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Software developers want AI to give medical advice, but questions abound about accuracy
Software designers are testing specialized AI-powered chatbots that can give medical advice and diagnose conditions — but questions abound about accuracy.
This spring, Google unveiled an “AI Overview” feature where answers from the company’s chatbot started to appear above typical search results, including for health-related queries. While it might have sounded like a good idea in theory, there have been issues around health advice offered by the software.
In the first week that the bot was online, one user said Google AI gave incorrect, possibly lethal information about what to do if bitten by a rattlesnake. Another search resulted in Google recommending people eat “at least one small rock per day” for vitamins and minerals — advice was lifted from a satirical article.
Google says that they have since limited the inclusion of satirical and humor sites in their overviews, and removed some of the search results that went viral.
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“The vast majority of AI Overviews provide high quality information, with links to dig deeper on the web,” a Google spokesperson told CBS News. “For health queries, we’ve always had strong quality and safety guardrails in place, including disclaimers that remind people that it’s important to seek out expert advice. We’ve continued to refine when and how we show AI Overviews to ensure the information is high quality and reliable.”
CBS News Confirmed found that those fixes haven’t prevented all health misinformation. Queries about introducing solid food to infants under six months old still returned tips in late June. Babies aren’t supposed to begin eating solid food until the age of at least six months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Searches on the health benefits of dubious wellness trends like detoxes or drinking raw milk also included debunked claims.
Despite the quirks and outright errors, many health care leaders say they remain optimistic about AI chatbots and how they can change the industry.
“People will access information that they need,” said Dr. Nigam Shah, a chief data scientist at Stanford Healthcare. “In the short term I’m a bit pessimistic, I think we’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves. But in the long run I think these technologies are gonna do us a lot of good.”
Other advocates of chatbots are quick to point out that physicians don’t always get it right. Estimates vary, but a study by the Department of Health and Human Services from 2022 found as many as 2% of patients who go to an emergency department each year may suffer harm after a misdiagnosis from a health care provider.
Shah compared the use of chatbots to the early days of Google itself.
“When Google Search came around, people were panicking that people would self-diagnose and all hell will break loose. It didn’t happen,” Shah said. “Same thing. We’ll go through that phase (where) the new ones that aren’t fully formed will make mistakes, and a couple of them will be bad, but by and large, having information when there is no other option is a good thing.”
The World Health Organization is one of the companies dipping its toes into the AI waters. The organization’s chatbot, Sarah, pulls information from the WHO’s site and its trusted partners, making the answers less prone to factual errors. When asked how to limit the risk of a heart attack, Sarah gave information about managing stress, sleeping well and focusing on a healthy lifestyle.
Continued advancements in design and oversight might continue to improve such bots.
But if you’re turning to an AI chatbot for health advice today, note the warning that comes with Google’s version: “Info quality may vary.”
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Rising home prices and high mortgage rates haven’t made buying a home easy these last few years. In fact, with affordability such a challenge, it’s only made shopping around for a lender that much more important.
It’s true: Comparing lenders can make a big difference when it comes to price. According to Freddie Mac, getting just four different mortgage rate quotes can save you about $1,200 per year.
But rates aren’t the only thing you should think about when choosing a lender. Want to make sure you pick the best mortgage company for your needs? See below for some of the best lenders for first-time homebuyers currently on the market.
Lock in a low mortgage interest rate here today.
Best mortgages for first-time homebuyers
Here are the best mortgage lenders for first-time homebuyers, broken down into six categories:
Best for low down payments: Veterans United
Veterans United exclusively offers VA home loans — which means all its loans require zero down payment. Though you’re welcome to put some money down, VA loans are one of the few mortgage options with no down payment requirement.
There is a catch, though: You’ll need to be a current military member, veteran, or spouse of one to qualify. Certain service requirements must be met as well. If you can do it, though, you’ll save yourself money both upfront (on the down payment) and in the long haul, as VA loans tend to have lower interest rates than other loan options.
Learn more about Veterans United here now.
Best for good credit: US Bank
If you have decent credit, US Bank might be a good option for your mortgage. The lender offers conventional, FHA and VA loans, and its rates are some of the lowest of lenders we analyzed. You can also apply fully online and get valuable closing cost discounts if you use other US Bank services.
Best for low credit: Cardinal Financial
Cardinal Financial is a good option if your credit score is on the lower end. The lender allows for scores as low as 620 on conventional loans and 580 on FHA, VA, and USDA loans. There are also jumbo loans — if you’re buying in a high-priced market or eyeing a more expensive property — and construction loans for buyers looking to build their own homes from the ground up.
Best for no lender fees: Better.com
Most lenders charge a variety of fees for processing your mortgage. These might include an origination fee, application fee, underwriting fee, and more. With Better.com mortgages, you won’t see any of these charges. The online lender charges no lender-side fees for underwriting, servicing, or originating its mortgages. There are other typical closing costs, though.
Best for online borrowing: First Mortgage Direct
First Mortgage Direct is a fully digital mortgage lender that lets you manage your mortgage process from start to finish all on the web. You can get a rate quote online, fill out an application, submit your documentation, and even close digitally, too. The lender also offers many online resources to help you along the way — things like informative videos, calculators, articles and more.
Best overall: New American Funding
New American Funding has something for everyone: conventional loans, government-backed loans, jumbo loans, construction loans, non-QM loans and more. There are even loans with customizable terms and options that can turn you into an all-cash buyer to make you more competitive. The lender also has a 4.1-star rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot.
Always shop around
Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, shopping around for your mortgage is important. If you need help doing so, consider enlisting a mortgage broker. These professionals can shop around on your behalf, help you compare lenders and loan options and ensure you get the best rate.
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