OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health, encouraging users to connect medical records (www.theverge.com)

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Health, a specialized version of its chatbot aimed at providing a secure environment for health-related inquiries. Users are encouraged to connect their medical records and wellness apps, allowing ChatGPT to deliver personalized responses based on data from sources like Apple Health and MyFitnessPal. While the service is designed to help users understand lab results, prepare for doctor visits, and receive guidance on diet and fitness, OpenAI emphasizes that ChatGPT Health is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. The platform leverages a partnership with b.well to enable the integration of medical records from around 2.2 million providers, and users can currently join a waitlist for beta access. The significance of this launch lies in its response to the increasing demand for AI-driven insights into personal health, evidenced by over 230 million weekly health-related inquiries made through ChatGPT. OpenAI has collaborated with physicians to refine the model's outputs, but the initiative raises concerns regarding mental health and security. While the company assures that conversations in ChatGPT Health are safeguarded with enhanced privacy measures, it does not offer end-to-end encryption, leaving open questions about data protection following previous security breaches. The potential for exacerbating health anxiety and providing inappropriate advice further complicates the implications of integrating AI into personal healthcare.