long distances to seek specialized treatment. Many patients flock to large city hospitals to deal with conditions that might be handled elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p>In such a context, AI tools can appear to offer a form of decentralised support.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|150px||150px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle how&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]How is AI changing decision-making?<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along with these benefits, a more subtle transformation is taking place: AI is not only providing information, but also influencing decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cPatients are increasingly coming in with a prior judgement formed by AI,\u201d Wang said. \u201cSometimes it helps communication, but it can also create misunderstandings.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yang Lin, a deputy chief physician at Dalian Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital, noted that this shift can increase the burden on medical staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cPatients may not fully understand what AI is telling them, so doctors need to spend more time explaining and correcting misconceptions,\u201d she said through an online call.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wang pointed out that AI\u2019s suggestions before diagnosis can also affect trust during doctor-patient communication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhen patients come with AI&#8217;s assessment, as healthcare professionals, we usually feel more nervous and vigilant, and the mutual trust can sometimes be affected,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, AI can also amplify uncertainty and create anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe\u2019ve seen both patients and their family members experiencing anxiety and confusion due to the judgments made by AI, even though these judgments may not be accurate,\u201d Wang said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juliet Xie, a surgical nurse at the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology in Luoyang, said some patients had also become more likely to question prescribed medication after consulting AI tools.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSome patients check the medication themselves and then come back with doubts or concerns,\u201d she said through an online call. \u201cIn some cases, they may become hesitant about doctors\u2019 treatment because of conflicting information they got from AI.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liu pointed out that such problems are not always caused by the AI itself, and the reliability of AI output often depends on the quality of users\u2019 input.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIf the information provided is incomplete or inaccurate, the result can be misleading,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These challenges highlight a central tension: while AI tools lower the barrier to accessing health advice, they may also introduce new layers of ambiguity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=&#8221;Wang Liping&#8221; job_title=&#8221;Head Nurse in ER&#8221; company_name=&#8221;A hospital in Dalian&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_font=&#8221;&#8211;et_global_body_font||||||||&#8221; body_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;70px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>&#8220;When patients come with AI&#8217;s assessment, we usually feel more nervous and vigilant.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;70px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, AI can also amplify uncertainty and create anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe\u2019ve seen both patients and their family members experiencing anxiety and confusion due to the judgments made by AI, even though these judgments may not be accurate,\u201d Wang said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juliet Xie, a surgical nurse at the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology in Luoyang, said some patients had also become more likely to question prescribed medication after consulting AI tools.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSome patients check the medication themselves and then come back with doubts or concerns,\u201d she said through an online call. \u201cIn some cases, they may become hesitant about doctors\u2019 treatment because of conflicting information they got from AI.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liu pointed out that such problems are not always caused by the AI itself, and the reliability of AI output often depends on the quality of users\u2019 input.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIf the information provided is incomplete or inaccurate, the result can be misleading,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These challenges highlight a central tension: while AI tools lower the barrier to accessing health advice, they may also introduce new layers of ambiguity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;mobile&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle how&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]How is AI changing decision-making?<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along with these benefits, a more subtle transformation is taking place: AI is not only providing information, but also influencing decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cPatients are increasingly coming in with a prior judgement formed by AI,\u201d Wang said. \u201cSometimes it helps communication, but it can also create misunderstandings.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yang Lin, a deputy chief physician at Dalian Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital, noted that this shift can increase the burden on medical staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cPatients may not fully understand what AI is telling them, so doctors need to spend more time explaining and correcting misconceptions,\u201d she said through an online call.