Key Takeaways
- 230 million people ask ChatGPT health-related questions weekly, indicating high user engagement.
- The ChatGPT Health product intends to address risks associated with AI-driven health queries.
- Over 1,000 AI-related bills were introduced in the US in 2025, with significant public demand for regulation.
- Patients interacting with chatbots may sometimes disregard their doctor’s advice based on chatbot input.
- Chatbots could enhance medical literacy by improving access to reliable health information.
What We Know So Far
Engagement with Health Chatbots
chatbots in healthcare — Recent reports reveal that approximately 230 million people engage with ChatGPT weekly for health-related inquiries. This high level of interaction underscores a growing trend where users turn to AI as a preliminary source of healthcare information.
The introduction of the ChatGPT Health product is a response to this trend, aiming to reduce the inherent risks tied to AI-based health consultations. As users seek answers online, the need for reliable and accurate information has never been more critical.
Regulatory Landscape
In 2025, state legislators across the United States introduced more than 1,000 AI bills in response to increasing public concern about the implications of artificial intelligence in daily life, particularly regarding healthcare. This trend represents a significant shift as the public increasingly calls for regulatory measures.
Many states took decisive action, enacting over 100 new AI laws within the same year. These legislative efforts highlight the evolving dialogue on the need for effective governance in the rapidly advancing technological landscape.
Key Details and Context
More Details from the Release
Patients who interact with chatbots may reject their doctor’s advice based on the chatbot’s responses.
ChatGPT and Claude may help reduce the burden of medical misinformation when compared to traditional searches like Dr. Google.
Doctors see LLMs as a potential boon for medical literacy, potentially helping patients distinguish high-quality medical sources.
Some states enacted over 100 AI laws in 2025 amid growing public demand for regulation.
In 2025, state legislators introduced more than 1,000 AI bills in the US.
The ChatGPT Health product aims to mitigate the risks of using AI for health-related queries.
230 million people ask ChatGPT health-related queries each week.
Addressing Medical Misinformation
Doctors believe that language models (LLMs), including ChatGPT and Claude, have the potential to significantly enhance medical literacy. They argue that these tools could aid patients in distinguishing between high-quality medical information and less credible sources.
“a lot of attacking patient anxiety [and] reducing misinformation,”
In contrast to conventional search engines, which often yield inconsistent and misguiding health information, AI chatbots may provide answers that are more contextually relevant, helping users navigate medical topics more effectively.
Challenges with Patient-Provider Interactions
However, reliance on chatbots comes with its own challenges. There is concern that patients consulting with chatbots might sometimes reject their doctors’ professional advice in favor of the chatbot’s responses. This disruption in the traditional patient-doctor relationship calls for careful integration of AI tools into healthcare settings.
Nonetheless, experts like Marc Succi have noted that these tools could address other pressing issues, stating, “a lot of attacking patient anxiety [and] reducing misinformation,” illustrating their potential role in modern healthcare.
What Happens Next
Future of AI Regulation
The rapid development of AI technologies such as chatbots is fostering a broad public discourse on regulation. With the introduction of over 1,000 AI bills, the question arises: How is expected to state and federal regulators respond to these emerging technologies?
As Marc Succi pointed out, evaluating AI chatbots remains complex: “It’s exceedingly difficult to evaluate an open-ended chatbot.” This complexity adds weight to the necessity of effective oversight and regulation as use cases proliferate in healthcare.
Implications for Patients and Providers
The integration of AI in healthcare signifies a shift toward patient-centered care, but it also poses challenges that need addressing. Continued research and legislative action are essential to mitigate risks while advancing beneficial technological innovations in medical practice.
Why This Matters
Transforming Access to Information
The implications of chatbots in healthcare could reshape how patients access information and engage with medical advice. As AI tools evolve, they is expected to play a crucial role in improving medical literacy and public health.
“you see patients with a college education, a high school education, asking questions at the level of something an early med student might ask.”
Moreover, their potential to tackle misinformation is significant, particularly in light of ongoing public health challenges. For instance, with rising concern over diseases like measles, timely and credible information is crucial; as noted, “nearly 59 million lives have been saved by the measles vaccine.”
FAQ
How many people use ChatGPT for health-related queries?
Around 230 million people ask health-related questions to ChatGPT each week.
What is the aim of the ChatGPT Health product?
It aims to mitigate risks associated with using AI for health-related inquiries.
What is the trend in AI regulation in the US?
In 2025, over 1,000 AI bills were introduced in response to increasing calls for regulation.
Can chatbots help reduce medical misinformation?
Yes, chatbots like ChatGPT may help reduce the burden of medical misinformation compared to traditional searches.
