Microsoft has introduced Copilot Health, an AI-powered tool designed to organize users’ medical records, health history, and fitness data from wearables, aiming to provide a coherent narrative for millions of users.
The development is intended to consolidate fragmented health data, helping users ask doctors better questions by providing context within the Copilot app in a separate, secure space. Microsoft clarified that Copilot Health is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Copilot Health aggregates activity, fitness, and sleep data from over 50 devices, including Apple Watch, Oura, and Fitbit. It also accesses health records from more than 50,000 US hospitals and provider organizations through HealthEx, including visit summaries and medication details. With user permission, it can tap into lab test results from Function.
The tool uses intelligence to turn data into a narrative, such as identifying reasons for poor sleep. It accesses real-time US provider directories, helping users find clinicians based on location, specialty, spoken languages, and insurance coverage. Microsoft stated that it has improved answer quality by sourcing information from credible health organizations across 50 countries.
Responses from Copilot Health include clear citations with links to source material and expert-written answer cards from Harvard Health. The information has been verified using principles from the National Academy of Medicine. According to Microsoft, “We’ve improved the quality and reliability of answers by elevating information from credible health organizations across 50 countries.”
To ensure privacy, Copilot Health data is siloed from the broader app, and data is encrypted both at rest and in transit. Users have the ability to delete data or cut off access at any time. Microsoft has stated that it will not use Copilot Health information to train its models.
Copilot Health was developed following Microsoft’s responsible AI principles, incorporating feedback from over 230 physicians. The tool has achieved ISO/IEC 42001 certification, verified by an independent third party. As noted by Microsoft, “Copilot Health has achieved ISO/IEC 42001 certification.”
A waitlist is now open for users in the US aged 18 and over. Initially available in English, Microsoft plans to add more languages and voice options in the future. The company intends to charge for access via a subscription, although pricing details have not been disclosed.
The launch of Copilot Health follows similar moves by other tech giants, including Amazon’s expansion of its Health AI tool and OpenAI’s testing of ChatGPT Health, with Anthropic also offering healthcare tools. Potential risks associated with such AI tools include AI hallucinations, bad advice, and the possibility of exaggerating or downplaying risks.
Microsoft initially launched Copilot in 2023 as an AI assistant integrated into Windows and Office products. The company currently has a market capitalization of over $3 trillion.
