ChatGPT wants to give users health advice
Image: OpenAI
OpenAI last week soft-launched ChatGPT Health, a new feature that connects to your apps and medical records to give personalized medical advice. Essentially, it’s a really chatty Fitbit with access to WebMD.
The move builds on a stat the AI giant shared: 230+ million users ask ChatGPT health-related questions each week, opening the door for a more tailored, medically-informed user experience.
How it works
ChatGPT Health is a dedicated tab within the chatbot’s UI that allows users to submit a range of medical data to receive personalized answers to questions about their health.
- This includes data from health apps like Apple Health, MyFitnessPal, and Weight Watchers.
- Users can also upload their medical records to ChatGPT, which are accessed through back-end integration with digital health platform b.well.
But unlike your doctor, ChatGPT won’t be diagnosing anything—or raising an eyebrow when you admit you haven’t had water since yesterday morning. OpenAI says the tool is strictly a supplement, not a substitute, for actual medical care.
Others aren’t convinced it’s a good idea. Some medical experts warn of privacy concerns associated with sharing sensitive personal information. They suggest users should assume any information provided to ChatGPT—or other AI chatbots—is no longer private, as AI companies aren’t governed by HIPAA or any federal regulatory body when it comes to health information.
- Experts also note the risk of receiving bad information from AI chatbots, which studies show are designed to prioritize being helpful over medical accuracy, and to always respond with an answer (especially one that generates a user response).
Looking ahead…ChatGPT Health is currently available to a limited group of users, with OpenAI saying it plans to expand access in the coming weeks.
đź“Š Flash poll: Have you personally ever asked ChatGPT for medical advice?
See a 360° view of what pundits are saying →
Sprinkles in favor of augmenting health decisions with AI
- Some commentators argue that large‑language‑model AI systems can prove very useful in helping patients spot errors, understand lab reports, stick to care plans, and other important health-related areas.
- Others contend that AI can help patients manage their health more effectively when used in a thoughtful manner, since chatbots excel at providing clear, accessible explanations that aren’t always available during a medical visit with professionals.
- “A Chatbot Can Be Part of Your Medical Team” –Tom Rosenblatt, WSJ
- “The new Dr. Google is in. Here’s how to use it.” –Leana S. Wen, WaPo
- “I mentally unraveled. ChatGPT offered me tireless compassion” –Elizabeth Koo, USA Today
Sprinkles against augmenting health decisions with AI
- Some commentators argue that AI chatbot operators are quietly allowing other forces to shape the medical advice users receive, and that existing safeguards for chatbots don’t necessarily ensure that they’ll dispense the best advice for your health care.
- Others contend that teenagers and others who are increasingly turning to chatbots for therapy and mental health support should keep in mind that the AI can prove dangerous and sometimes falter in critical moments, like in response to ambiguous expressions of distress or passive suicidal thoughts.
- “Your AI doctor may be working for someone else” –Isaac Kohane, Boston Globe
- “Teens Are Using Chatbots as Therapists. That’s Alarming.” –Ryan K. McBain, NY Times
- “No, I don’t want an AI scribe to write my pulmonologist’s note” –Aliaa Barakat, Stat+
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