Top 10 Use Cases of AI-Powered Chatbots in Healthcare

Okay, so have you heard about healthcare chatbots? If not, you are in for a revolution!

AI in healthcare has established itself as a game-changer in patient care and operational efficiency. How? With almost 73% of administrative tasks automated through AI, the chatbot in healthcare is stepping in to make life easier. From scheduling appointments to checking symptoms, these digital assistants transform how we navigate healthcare.

In fact, the global healthcare market, valued at $230.28 million in 2023, is expected to surpass $944.65 million by 2032.

A recent study highlighted that almost 20% of healthcare workers use AI chatbots for a variety of tasks. This number will only grow, with more organizations recognizing the efficiency of these tools.

Looking to schedule an appointment? Let the chatbot handle it for you! Curious about a specific symptom? Simply share the details with the chatbot, or for a quicker response, send a picture and let it analyze your concerns. It’s that easy, you see.

Interested in learning more about the possibilities of AI-powered chatbots in healthcare? Read this blog because we will discuss everything you need to know, including:

Let’s get started!

AI Chatbots in Healthcare: Game-Changing Use Cases

Healthcare organizations have been using AI for years to predict adverse events and to enhance the scheduling of clinics and operating rooms. With advancements in computing power and chip technology, AI has become not only stronger but also more accessible.

This has opened the door to a whole new range of applications that can benefit the healthcare sector. Below are 10 ways AI is changing the healthcare landscape:

1. Appointment Scheduling

One of the simplest yet most effective uses of conversational AI healthcare is in appointment scheduling. AI accesses the database of clinics, doctors, and available time slots to connect patients with the right practitioners.

But the capabilities don’t stop there. AI can also:

By taking care of these essential yet routine tasks, AI decreases the load for clinic staff and also enhances convenience for patients. Interestingly, many people prefer this method: around 67% of individuals would rather schedule an appointment through a few messages with a chatbot than make a phone call.

2. Database Browsing

Patients like conversational AIs that can quickly answer their questions and provide easy access to information. These tools are also helpful for doctors and medical staff who have to navigate complicated EMRs, research treatments, and stay compliant with regulations.

Improved Patient Experience:

Enhanced Physician Efficiency:

3. Guiding Patients On-Premises

Medical robots may seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, but they’re already making a difference in larger clinics today. These robots, equipped with conversational AI, interact with patients in a friendly and efficient manner. They help check patients in and confirm their appointments, gather details about symptoms, and collect medical histories.

Imagine walking into a clinic and having a robot assist you in figuring out your symptoms or guiding you to the right room. They can even serve as interpreters for those who speak different languages, making healthcare more accessible for everyone.

For doctors, this means less time spent on routine questions and more time focused on patient care. The information collected by these robots is available to physicians, allowing them to offer assistance on time.

[Also Read: Artificial Intelligence in the Healthcare Industry: A Statistical Analysis]

4. Patient Support

AI-powered chatbots are bridging the gap between traditional FAQ pages and call centers, to solve customer support issues. Chatbots are self-service, allowing patients to find answers without needing immediate help from staff. But what sets them apart is their ability to engage in conversation, making them capable of addressing more complex questions.

For instance, if a patient is unsure about their symptoms or uses different terms than what’s listed on an FAQ page, a conversational AI chatbot can step in. It can interpret the patient’s intent and show them correct information from the database of symptoms and conditions.

This means patients get the help they need in a more personalized way, making their experience smoother and less frustrating. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend available 24/7 to guide them through their healthcare questions!

5. Predicting Appointment Cancellations

Canceled appointments can be a real headache for both patients and medical practices. But what if healthcare providers could predict these cancellations?

The hospitality industry has been using forecasting algorithms for years to predict room occupancy and last-minute cancellations. And this technology can be adapted for healthcare as well.

Enters conversational AI chatbots!

It can detect cues during patient interactions to predict cancellations more accurately. For instance, if a patient seems hesitant or unsure, it could indicate they might not show up for their appointment.

6. Health Tracking and Management

Conversational AI is transforming how patients manage their health and medications. This allows doctors to focus on more urgent tasks. An estimated 52% of patients in the U.S. are already using chatbots to access their health data.

These AI tools offer a range of health management features that make life easier for patients:

What’s more? Conversational AI can handle various types of input—whether it’s text, images, or voice—making it versatile in addressing patient needs. These AI assistants can manage complex questions and give accurate responses as to patients’ evolving health status.

7. Mental health counseling

With healthcare evolving, patients now don’t have to visit a clinic for counseling. Thanks to chat and video conferencing, many people can access care from the comfort of their homes. Conversational AI can also be used as a substitute for human counselors, especially for milder issues.

A recent survey revealed that 80% of respondents see AI counseling as a viable alternative, and 25% would prefer it over talking to a human. With proper training, AI can generate empathetic responses, similar to humans.