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wang pointed out that AI\u2019s suggestions before diagnosis can also affect trust during doctor-patient communication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhen patients come with AI&#8217;s assessment, as healthcare professionals, we usually feel more nervous and vigilant, and the mutual trust can sometimes be affected,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, AI can also amplify uncertainty and create anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe\u2019ve seen both patients and their family members experiencing anxiety and confusion due to the judgments made by AI, even though these judgments may not be accurate,\u201d Wang said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juliet Xie, a surgical nurse at the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology in Luoyang, said some patients had also become more likely to question prescribed medication after consulting AI tools.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSome patients check the medication themselves and then come back with doubts or concerns,\u201d she said through an online call. \u201cIn some cases, they may become hesitant about doctors\u2019 treatment because of conflicting information they got from AI.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liu pointed out that such problems are not always caused by the AI itself, and the reliability of AI output often depends on the quality of users\u2019 input.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIf the information provided is incomplete or inaccurate, the result can be misleading,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These challenges highlight a central tension: while AI tools lower the barrier to accessing health advice, they may also introduce new layers of ambiguity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=&#8221;Wang Liping&#8221; job_title=&#8221;Head Nurse in ER&#8221; company_name=&#8221;A hospital in Dalian&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_font=&#8221;&#8211;et_global_body_font||||||||&#8221; body_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;70px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>&#8220;When patients come with AI&#8217;s assessment, we usually feel more nervous and vigilant.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;70px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, AI can also amplify uncertainty and create anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe\u2019ve seen both patients and their family members experiencing anxiety and confusion due to the judgments made by AI, even though these judgments may not be accurate,\u201d Wang said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juliet Xie, a surgical nurse at the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology in Luoyang, said some patients had also become more likely to question prescribed medication after consulting AI tools.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSome patients check the medication themselves and then come back with doubts or concerns,\u201d she said through an online call. \u201cIn some cases, they may become hesitant about doctors\u2019 treatment because of conflicting information they got from AI.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liu pointed out that such problems are not always caused by the AI itself, and the reliability of AI output often depends on the quality of users\u2019 input.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIf the information provided is incomplete or inaccurate, the result can be misleading,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These challenges highlight a central tension: while AI tools lower the barrier to accessing health advice, they may also introduce new layers of ambiguity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|150px||150px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle what&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]What are the hidden costs of \u201clow-cost\u201d care?<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]For Boris Babic, an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong specialising in AI ethics and policy, the issue extends beyond individual cases.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese systems appear low-cost, but their errors can scale,\u201d Babic said.<\/p>\n<p>He explained that many AI health applications are designed to minimise the risk of missing serious conditions. As a result, they tend to generate more \u201cfalse positives\u201d \u2014 flagging potential issues that may not exist.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen more people are encouraged to seek further testing or medical attention unnecessarily, the burden shifts to the healthcare system,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Babic described this as a form of \u201cexternality\u201d, where the costs generated by a technology are borne not by developers, but by society.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe key issue is not just whether the AI is accurate,\u201d Babic said. \u201cIt\u2019s how it changes behaviour, and how those behavioural changes affect the system as a whole.\u201d<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;m&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle what&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]What are the hidden costs of \u201clow-cost\u201d care?<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]For Boris Babic, an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong specialising in AI ethics and policy, the issue extends beyond individual cases.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese systems appear low-cost, but their errors can scale,\u201d Babic said.<\/p>\n<p>He explained that many AI health applications are designed to minimise the risk of missing serious conditions. As a result, they tend to generate more \u201cfalse positives\u201d \u2014 flagging potential issues that may not exist.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen more people are encouraged to seek further testing or medical attention unnecessarily, the burden shifts to the healthcare system,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Babic described this as a form of \u201cexternality\u201d, where the costs generated by a technology are borne not by developers, but by society.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe key issue is not just whether the AI is accurate,\u201d Babic said. \u201cIt\u2019s how it changes behaviour, and how those behavioural changes affect the system as a whole.\u201d<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||68px|||&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|150px||150px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle can&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Can AI assistance become substitution of doctors?<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]In lower-tier cities, where access to healthcare is more constrained, the role of AI becomes even more complex.