The role of artificial intelligence in healthcare is once again a hot topic online, with tech billionaire Elon Musk at the heart of the conversation. An old statement from Musk about AI's potential to read medical scans has resurfaced, reigniting a fierce debate on whether technology can be trusted with critical health decisions.
The Resurfaced Clip and Musk's Bold Claim
This discussion gained momentum after an old video of Musk, originally shared in June 2025, began circulating again on social media platforms. In the clip, Musk is seen advocating for AI's role in medicine. "I think AI will be very helpful with the medical stuff," Musk states. "Right now you can upload your X-rays or MRI images to Grok and it will give you a medical diagnosis. I have seen cases where it's actually better than what doctors tell you."
While this statement initially drew attention, it faded from the spotlight until Musk recently reshared a post related to his AI chatbot, Grok. This action brought his controversial views back into public focus, connecting them directly to a real-world anecdote.
The Norwegian Case: Grok AI vs. Hospital Diagnosis
The post highlighted by Musk came from Tesla Owners Silicon Valley. It detailed an incident shared online in late 2025 by a 49-year-old man from Norway with the Reddit username "u/Tykjen". According to the account, the man suffered severe abdominal pain for over 24 hours and visited an emergency room. Doctors diagnosed him with acid reflux and prescribed antacids, but his pain persisted.
Seeking another opinion, the man then used Grok AI. The AI tool analyzed his symptoms and suggested the issue could be serious, advising immediate CT scanning. Acting on this advice, he returned to the hospital. This time, doctors discovered his appendix was severely inflamed and on the verge of rupturing. The man underwent emergency surgery and made a full recovery.
Public Reaction: A Divided Opinion on AI in Medicine
Musk's reshare of this success story has polarized netizens, highlighting the ongoing tension between techno-optimism and medical caution. Online reactions clearly reflect this divide.
Some users strongly support Musk's vision, seeing AI as a crucial tool for efficiency. One supporter wrote, "I happen to agree with Elon on Grok and the MRI images. Not only are they accurate, but the results also come within seconds. Currently, patients can wait up to three days for a radiologist's report in hospitals."
Others remain deeply skeptical and uneasy. A user joked, "Can I load up my browser history and get a mental diagnosis?" expressing distrust in AI's broader judgment. Another shared a counter-narrative, stating simply, "Grok misdiagnosed my MRI," underscoring the potential risks of over-reliance.
The core debate centers on whether AI should act as a supportive tool for doctors, helping to speed up diagnosis and flag potential issues early, or if it risks overstepping by guiding critical decisions independently. This incident has ensured that the conversation about the future of AI healthcare and medical diagnosis remains more relevant than ever.
Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media and public statements. The claims mentioned have not been independently verified by the editorial team.