By integrating AI into mental health support, counselors can lighten their workload and focus on more complex cases that require a personal touch. This way, patients still receive the help they need while allowing professionals to dedicate their time where it matters most.

8. Help With EMR

Many doctors get overwhelmed by the amount of time they spend on EMRs during their busy workdays. This is where conversational AI with speech recognition comes in handy!

It automatically fills out EMRs based on recordings of doctor-patient conversations. Doctors can also use voice narration to update EMRs, which is much quicker than typing. This way, doctors can spend more time engaging with their patients and less time buried under paperwork.

9. Hands-Free Voice Interaction

Imagine being able to retrieve a patient's records without having to stop what you're doing. Well, that's the power of conversational AI in healthcare.

Doctors can simply speak to the AI and ask it to retrieve a patient's medical history or recent scan images. The AI will recognize their voice and display the requested information on a screen, with no hands required.

But that's not all - doctors can also access the opened documents using just their voice. It allows medical staff to stay focused on the task while still accessing the information they need. No more interrupting workflows to search for files or fumbling with keyboards. Just a seamless, voice-powered interaction to keep care flowing smoothly.

10. Collecting Feedback

Clinics rely on patient feedback to identify areas for improvement. However, getting that feedback can be tricky because many people don’t fill out traditional forms. That’s where conversational AI comes in, making the process easier and more engaging for patients.

AI can reach out to patients through their favorite chat apps and ask simple questions. Patients can respond quickly by just typing a number that matches their answer. This conversational approach feels more like a chat with a friend than a formal survey, encouraging patients to participate. It is one of the most successful chatbot use cases in healthcare.

Companies Around the World Using Chatbots in Healthcare

Chatbots are making a real difference in how healthcare services are provided. Here’s how organizations are successfully integrating chatbots into their healthcare services:

1. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic has teamed up with Orbita to create a voice-interactive chatbot that gives patients quick access to essential health information. This helps users learn about medical conditions, guide them through post-procedure care, and answer common questions—all through a simple voice command.

2. Lupin Pharmaceuticals

Lupin has introduced Anya, an innovative chatbot that uses NLP to help patients understand chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The chatbot can answer over 2,000 medically verified questions, making it a reliable source of information.

3. Walgreens

Walgreens is stepping up its customer service game with chatbots that offer quick answers to questions about medications, health services, and appointment scheduling. These chatbots make it easy for patients to access the information they need, helping them manage their health more efficiently. By providing instant support, Walgreens is not only saving customers time but also creating a more engaging experience. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure that help is always just a message away!

4. Babylon Health

Babylon Health offers a subscription-based chatbot that offers virtual consultations through text and video messaging. The chatbot uses AI algorithms to analyze user symptoms and suggest the best next steps, whether that’s scheduling an appointment with a healthcare professional or providing self-care advice.

Challenges of Using AI in Healthcare

Recent tech advancements have made deploying AI solutions easier and cheaper. However, the healthcare industry is still facing unique challenges that slow down adoption. Below are some common challenges of using AI in healthcare:

1. Ethical Concerns

Conversational AI in healthcare raises security concerns due to the sensitive patient information it processes, like names and medical conditions. To keep that data safe and prevent any privacy breaches, it's crucial to ensure your chatbot solution is fully HIPAA-compliant.

You also need to implement strong data encryption, access controls, and regular security audits to prevent privacy breaches.

[Also Read: AI In Healthcare: Benefits, Applications, and Common Challenges]

2. Misdiagnosis and Error

AI can certainly make mistakes, and when it comes to healthcare, a wrong diagnosis can have serious consequences. That’s why it’s so important to always have a human in the loop to review and double-check the AI's recommendations.

While AI can provide valuable insights and support, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals are irreplaceable. Combining the strengths of both can lead to better results for patients while ensuring that care is safe and effective.

3. Data Access

Conversational AI can recognize natural speech. But for this, the chatbot needs a lot of data during its initial training phase. One way to provide this data is by integrating AI with hospital management systems and EMRs. However, this can be a technical challenge.

Additionally, healthcare AIs need to adopt a warm and empathetic tone rather than sounding overly formal. Since 37% of patients reach out to chatbots in emergencies, these AIs must offer emotional support right from the start. But it is still a challenge.

How Protonhub Can Help You Embrace the New Era in Healthcare?

At Protonshub Technologies, we transform healthcare with innovative AI solutions. Our developers collaborate closely with clients to create apps that enhance patient outcomes and streamline operations.

If you're ready to embrace the future of custom chatbot in healthcare industry, Protonshub is your trusted partner. Contact us today to explore how we can improve your healthcare services and help you deliver better care to patients!

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Ekta Singh

"Senior Content Writer"

Ekta Singh is a rookie food experimentalist and k-drama fan with 4+ years of experience in writing. Bridging gaps between companies and customers through conversion-driven content is her forte. She believes in writing stories for a living and living life for exploring places.