Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Mar 9, 2026
Open Peer Review Period: Mar 9, 2026 - May 4, 2026
Date Accepted: Apr 29, 2026
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Solidarity or Segregation? ChatGPT Health and U.S. Healthcare Disparities
ABSTRACT
A recent report published by OpenAI highlights several structural deficiencies within the United States healthcare system. These include patients’ difficulties in navigating a complex healthcare system, as well as the persistence of medical deserts all over the country. The introduction of a new Health function within the chatbot ChatGPT seeks to mitigates these issues, potentially serving as an accessible initial point of contact for individuals with limited access to traditional healthcare services. Vulnerable patients may tend to resort to ChatGPT Health to address unmet medical needs. Such overreliance can potentially lead to dangerous behaviors, such as medical rationing or self-medication. Moreover, the lack of emotional intelligence and contextual knowledge, and the potential reinforcement of confirmation bias represent hidden and insidious risks for users. To tackle both the upstream and downstream issues related to ChatGPT Health, policy solutions rooted in solidarity are needed.
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