OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health, Promising Major Advancements for Users
OpenAI is set to launch ChatGPT Health for all users in the US on Thursday, enabling a wider audience to link their medical records and health-tracking data to the chatbot. During a recent briefing, Ashley Alexander, OpenAI’s VP of health product, stated that the company’s models “are now capable of reasoning at levels that are better than clinician level.”
When pressed for details on how OpenAI’s models compare to human clinicians, health lead Karan Singhal suggested a more cautious view of the claim, noting that while “there have been individual studies that have been pointing in that direction,” it’s important to temper expectations. This comes in light of a lawsuit filed by a Florida pastor who alleged that ChatGPT provided him with “extremely dangerous medical recommendations,” which he claims delayed his treatment for a pulmonary embolism.
The rollout of ChatGPT Health follows closely on the heels of the introduction of GPT-5.6 Sol, touted as the “strongest model yet for health.” With this update, users will be able to inquire about their connected medical information directly in the main chat interface, eliminating the need to switch to a dedicated ChatGPT Health tab. The chatbot will request permission before utilizing health data to tailor its responses, ensuring that “all conversations are encrypted at rest and in transit,” with additional encryption for information linked through Health.
Users will have the ability to review and modify the types of health data they connect to ChatGPT, including post-visit notes, care team notes, lab results, and medication lists. Currently, data can be linked from various health providers and services like Apple Health, Weight Watchers, MyFitnessPal, and Function. OpenAI emphasizes that ChatGPT Health is designed to support, not replace, professional medical care. The feature will be available to all logged-in ChatGPT users aged 18 and older on the web and iOS, across free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans.
