Hiltzik: When AI makes medical mistakes - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Michael Hiltzik

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has sparked both excitement and caution. While AI tools have shown promise in enhancing medical practice—such as helping radiologists detect anomalies in imaging tests and streamlining administrative tasks—they also raise significant concerns about accuracy, safety, and reliability. Recent incidents highlight the risks: AI systems have provided erroneous advice during critical medical procedures, leading to potential harm, and direct-to-consumer health apps like OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health and Anthropic’s Claude for Healthcare have been criticized for generating misleading or panic-inducing information. Dr. Eric Topol, a renowned cardiologist and AI optimist, acknowledges the potential benefits of AI in medicine but emphasizes that current consumer-facing applications are not yet ready for widespread use. He warns against the lack of rigorous testing and safety protocols in these tools, which are often driven by commercial interests rather than patient needs. This premature release could lead to significant errors, particularly in a field where even small mistakes can have severe consequences. The article underscores the importance of balancing innovation with caution. While AI has demonstrated success in specific areas—such as improving radiologists’ ability to interpret breast X-rays—it is less effective in more complex or variable medical scenarios. For instance, a study on AI-equipped stethoscopes found that many healthcare groups abandoned them due to the additional time and effort required to use them effectively. Ultimately, AI holds great promise for revolutionizing healthcare, but its deployment must be carefully managed. Medical professionals and developers need to prioritize thorough testing, safety, and user education to ensure that AI tools do not harm patients or undermine trust in medical expertise. As AI continues to evolve, striking this balance will be crucial for maximizing its benefits while minimizing risks.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/26/2026