<\/p>\n<p>On one hand, it can provide basic guidance where professional services are less accessible. On the other hand, it may function as a substitute rather than a bridge.<\/p>\n<p>At the user level, this substitution has quietly occurred. Zhang said that in his daily health management, compared to consulting real doctors, he has become &#8220;more dependent on AI&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnly when something feels serious would I go to the hospital,\u201d Zhang said.<\/p>\n<p>When asked whether he saw any risks in using such tools, Zhang paused before saying he had not noticed any so far.<\/p>\n<p>But healthcare professionals said such risks may not always be immediately visible to users.<\/p>\n<p>Lin said after relying on AI for health advice for a period of time, some AI-generated suggestions had recently made her more cautious about such tools.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnce I consulted AI about my cold and thought it was nothing serious, but a few days later, the situation became much worse,\u201d Lin said. \u201cThen it suggested several drugs together, but that felt risky to me because I didn\u2019t know whether there could be side effects or interactions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Lin said one of the greatest difficulties was judging whether her condition should actually be considered \u201cmoderate\u201d or \u201cserious\u201d, which are the distinctions that determine whether AI recommends self-management or professional treatment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow I tend to combine the suggestions from AI and actual cases from social media platforms such as Rednote for a comprehensive judgment,\u201d Lin said.<\/p>\n<p>Xie noted that one of the significant advantages of human diagnosis is the ability to actively guide patients in uncovering their real physical conditions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn real consultations, doctors often discover problems patients themselves did not notice or thought were unrelated,\u201d Xie said. \u201cThat usually comes out through face-to-face communication and follow-up questions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Liu pointed out that the quality of current AI medical suggestions is closely related to the digital literacy of patients.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe greatest risk is the deviation in the AI&#8217;s output due to patients\u2019 incomplete input,\u201d Liu said. \u201cIf patients provide incomplete or inaccurate information, AI\u2019s suggestions can easily become misleading.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, Liu noted that patients&#8217; understanding and compliance in executing the AI&#8217;s output cannot be guaranteed due to their cultural literacy, living habits, and beliefs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor those with certain cultural literacy and comprehension ability, in the case of mild symptoms, they can first use AI for preliminary recommendations. But in the opposite situation, people should seek medical assistance immediately,\u201d Liu said.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;m&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||68px|||&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle can&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Can AI assistance become substitution of doctors?<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]In lower-tier cities, where access to healthcare is more constrained, the role of AI becomes even more complex.<\/p>\n<p>On one hand, it can provide basic guidance where professional services are less accessible. On the other hand, it may function as a substitute rather than a bridge.<\/p>\n<p>At the user level, this substitution has quietly occurred. Zhang said that in his daily health management, compared to consulting real doctors, he has become &#8220;more dependent on AI&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnly when something feels serious would I go to the hospital,\u201d Zhang said.<\/p>\n<p>When asked whether he saw any risks in using such tools, Zhang paused before saying he had not noticed any so far.<\/p>\n<p>But healthcare professionals said such risks may not always be immediately visible to users.<\/p>\n<p>Lin said after relying on AI for health advice for a period of time, some AI-generated suggestions had recently made her more cautious about such tools.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnce I consulted AI about my cold and thought it was nothing serious, but a few days later, the situation became much worse,\u201d Lin said. \u201cThen it suggested several drugs together, but that felt risky to me because I didn\u2019t know whether there could be side effects or interactions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Lin said one of the greatest difficulties was judging whether her condition should actually be considered \u201cmoderate\u201d or \u201cserious\u201d, which are the distinctions that determine whether AI recommends self-management or professional treatment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow I tend to combine the suggestions from AI and actual cases from social media platforms such as Rednote for a comprehensive judgment,\u201d Lin said.<\/p>\n<p>Xie noted that one of the significant advantages of human diagnosis is the ability to actively guide patients in uncovering their real physical conditions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn real consultations, doctors often discover problems patients themselves did not notice or thought were unrelated,\u201d Xie said. \u201cThat usually comes out through face-to-face communication and follow-up questions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Liu pointed out that the quality of current AI medical suggestions is closely related to the digital literacy of patients.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe greatest risk is the deviation in the AI&#8217;s output due to patients\u2019 incomplete input,\u201d Liu said. \u201cIf patients provide incomplete or inaccurate information, AI\u2019s suggestions can easily become misleading.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, Liu noted that patients&#8217; understanding and compliance in executing the AI&#8217;s output cannot be guaranteed due to their cultural literacy, living habits, and beliefs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor those with certain cultural literacy and comprehension ability, in the case of mild symptoms, they can first use AI for preliminary recommendations. But in the opposite situation, people should seek medical assistance immediately,\u201d Liu said.