OpenAI rolls out ChatGPT Health to all US users, claims better-than-clinician reasoning

OpenAI announced Thursday that it is expanding access to ChatGPT Health, a feature that allows users to connect their medical records and health-tracking data to the chatbot, to all users in the United States. The rollout follows a period of limited testing and marks a broader push into the healthcare sector.

The feature affects anyone in the U.S. who uses ChatGPT, as they can now link personal health information from sources such as fitness trackers or electronic medical records. OpenAI’s vice president of health product, Ashley Alexander, stated during a briefing that the company’s models “are now capable of reasoning at levels that are better than clinician level.” However, when pressed for evidence, OpenAI health lead Karan Singhal tempered that claim, noting that “there have been individual studies that have been poi…” without completing the statement, suggesting the evidence is not yet conclusive.

The significance lies in the potential for AI to assist with health management, but the mixed messaging from OpenAI raises questions about the reliability of such claims. The company did not provide specific numbers or dates for the studies referenced, nor did it name any independent research validating the performance comparison.

Background: OpenAI has been developing health-related applications for ChatGPT, and this expansion follows earlier limited releases. The company has faced scrutiny over the accuracy of its medical advice in the past.

Next steps: Users can begin linking their health data immediately, but OpenAI may face further questions about the validity of its performance claims as the feature reaches a wider audience. Regulators and healthcare professionals are likely to monitor the rollout closely.