A new report from OpenAI reveals the increasing popularity of AI for obtaining healthcare information and finding the way through often complex healthcare systems. 

Data from the report shows:

• Of all the ChatGPT messages globally, over 5% are related to healthcare – this is billions of messages each week.

• ChatGPT receives healthcare questions from more than 40 million people each day.
• Between 1.5-2.0 million health insurance questions are directed to ChatGPT. These questions include:
  • Comparisons among health plans
  • Claims and billing issues
  • Cost information
• 70% of the healthcare questions occur after regular business hours.
• 60% of US adults have used AI tools for healthcare or health questions in the 3 months prior to a December 2025 survey. Specific AI uses included:
  • Checking health symptoms (55%)
  • Clarification of medical terms or treatment instructions (48%)
  • Learning more about treatment options (>40%)

One important use of AI for health information is in areas where healthcare is not as available, such as rural areas. OpenAI reported that there were over 580,000 healthcare messages per week in these areas.

Consumers do need to keep in mind that there are potential risks with AI technology, including giving information that isn't correct.