Can ChatGPT diagnose medical conditions like Alex's heart issue?

ChatGPT can provide information and flag potential concerns based on user input, but it cannot provide a formal diagnosis. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns.

How are companies like OpenAI and Anthropic entering the healthcare market?

They are developing specialized AI tools for healthcare consumers and insurers, acquiring relevant startups, and emphasizing AI's role in supporting, not replacing, professional medical care.

Home / Technology / AI Chatbot Saves Man's Life: A Medical Fluke?

AI Chatbot Saves Man's Life: A Medical Fluke?

Q: What are the risks of using AI for health advice like OpenAI's tools?

Risks include AI 'hallucinations' (generating false information), potential for inappropriate attachments with vulnerable users, and data privacy concerns if sensitive health information is not handled securely.

21 Jan

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Summary

A writer's cardiac concerns were validated by a chatbot.
AI health tools are rapidly expanding into consumer markets.
AI in healthcare offers promise but carries risks.

AI Chatbot Saves Man's Life: A Medical Fluke?

A writer, identified only as Alex, narrowly avoided a potentially fatal cardiac event after a chatbot disagreed with his doctors about his calcium score. The AI suggested a concentrated buildup in the "widowmaker" artery indicated serious risk, prompting Alex to push for a CT scan that revealed a 95% blockage. This led to a life-saving stent procedure.

OpenAI and its competitor Anthropic are accelerating their AI healthcare offerings, acquiring startups and launching specialized products. These tools are designed to support, not replace, professional medical care, with extensive physician input guiding their development. OpenAI recently acquired Torch for $60 million to build "unified medical memory" for AI.

Despite the potential benefits, like providing accessible health advice for the uninsured, these AI tools are not without serious risks. Recent lawsuits allege harm from chatbots forming inappropriate attachments with vulnerable users, including instances of encouraging self-harm. Both OpenAI and Google's AI acknowledge their tendency to "hallucinate" and caution against replacing professional medical advice.