Introducing Copilot Health: Your Personal Health Assistant by Microsoft
Microsoft has introduced Copilot Health, a new feature within Copilot that allows users to ask questions about lab results, medical records, find healthcare providers, and analyze data from wearables. The feature will be rolled out gradually, and users can join a waitlist to gain access. Copilot Health is not meant to replace medical professionals but aims to help users understand their health data better. Users can import medical records from various healthcare organizations and connect over 50 wearable devices to track their health data.
Copilot Health offers users the ability to search for medical professionals based on specialty, location, languages spoken, and accepted insurance plans. The feature is linked to real-time US provider directories to facilitate the search process. Microsoft has enhanced the quality and reliability of answers in Copilot Health by sourcing information from credible health organizations worldwide. Responses in Copilot Health will include citations with links to sources and expert-written answer cards from Harvard Health.
Chats in Copilot Health are kept separate from general Copilot chats and are subject to additional access, privacy, and safety controls. Microsoft assures users that data from Copilot Health chats is not used for training AI models. Users have the option to delete their health data or disconnect data sources at any time. While Microsoft does not currently have a HIPAA-compliant version of Copilot Health, it aims to meet the best standards in terms of data protection.
Dr. Dominic King, VP of health at Microsoft AI, clarified that HIPAA compliance is not mandatory for a direct-consumer experience like Copilot Health. However, Microsoft is working on implementing HIPAA controls to ensure data security and privacy. Copilot Health has an ISO 42001 certification, which promotes responsible use of AI systems. Despite certifications and intentions for HIPAA compliance, users should exercise caution when sharing medical data with AI platforms due to potential changes in data privacy policies and the history of AI providing inaccurate or unsafe medical advice.