OpenAI’s recent partnership with b.well marks a pivotal moment in healthcare technology. With ChatGPT Health, OpenAI is integrating consumer medical records through b.well’s data connectivity infrastructure, aiming to deliver personalized interactions. This collaboration is a direct response to the surge in healthcare-related ChatGPT conversations. The message is clear: Consumers are eager for timely, simplified explanations of their medical care and need better tools to navigate a complex system. OpenAI and b.well are betting on a future where patients are empowered with insights from their own electronic health record (EHR). This bold vision comes with significant challenges and responsibilities, however:
Health literacy remains a barrier. Despite rapid AI adoption, one-third of healthcare practitioners cite low health literacy among patients as a top challenge to engagement. For AI to truly empower patients, it must translate complex EHR data into plain-language, actionable insights. Without addressing health literacy, even the most advanced AI tools risk leaving many patients behind. This means investing in user-centric design, clear communication, and ongoing education for both patients and providers.
Accuracy is still unproven. Healthcare demands precision. Large language models such as ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overview show promise but can also be inaccurate and at times offer contraindicated recommendations. Allowing AI to interpret medical records for consumers — or provide clinical decision support — without rigorous piloting and algorithm refinement is risky. The industry must prioritize robust validation, transparency in AI decision-making, and continuous human oversight to ensure safety and trust.
AI’s promise differs from its current reality. AI offers immense potential, from automating administrative tasks to enabling predictive insights, but success depends on aligning investments with realistic benefits and timelines. Overhyping AI’s capabilities can lead to disappointment and wasted resources. Instead, healthcare organizations (HCOs) should focus on technologies that deliver measurable value now while laying the groundwork for future innovation.
AI Dominates The Headlines — But It’s Only Part Of The Story
HCOs are at a pivotal moment. Regulatory upheaval, relentless cost pressures, and staffing shortages are forcing leaders to rethink how they deliver care and manage operations. Innovative technology is no longer optional — it’s the foundation for resilience and growth. While only 40% of business and technology professionals at US HCOs reported increased tech spending last year, nearly two-thirds expect budgets to rise in the coming year. This signals a clear shift toward technology-driven strategies. At the center of this evolution, AI is becoming the connective tissue linking diverse technologies.
Forrester’s recent analysis identifies the top emerging technologies that will shape healthcare’s future, organized by when they are likely to deliver meaningful benefits to HCOs. Prioritizing investments and crafting a future-ready roadmap based on these insights is essential. The partnership between OpenAI and b.well serves as a prime example of how these technologies are not only shaping healthcare’s future but actively redefining its present. By strategically planning across benefit horizons, addressing critical challenges such as health literacy and accuracy, and adopting AI-driven solutions with realistic expectations, HCOs can unlock cost savings, enhance patient experiences, and lay the groundwork for intelligent healthcare systems.
To get an in-depth look at all 10 emerging technologies and their benefit horizons, read the report, The Top Emerging Technologies For Healthcare, 2025, and schedule a guidance session.
