By Sebastián Alburquerque – 11th grade

OpenAI developed ChatGPT Health in response to users’ demands for a dedicated source of information related to health and wellness. Announced in January 2026, this new tool uses ChatGPT’s AI capabilities to provide users with access to their personal health information and to support users in making better informed choices about their healthcare (OpenAI, 2026). More than 230 million people worldwide use ChatGPT weekly for health-related questions, indicating a large market for a simple and accessible way to find accurate health information, especially in a digital platform.

ChatGPT Health organizes health-related conversations separately from other areas of ChatGPT by adding a “Health” tab within the application. This separation helps users more easily find relevant and usable content specific to their individual circumstances. Users have the ability to upload certain types of medical documents (for example lab test results) to ChatGPT, as well as link wellness-related mobile applications like MyFitnessPal or Apple Health to ChatGPT. By having access to these additional sources of information, ChatGPT is better equipped to provide tailored responses to users. Users can ask specific questions regarding a lab test result or access information on how test results relate to their overall health pattern. Users can also generate relevant questions to ask their healthcare provider in preparation for their visits. Ultimately, the features of ChatGPT Health create an easier way for users to find accurate and personalized information about their health.

One major advantage of ChatGPT Health is its focus on accessibility. Many people struggle to understand medical language, which is often complex and technical. ChatGPT Health explains health information using simpler words and conversational language. This can help users feel less overwhelmed when reviewing medical data. In addition, the tool is available at any time, which may benefit people who cannot easily access healthcare providers due to cost, location, or time constraints.

Another benefit is improved health literacy. Research suggests that AI tools like ChatGPT can help users better understand health information by presenting it clearly and at an appropriate reading level (Marasovic Šušnjara & Ćulav Šolto, 2024). When people understand their health conditions better, they may feel more confident asking questions and participating in medical decisions. In this way, ChatGPT Health may help users become more active participants in their own care.

Privacy and security are central to ChatGPT Health’s design. OpenAI states that health conversations are stored in a separate, encrypted environment that is isolated from normal chats. Sensitive health data is not used to train AI models, and users maintain control over what information is shared. Connecting apps or medical records is optional, and users must give clear permission before any data is linked. These safeguards are meant to build trust, especially since health information is highly personal.

Despite these advantages, ChatGPT Health also has important limitations. The most significant concern is that it is not a medical profession. OpenAI clearly states that the tool is not intended to diagnose illnesses or provide treatment. While it can explain information, it cannot replace the judgment of a trained healthcare provider. There is a risk that users may rely too heavily on the tool instead of seeking professional care, especially if symptoms seem mild or unclear.

Another challenge is accuracy. ChatGPT, like other AI systems, generates responses based on patterns in data rather than true understanding. This means it can sometimes provide incomplete or incorrect information. Medical guidelines also change over time, and if new research is published after the model’s training period, the system may not reflect the most current standards. If users share inaccurate information, the responses may also be misleading. These risks highlight the importance of verifying information with a healthcare professional.

Bias is another concern. AI systems are trained on large datasets that may reflect existing inequalities in healthcare. If certain populations are underrepresented in the data, the advice given may not fully apply to everyone. This raises questions about fairness and reliability, especially for users from diverse backgrounds. While OpenAI works with physicians to reduce these risks, complete neutrality is difficult to achieve.

To improve reliability, OpenAI developed ChatGPT Health with input from medical experts. Over 260 physicians from more than 60 countries reviewed hundreds of thousands of responses. Their feedback helped shape how the system explains information, handles sensitive topics, and encourages users to seek urgent care when needed. OpenAI also created an evaluation system called HealthBench to test the model on real-world health tasks. These steps show an effort to make the tool safer and more responsible.

ChatGPT Health is part of a larger trend of artificial intelligence entering healthcare. Some medical providers already use AI tools to help with tasks such as writing patient notes or summarizing visits. For example, Carbon Health uses AI to assist doctors by drafting clinical documentation during appointments (Ravindranath, 2023). While ChatGPT Health is designed for patients rather than doctors, both approaches aim to reduce workload and improve communication.

However, the growing role of AI in healthcare raises ethical questions. There are concerns about data security, overreliance on technology, and unequal access. ChatGPT Health is currently available only in certain regions and requires joining a waitlist. This limited access means that not everyone can benefit equally, at least for now. Expanding availability while maintaining safety will be a major challenge moving forward.

Overall, ChatGPT Health represents a promising but cautious step toward making health information more accessible. It offers clear benefits, such as easier understanding of medical data, improved health literacy, and increased patient engagement. At the same time, it carries risks related to accuracy, bias, and misuse. When used responsibly, as a support tool rather than a replacement for medical care, it has the potential to empower users and improve how people interact with their health information.

As artificial intelligence continues to develop, tools like ChatGPT Health may become more common in everyday life. Their success will depend on careful design, strong ethical standards, and ongoing collaboration with medical professionals. If these conditions are met, AI could play an important role in helping people make informed health decisions while recognizing the limits of technology and the essential role of human care.

References

OpenAI. (2026, January 7). Introducing ChatGPT Health. https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-health/

Varghese, H. M., & Singh, P. (2026, January 7). OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health to connect medical records, wellness apps. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/openai-launches-chatgpt-health-connect-medical-records-wellness-apps-2026-01-07/

Silberling, A. (2026, January 7). OpenAI unveils ChatGPT Health, says 230 million users ask about health each week. TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/07/openai-unveils-chatgpt-health-says-230-million-users-ask-about-health-each-week/

Ravindranath, M. (2023, June 5). Carbon Health is already using AI to write patient records. STAT News. https://www.statnews.com/2023/06/05/ai-medical-records-carbon-health/

Marasovic Šušnjara, I., & Ćulav Šolto, M. (2024). Can ChatGPT affect health literacy? European Journal of Public Health, 34(Supplement_3). https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckae144.1709