ChatGPT now has a space for sharing medical records. Should you?
OpenAI has introduced a new feature within ChatGPT called Health. This update allows users to upload medical records like lab results and medications. Users can also connect Apple Health to sync fitness and activity data. The company states this tool can help users track changes over time, compare test results, and analyze how sleep or workout routines impact their overall health. OpenAI reports that 300 million people already ask the platform health questions every week.
Experts note that while AI offers a way to organize health data, serious risks remain. Tanzeem Choudhury, a health innovation expert at Cornell Tech, points out that AI models can hallucinate or provide inaccurate information. Previous instances have shown that relying on chatbots for critical medical advice can lead to dangerous outcomes. OpenAI maintains that the tool does not replace a doctor and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.
Privacy remains a significant concern for many users uploading sensitive medical records. While OpenAI states that data shared through this feature will not be used to train models or target ads, experts like Columbia professor Vishal Misra warn that users should remain cautious. Terms of service can change over time, and the responsibility for verifying information or deciding when to see a physician rests entirely with the user.
If you decide to use this feature to track your health information, industry professionals recommend treating the output as a starting point for conversation rather than a final diagnosis. Any information gathered from the AI should be reviewed by a human medical professional before taking action on your health. The most effective use involves gathering your data to present to a doctor during an appointment.