Gallup Poll: Many Americans Turn to AI for Healthcare Information, Trust Remains Low

A new Gallup poll, published on April 15, 2026, highlights a significant and potentially risky behavioral shift in American healthcare. The data shows that 59% of Americans who use artificial intelligence for health information are consulting AI tools—such as chatbots or symptom checkers—*before* scheduling or attending a doctor's appointment. This pre-consultation use suggests AI is acting as a primary triage or diagnostic gatekeeper for millions. More concerning is the scale of action taken based on this advice: an estimated 14 million U.S. adults have reportedly skipped a medical appointment entirely after using an AI for health guidance.

This widespread adoption exists in stark contrast to the level of trust users place in the technology. Despite turning to AI for critical health decisions, only 4% of these users express "strong trust" in the accuracy of the AI-generated advice they receive. This creates a paradox of high utilization paired with low confidence, indicating that factors like convenience, cost, or access may be driving use more than perceived reliability. The poll underscores a critical gap in the AI-healthcare ecosystem: the rapid integration of tools into patient workflows has far outpaced the establishment of trust, verification standards, and clear understanding of their appropriate role in the care continuum.