For some time, Alan has provided its users with a chat interface that allows them to pose questions to a doctor and receive responses in approximately 15 minutes. The logical progression in today's landscape is to incorporate artificial intelligence into medical discussions, prompting Alan to introduce a virtual assistant named Mo to enhance the chat functionality.
“At one end, we increasingly desire to take control of our health. Conversely, our healthcare system remains predominantly reactive and is thus under continuous pressure,” stated Antoine Lizée, Alan’s AI lead, during a press conference on Tuesday.
However, due to the tendency of AI chatbots to produce inaccurate information, healthcare providers may hesitate to depend on such tools for reliable data or risk misdiagnosing patients. This concern has been highlighted recently, with a study from a University of Michigan researcher revealing that eight out of ten AI-generated medical transcriptions contained some degree of erroneous information.
In response, Alan has implemented measures to mitigate these risks. Firstly, the use of the AI chatbot is completely optional. “Mo rephrases my question, introduces itself, and asks whether I would like to begin with Mo or speak directly to a doctor,” Lizée clarified.
Secondly, Mo’s responses are reviewed by a doctor within a 15-minute timeframe. The physician can either validate the medical guidance provided or amend any inaccuracies in the conversation. Subsequently, patients will receive a notification detailing the doctor's perspective on the AI's responses.
Alan reported that it has enabled 900 interactions between its users and Mo in recent weeks. With 680,000 individuals currently utilizing Alan’s health insurance offerings, Mo is poised to become a widely adopted AI chatbot in the healthcare sector. It will be intriguing to observe user responses to this new feature and how Alan refines the bot over time.
Currently, Mo primarily functions as a chatbot, but the company intends to enhance its capabilities by incorporating memory and personalization features to make it more proactive. “This is merely the beginning. Our vision for Mo extends beyond this initial phase. We aim to develop it into a health companion that comprehends your context and health history,” stated Lizée.
In addition to the AI functionalities, Alan has introduced a mobile shop where users can purchase dietary supplements, sports gear, baby products, and other health-related items.
“It’s a carefully curated selection of health and wellness products designed to enhance your daily life,” explained Mélanie Alsberghe, Alan's product manager. “We prioritize French brands that align with our high standards and values, and we have secured preferential pricing for our members.”
This initiative appears to be the first step in a larger strategy. Online pharmacies are relatively rare in France due to regulatory and logistical challenges, positioning Alan to potentially offer over-the-counter medications in the future.
Lastly, the company is launching Alan Walk, a gamified step counter. By opting into Alan Walk, users can utilize their phone or smartwatch’s pedometer to track their steps.
Alan stated that Walk is designed to combat sedentary behavior, and users can earn virtual currency, referred to as berries, by achieving specific step milestones.
“You can use your berries to donate to charities, receive discounts in the Alan Shop, or customize your avatar,” noted Antoine Moulet, Alan's product manager. A leaderboard will also display your ranking among colleagues.
Alan co-founder and CEO Jean-Charles Samuelian-Werve emphasized, "Our focus is on enhancing the seamless integration of health insurance, preventive care, and access to medical services."
Recently, Alan secured $193 million in funding, achieving a remarkable valuation of $4.5 billion. Following its operations in France, Belgium, and Spain, the company revealed last month its intention to enter the Canadian market, marking the introduction of the first new health insurance provider in nearly seven decades.