How to Use AI to Understand Medical Bills and Test Results

Medical paperwork is often written in a language that seems designed to confuse you. Codes, abbreviations, and Latin terms make it hard to know what you are paying for or what your doctor actually found. ChatGPT can act as your personal medical translator, turning jargon into plain English.

Step 1: Protect Your Identity Before you share anything, you must protect your privacy.

If you are using a paper bill or report, take a black marker and cross out your name, address, Member ID, and Social Security number. If it's a digital file, use the "markup" tool on your phone or computer to draw black boxes over this info. Never upload your raw personal data.

Step 2: Upload and Ask Take a clear photo of the redacted document.

Open ChatGPT, click the paperclip or image icon, and select your photo. Then type: "Please explain this medical report in simple language. What do these test results mean for a person my age?" or "Break down this bill. Are there any charges that look like duplicates or errors?"

Step 3: Prepare for Your Doctor AI doesn't replace your doctor, but it helps you talk to them.

After the AI explains the report, ask it: "What are the 3 most important questions I should ask my doctor about these results?" It will give you a list of smart, specific questions (e.g., "Is this variance in my blood work a trend or a one-time issue?") so you get the most out of your appointment.