OpenAI rolls out ChatGPT Health for personalised health questions

OpenAI on Wednesday launched ChatGPT Health, a new feature designed to help users ask health-related questions in a more secure and personalised way, while clearly stating it is not meant for medical diagnosis or treatment.

ChatGPT Health appears as a separate, sandboxed tab inside ChatGPT. OpenAI says it has its own chat history and memory, keeping health conversations isolated from general AI interactions.

How does ChatGPT Health work?

Users are encouraged to link their medical and wellness data in order to get better results. The platforms that the AI is compatible with include Apple Health, Peloton, MyFitnessPal, Weight Watchers, and Function. The data generated by this is then linked to the AI in order for the AI to get the required information.

As regards healthcare records, OpenAI has collaborated with b.well, which is a healthcare data platform that supports 2.2 million healthcare providers. This feature enables patients to upload lab results, visit summaries, and healthcare history, which ChatGPT Health is capable of processing to provide explanations regarding trends or information. The company claims it is only intended to improve patient comprehension and not substitute professionals.

Availability of ChatGPT Health is not rolled out globally. One has to put oneself on the waiting list, as it has been out in beta form to a few people initially. OpenAI has stated that it will be available for all users, free as well as paid accounts.

Although it has enhanced capabilities, OpenAI has consistently emphasised that ChatGPT Health is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. It also have accepted that despite precautions, it is impossible to fully control how people choose to use AI once they leave the chat.