AI-Only Examination and Prescription Process for Utah Patients

Expectations that artificial intelligence would take over highly skilled medical roles, once emphasized by influential figures like Geoffrey Hinton, have not yet materialized. The thought of receiving a medical examination from an AI doctor seemed like a distant concern at best. a recent pilot initiative in Utah is beginning to shed light on this idea, bringing the notion of AI-driven healthcare a step closer to reality.

This program is currently limited to a one-year trial and is designed specifically for patients dealing with mild-to-moderate acne. Those with severe or complicated cases will still be referred to human medical professionals.

This initiative marks the second significant advancement in Utah’s efforts to automate certain transactional functions within the American healthcare landscape. Earlier this year, Utah introduced another pilot program that allows patients to engage with an AI system, where a doctor can initially validate their request, enabling the AI to renew specific prescriptions. This program has faced criticism from some doctors who express concerns about its safety.

The newly launched acne treatment pilot, which began on Monday, utilizes an app known as Nolla Derm, developed by Nolla Health. This application captures images of the patient’s face and prompts them to provide personal details along with their medical history. Nolla Derm assesses their acne and oil levels on the skin, generating what Bloomberg refers to as an “acne severity score.”

A press release indicates that the program will not be fully automated immediately. It will gradually be implemented, starting with the first 100 prescriptions, where healthcare providers will remain involved. Following this initial phase, a “phase two” will allow the AI to autonomously prescribe medications for the next 500 prescriptions, although doctors will review these prescriptions after the fact. Eventually, the process will become fully automated, but a physician will still review a sample of cases afterward.

Nolla Health’s Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Zaid Fadul, is quoted in the release stating that the AI “can’t improvise” and that the prescriptions are limited to a “short list of physician-approved topical treatments.” The app subscription is available for $4.99 per month.