Amazon Unveils Healthcare AI Assistant on Website and App

Amazon announced on Tuesday that it is expanding the availability of its healthcare AI assistant across its website and mobile application. Previously known as Health AI, the tool was initially exclusive to the One Medical app—the healthcare provider Amazon purchased for $3.9 billion in 2023.

Health AI is capable of answering health-related queries, interpreting medical records, managing prescription refills, scheduling appointments, and more. According to Amazon, neither a Prime subscription nor One Medical membership is required to use the assistant.

Although Health AI can respond to general health inquiries without accessing personal medical data, Amazon emphasizes that it is designed to serve as a personalized health aide. This means it can offer customized advice and perform tasks such as connecting users with healthcare providers and appropriate treatments.

Still, sharing health information with AI systems carries certain risks. Researchers have cautioned against the practice, noting that companies may use these conversations to train their models.

In a press statement, Amazon clarified that it trains its Health AI models using anonymized patterns, not directly identifiable information. For instance, if several users ask about drug interactions, the company may analyze these patterns—while keeping individual identities private—to refine Health AI’s responses to similar questions.

Amazon also stated that all interactions with Health AI occur within a HIPAA-compliant environment, protected by encryption and strict access controls. However, the company did not detail the specific encryption methods used or identify who has access to user conversations. TechCrunch has requested further information.

If users grant Health AI access to their health records, Amazon says this is done via the Health Information Exchange—a secure nationwide system for sharing patient medical data.

Image Credits: Amazon

When professional care is needed, Health AI can connect users to a One Medical provider. Prime members in the U.S. who use the service are eligible for up to five complimentary direct-message consultations with a provider for more than 30 common health issues, including cold and flu, allergies, acid reflux, pink eye, UTIs, erectile dysfunction, anti-aging skincare, and hair loss. Non-Prime members can schedule appointments through Amazon’s pay-per-visit option.

Users can sign up for Health AI through the Amazon Health page. As access is gradually rolled out, eligible individuals will receive an email notification when the assistant becomes available to them.

Once granted access, users must create or sign into their personal Amazon Health profile. They can then begin a conversation by typing their health question directly to Health AI on Amazon.com or within the Amazon app.

Example questions include: “Can you help me understand my recent cholesterol results and their implications?” or “I’m experiencing congestion and a sore throat. What steps should I take?”

Amazon’s expansion of Health AI arrives as major AI platforms increasingly enter the healthcare sector. In January, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Health, a specialized version of its chatbot for medical inquiries. Just a week later, Anthropic announced its own healthcare-focused offering, Claude for Healthcare.