Microsoft unveiled Copilot Health, an AI tool designed to organize medical records and fitness data into a coherent narrative. The tool operates within a secure space in the Copilot app to provide context for user questions directed at doctors. Microsoft stated the tool is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
The development addresses the fragmentation of health data across providers and the volume of daily health inquiries on AI platforms. Microsoft reports users ask over 50 million health-related questions daily across its AI products. The tool aims to help users access affordable healthcare by consolidating data from disparate sources.
Copilot Health pulls activity, fitness, and sleep data from over 50 devices, including Apple Watch, Oura, and Fitbit. Through HealthEx, it accesses health records from more than 50,000 US hospitals and provider organizations. The tool can also tap into lab test results from Function if the user grants access.
The AI applies intelligence to turn disparate details into a coherent story, such as identifying reasons for poor sleep. It accesses real-time US provider directories to help users find clinicians based on location, specialty, spoken languages, and insurance coverage. Microsoft sources information from credible health organizations across 50 countries.
“We’ve improved the quality and reliability of answers by elevating information from credible health organizations across 50 countries,” Microsoft stated. The company verified this information using principles established by the National Academy of Medicine. Responses include clear citations with links to source material and expert-written answer cards from Harvard Health.
Privacy measures include siloing Copilot Health data from the broader Copilot app and encryption at rest and in transit. Users can delete their information and revoke access to health records and wearable data at any time. Microsoft stated it will not use Copilot Health information to train its models.
The tool was built following Microsoft’s responsible AI principles in collaboration with its clinical team and over 230 physicians. Copilot Health achieved ISO/IEC 42001 certification, the first standard for AI management systems. An independent third party verified how Microsoft builds, governs, and improves the AI behind the service.
Microsoft has opened a waitlist for interested users. The tool will initially be available in English in the US for adults aged 18 and over. The company plans to add support for more languages and voice options and will announce availability for other territories later.
While initially free, Microsoft plans to charge for access via a subscription, according to The New York Times. Pricing details have not been disclosed. The announcement follows Amazon’s expansion of its Health AI tool and OpenAI’s testing of ChatGPT Health.
Potential benefits include helping users access affordable healthcare and consolidate data spread across multiple providers. Risks include AI hallucinations, bad advice, and the potential for LLM-based tools to downplay or exaggerate risks. These tools differ from simple tracking or doctor communication functions.
Microsoft is a technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The company’s stock ticker is MSFT. Copilot Health is the latest addition to Microsoft’s AI-powered consumer products.
