Amazon revealed on Tuesday that it is broadening the availability of its healthcare AI assistant to its main website and mobile application. This assistant, named Health AI, was initially exclusive to the app for One Medical, the healthcare provider Amazon purchased for $3.9 billion in 2023. The tool can respond to inquiries, clarify health records, handle prescription renewals, schedule appointments, and perform other tasks. According to Amazon, neither a Prime subscription nor a One Medical membership is required to use the assistant.

The company explains that while Health AI can address general health questions without needing personal medical data, it is intended to function as a customized health assistant. In this role, it can provide more specific advice and perform actions like linking users to medical professionals and treatment options. Naturally, sharing health information with AI involves certain risks, and experts advise caution, noting that companies may use such conversations for training their models. Amazon stated in a release that it trains its "Health AI models on abstracted patterns without directly identifying information." For instance, if numerous patients inquire about medication interactions, the company might analyze these patterns—while keeping individual names confidential—to enhance Health AI's responses to similar questions.

Amazon also noted that all interactions with Health AI occur within a HIPAA-compliant setting, with conversations safeguarded by "encryption and strict access controls." However, the company did not detail the specific encryption methods or specify who can access the data. If users grant Health AI access to their health information, Amazon says this is facilitated through the Health Information Exchange, the secure national system for sharing patient medical data. With this access, Health AI can analyze lab results, diagnoses, and medical records to deliver precise, personalized answers regarding symptoms and medications.

For those requiring professional care, Health AI can facilitate a connection to a One Medical provider. Prime members in the U.S. using the assistant are eligible for up to five complimentary direct-message consultations with a provider for over 30 common conditions, such as cold and flu, allergies, acid reflux, pink eye, UTIs, erectile dysfunction, anti-aging skincare, and hair loss. Non-Prime members can access One Medical providers via Amazon's pay-per-visit option.

Users can register for Health AI on the Amazon Health page. As Amazon rolls out wider access, eligible individuals will receive an email notification when they can start using the assistant. Once access is granted, users must create or log into their personal Amazon Health profile. They can then begin a conversation by typing a health-related question to Health AI on Amazon.com or within the Amazon app. Example questions include, "Can you explain my recent cholesterol results and what they mean for me?" or "I’m feeling congested and have a sore throat. What should I do?"

This expansion of Health AI coincides with a rapid entry of popular AI services into the healthcare sector. OpenAI launched ChatGPT Health, a health-focused version of its chatbot, in January. Just a week later, Anthropic introduced its own healthcare-oriented product, Claude for Healthcare.