Amazon has unveiled an innovative AI-powered assistant, named ‘Health AI,’ which will be integrated into One Medical, the digital-first primary care service the company acquired in 2023. This smart tool is designed to deliver personalized health advice around the clock, utilizing a patient’s medical history to provide tailored insights.
Health AI is equipped to interpret lab results, assist with medication management, and schedule appointments, enhancing user experience through technology. While it can also analyze images, Amazon has not clarified whether this pertains to medical images or user-uploaded photos. Notably, the company emphasized that Health AI is intended to supplement, rather than replace, healthcare providers, as it can address both general and complex health inquiries, taking individual health histories into account.
According to Amazon’s announcement, the AI recognizes situations where human clinical expertise may be necessary, although specifics regarding the scope of its medical advice remain limited.
Concerns surrounding data privacy inevitably arise with AI implementation. Amazon reassures users that it adheres to HIPAA-compliant privacy and security measures. Conversations held with Health AI are not automatically included in medical records, though users may have the option to do so, and the company stated it does not sell users’ personal health information.
One Medical operates a select number of physical locations in major U.S. cities, but its primary focus lies in telehealth services, available via an annual subscription that is discounted for Amazon Prime members. This integration of Health AI marks another significant advancement in Amazon’s healthcare endeavors, following recent initiatives such as same-day prescription deliveries and the development of vending machines for medications.
The introduction of Health AI aligns with a growing trend in the health sector, where various companies are deploying AI-driven chatbots and assistants. Notable competitors include Google, which integrated an AI health coach into its Fitbit app last year, and OpenAI, which launched a health-focused portal within ChatGPT in January.
