OpenAI has launched a new feature called ChatGPT Health, aimed at enhancing users’ understanding and management of their health by integrating medical records and wellness applications with the chatbot. This innovation allows users to connect personal health information directly to ChatGPT, providing a more informed approach to health inquiries.
The company clarified that ChatGPT Health is not designed for diagnosis or treatment but serves as a supplementary resource to support users in navigating their health concerns. “ChatGPT Health is another step toward turning ChatGPT into a personal super-assistant that can support you with information and tools to achieve your goals across any part of your life,” said Fidji Simo, CEO of applications at OpenAI.
Collaboration with Health Professionals
According to OpenAI, health-related queries represent one of the most common uses of ChatGPT, with over 230 million users worldwide asking questions about health and wellness each week. The development of ChatGPT Health involved collaboration with more than 260 physicians, ensuring that the feature is grounded in medical expertise.
To address privacy concerns, OpenAI has implemented robust safeguards, including purpose-built encryption and isolation for health data. Conversations related to health, along with any associated files and connected applications, are stored separately within the chatbot, ensuring that this sensitive information remains confidential. Furthermore, OpenAI has committed that data from ChatGPT Health will not be utilized to train its foundation models.
Connecting with Wellness Apps
Users can link their medical records and various wellness applications, including Apple Health, MyFitnessPal, and Weight Watchers, to enhance their health management experience. OpenAI has partnered with b.well to facilitate secure access to health records from U.S. healthcare providers.
The process of connecting records and apps requires explicit user permission, and users can revoke access at any time. Currently, ChatGPT Health is being rolled out to a select group of early users, with plans for broader access in the upcoming weeks.
This initiative reflects OpenAI’s ongoing commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence in ways that prioritize user privacy and health empowerment, marking a significant step in the intersection of technology and personal wellness.
