Included Health is launching an AI personal health assistant that'll face off with Big Tech from Verily to OpenAI

Included Health has recently introduced an innovative AI-driven personal health assistant, positioning itself to compete with major players in the healthcare technology sector. This new tool harnesses data from patients' medical claims and benefits information to provide immediate responses to health inquiries. The startup, which has been focused on enhancing patient engagement with healthcare for over a decade, aims to carve out a niche in the burgeoning healthcare AI landscape. Included Health's CEO, Owen Tripp, emphasized the necessity for precision in their AI assistant, distinguishing it from other AI solutions, including those offered by tech giants like Alphabet's Verily and OpenAI. After rigorous testing over the past 18 months, the AI assistant, named Dot, is being rolled out to Included Health's network of employers. During a recent open enrollment period, Dot effectively aided members with questions about their health benefits and prepared them for doctor visits by summarizing prior consultations for healthcare providers. While Tripp acknowledges the potential of AI models like OpenAI's ChatGPT to assist patients in understanding their health conditions, he insists that Included Health's approach goes beyond basic guidance. He stated, "When it comes to managing health, precise and secure patient data is crucial for addressing specific needs, including individual medical histories." The integration of AI in patient care raises regulatory concerns, particularly when personalized advice could encroach on the expertise of licensed clinicians. Tripp expressed skepticism about large tech companies successfully navigating these complexities, predicting they may retreat from the healthcare sector as previous firms have. Included Health continues to employ a substantial number of clinicians and care advocates, ensuring support is available for members who prefer human interaction. Notably, if Dot detects any mention of suicidal thoughts, an immediate response is triggered to ensure the patient receives urgent assistance. As the healthcare landscape evolves, Included Health is exploring partnerships with various AI companies to enhance its offerings. Although the company originally planned to go public in 2022, market challenges led to a postponement. Despite this, Included Health remains profitable and sees potential for future acquisitions to expand its services. Tripp remains optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead, stating, "The current market holds promise for acquiring technologies that will further benefit our members. We are open to utilizing capital for strategic mergers and acquisitions to enhance our capabilities."