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|150px||150px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle How to draw the line?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>How to draw the line?<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Healthcare professionals stress the importance of maintaining the distinction between AI and real doctors.<\/p>\n<p>Liu noted that, unlike human clinicians, AI systems are still unable to assess the reliability of patients\u2019 self-reported symptoms or provide humanistic care which is necessary in medical and nursing work.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDoctors can judge whether a patient is describing their condition accurately, and can also respond to their emotional state. These are things AI may lack,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Wang agreed, adding that while AI may be appropriate for minor conditions or general advice, serious or urgent cases require professional care.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAI is useful as a support tool for health management or information gathering, but not for diagnosis. Medical treatment still relies on clinical judgement and direct examination,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;m&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle How to draw the line?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>How to draw the line?<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Healthcare professionals stress the importance of maintaining the distinction between AI and real doctors.<\/p>\n<p>Liu noted that, unlike human clinicians, AI systems are still unable to assess the reliability of patients\u2019 self-reported symptoms or provide humanistic care which is necessary in medical and nursing work.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDoctors can judge whether a patient is describing their condition accurately, and can also respond to their emotional state. These are things AI may lack,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Wang agreed, adding that while AI may be appropriate for minor conditions or general advice, serious or urgent cases require professional care.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAI is useful as a support tool for health management or information gathering, but not for diagnosis. Medical treatment still relies on clinical judgement and direct examination,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|150px||150px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle who&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Who bears the risk\uff1f<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Body Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For users like Zhang, the stakes of each individual interaction may seem small \u2014 a question about breakfast, a decision about exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But at scale, these micro-decisions accumulate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As more people turn to AI as their first point of consultation, the question is no longer just about convenience or efficiency. It is about responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, the line between AI\u2019s assistance and medical diagnosis remains unclear, as does who should bear the risks when mistakes occur.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Babic<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> said, \u201cCompanies are creating externalities which they\u2019re not responsible for. The burden is ultimately being borne by the healthcare system, and the whole society.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;m&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;subtitle who&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato|700|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;42px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-100px||43px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Who bears the risk\uff1f<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Body Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For users like Zhang, the stakes of each individual interaction may seem small \u2014 a question about breakfast, a decision about exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But at scale, these micro-decisions accumulate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As more people turn to AI as their first point of consultation, the question is no longer just about convenience or efficiency. It is about responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, the line between AI\u2019s assistance and medical diagnosis remains unclear, as does who should bear the risks when mistakes occur.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Babic<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> said, \u201cCompanies are creating externalities which they\u2019re not responsible for. The burden is ultimately being borne by the healthcare system, and the whole society.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-70px||||false|false&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;credit&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra Credits<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;name&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-8px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Advisor<\/strong><br \/>Feng Wang<br \/><strong>Editorial Director<\/strong><br \/>Clarisse Choo<br \/><strong>Creative Directors<\/strong><br \/>Syrena Jin<br \/>Cheryl Xie<br \/>Serena Zhou<br \/><strong>Managing Editor<\/strong><br \/>Jiachen Li<br \/><strong>Copy Editor<\/strong><br \/>Evelyn Tao<br \/><strong>Visual Producer<br \/><\/strong>Bunnie Shen<br \/>Jingyi Huang<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As patients in China increasingly self-navigate their health decisions, healthcare workers feel the strain. Experts warn the hidden costs fall on the broader healthcare system. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":1911,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[69],"class_list":["post-1838","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>When AI Becomes the First Stop for Health Decisions - capstone2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/when-ai-becomes-the-first-stop-for-health-decisions-2\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"When AI Becomes the First Stop for Health Decisions - capstone2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As patients in China increasingly self-navigate their health decisions, healthcare workers feel the strain. 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