ChatGPT Draws 40 Million Daily Users Seeking Health Advice

More than 40 million people around the world now use ChatGPT every day for health-related advice, reflecting a growing reliance on artificial intelligence to understand symptoms, medical information, and treatment options. According to OpenAI, healthcare questions make up over five percent of all messages sent to the chatbot, showing how deeply AI tools are becoming part of everyday health decision-making.

Surveys cited by OpenAI indicate that three out of five adults in the United States have used ChatGPT for health purposes within the past three months. Many of these interactions happen outside normal clinic hours, suggesting that people are turning to AI when traditional medical services are unavailable or difficult to access. Users most often seek help checking symptoms, understanding complex medical terms, and learning about possible treatments before or after seeing a doctor.

OpenAI says the technology is helping patients feel more informed and in control of their health, especially in rural and underserved areas where hospitals, specialists, and timely care may be limited. By offering clear explanations and general guidance, the chatbot can help users better prepare for medical visits and navigate complicated healthcare systems.

The use of ChatGPT is also expanding among healthcare professionals. Surveys show that about two in five US healthcare workers, including nurses and pharmacists, use generative AI tools on a weekly basis. These professionals rely on AI to help draft clinical notes, summarise medical research, and reduce administrative workloads, allowing them to spend more time on patient care.

Despite its rapid adoption, regulation of AI in healthcare remains limited. Some US states have begun exploring rules to govern the use of artificial intelligence in medical settings, and a small number of lawsuits have emerged following cases where AI-generated advice was linked to harm. These developments have raised concerns about safety, accountability, and oversight as AI tools become more common.

OpenAI maintains that ChatGPT is designed to support, not replace, medical professionals. The company says the tool helps people interpret information, prepare questions for doctors, and fill gaps in access to care, rather than offering diagnoses or direct treatment. To address concerns and guide future use, OpenAI plans to release policy recommendations focused on the responsible adoption of AI in healthcare delivery.