MADISON (WKOW) — OpenAI is introducing a new feature called ChatGPT Healtha tool designed to answer health-related questions.
Even as some healthcare professionals embrace AI, they advise patients to take chatbot results with a grain of salt.
Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin is adopting AI in healthcare by creating a committee dedicated to the technology. However, they proceed with caution.
“Acting quickly is not as important as moving safely and responsibly,” said Dr. Kate Ledford.
Ledford wants patients to exercise caution when viewing OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Health. The tool allows patients to upload medical records and wellness app data to understand test results, prepare for doctor appointments, or get dietary advice.
“Integrate, use this to support, but don’t use it to replace,” Ledford said.
OpenAI pointed out that the tool is intended to guide medical care and not to replace it. Ledford’s biggest concern is that ChatGPT may miss critical personalized information needed to provide accurate advice, such as previous surgeries, family history and current medications.
“Input is important, Chat (GPT) or any other version of AI cannot see the full picture of your health,” Ledford said.
OpenAI claims the feature is a separate private space for sensitive data. Ledford wants chatbots to be transparent about data security but remains skeptical of their methods.
“I don’t know how this data is secure,” Ledford said.
ChatGPT Health hasn’t officially launched yet, but people can sign up for the waitlist.
“Being able to sit across from someone who develops that relationship with them is always going to be more important,” Ledford said.