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Analysis and Technology

Is an AI chatbot really better than a human doctor?

By Clare Wilson

28 June 2018

A stock image of a babylon consultation

Could an app replace a doctor?

Babylon

Can a chatbot diagnose medical conditions as accurately as a human? Babylon Health, a UK artificial intelligence firm, says a version of its software can pass the standard exam taken by British family doctors, but some medics are pushing back against the claim.

Babylon’s AI is designed to give people a probable medical diagnosis through a “symptom checker” app.

It is not the only such app available, but it is the most visible one in the UK at the moment. The company has a contract with the National Health Service to replace…

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