40M Americans turn to ChatGPT for health care (www.axios.com)

Over 40 million Americans are now using ChatGPT daily for health care information, according to a report from OpenAI. This trend reflects a growing reliance on AI tools to navigate the complexities of the U.S. health care system, with patients viewing ChatGPT as an invaluable ally in managing their health care needs. Users are increasingly seeking help with issues like deciphering medical bills and appealing insurance denials, especially in underserved rural areas where traditional access to healthcare is often limited. The significance of this trend is underscored by the data, showing that over 5% of all ChatGPT interactions globally are health-related, with 1.6 to 1.9 million health insurance queries weekly. The AI's ability to provide personalized responses based on context can help users make informed decisions, particularly in urgent situations. However, there are concerns about the reliability of the advice it gives, especially regarding mental health, leading to legal issues for OpenAI. The company is actively working on enhancing ChatGPT's capabilities, including the upcoming GPT-5 model, which aims to provide more accurate and responsible health-related responses while directing users to professional help when necessary. As AI continues to play a role in health care guidance, the implications for accuracy, liability, and access to patient data will remain critical to watch.