OpenAI to Launch Separate Health Service ‘ChatGPT Health’

Staff Report: PNN

OpenAI has taken a new initiative to provide a dedicated health-focused experience within its AI platform, ChatGPT. On Wednesday, the company announced a new service called “ChatGPT Health,” where users can discuss physical and mental health matters in a dedicated space.

OpenAI noted that a large number of users already ask ChatGPT about health and wellness. Around 230 million people seek medical, fitness, and wellness information on the platform every week. With this new service, health-related conversations will be separated from general chat, ensuring that personal health topics do not automatically appear in everyday interactions.

If someone starts discussing health in a regular chat, the AI will suggest moving to the Health section. In this dedicated space, users’ health-related discussions can be organized more effectively.

ChatGPT Health can also leverage some prior user information. For instance, if someone previously sought advice on preparing for a marathon, the AI will recognize them as a runner when discussing fitness goals in the Health section.

Another significant feature is integration with various health and fitness apps, such as Apple Health, MyFitnessPal, or Function apps, allowing users to connect personal health data. OpenAI has clarified that conversations in the Health section will not be used to train AI models.

Fidji Simo, CEO of OpenAI’s application division, wrote in a blog post that ChatGPT Health addresses long-standing issues in current healthcare systems, such as rising costs, limited access, overburdened doctors, and continuity of care. The AI initiative aims to assist in these areas.

However, experts caution that AI in healthcare carries risks. Large language models generate probabilistic responses and cannot guarantee accuracy. There remains the risk of misinformation. Therefore, OpenAI emphasizes that ChatGPT is not intended for diagnosis or treatment but should be used as an informational and supportive discussion tool.