ELI5 AI Blog

Medical Terms Simplified: Health Literacy for Everyone

2026-07-24

Medical reports are full of jargon that patients struggle to understand. Terms like "hypertension," "myocardial infarction," and "peripheral artery disease" can be intimidating — but they describe conditions that patients need to understand to manage their health.

The health literacy gap

Studies show that nearly 9 out of 10 adults have difficulty understanding health information. This health literacy gap leads to poorer health outcomes, medication errors, and missed appointments.

How ELI5 AI helps

ELI5 AI bridges the health literacy gap by explaining medical terminology at four comprehension levels. A patient can see the same medical report explained for a child, a teenager, and an adult — all side by side. Healthcare providers can use the different levels to explain conditions to patients of different backgrounds and education levels.

Try it yourself

Paste any medical report, lab result, or health information into ELI5 AI to get patient-friendly explanations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions — ELI5 AI is a communication tool, not a substitute for medical advice.