OpenAI has launched a new feature called ChatGPT Health, aimed at helping users manage their health by integrating medical records and wellness applications directly into the chatbot experience. This innovative tool allows individuals to link their personal health information with the capabilities of ChatGPT, enhancing their ability to navigate health-related inquiries. Importantly, OpenAI has clarified that this feature is not intended for medical diagnosis or treatment, but is designed to serve as a supplemental resource for users seeking information about their health.
Collaboration and Privacy Protections
The development of ChatGPT Health involved collaboration with over 260 physicians, ensuring that the tool is informed by medical expertise. OpenAI has also prioritized user privacy, implementing specific encryption and isolation measures for health data. All health-related conversations, files, and linked applications will be stored separately from other interactions within the chatbot. According to OpenAI, data from ChatGPT Health will not be utilized for training its foundation models, reinforcing the commitment to user confidentiality.
Fidji Simo, CEO of applications at OpenAI, expressed excitement about the new feature in a recent post, stating, “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.” The company reports that health inquiries already rank among the most common uses of ChatGPT, with over 230 million people globally seeking answers to health and wellness questions each week.
Connecting Health Records and Wellness Apps
With ChatGPT Health, users can connect their medical records and various wellness applications, including Apple Health, MyFitnessPal, and Weight Watchers. OpenAI has partnered with b.well to facilitate secure access to health records from U.S. providers, ensuring that users can manage their health data effectively and securely. Importantly, the process of connecting apps and records requires explicit user permission and can be revoked at any time.
Currently, the feature is being rolled out to a small group of early users, with plans for broader availability in the coming weeks. OpenAI’s emphasis on user control and privacy, combined with a commitment to enhancing the health management experience, positions ChatGPT Health as a potentially valuable resource for millions looking to take charge of their well-being.