Nolla Health launches AI prescribing pilot for acne in Utah
Nolla Health's $5-per-month app scans faces, scores acne severity and can prescribe from eight approved treatments under a one-year pilot.
Nolla Health, a healthcare startup focused on skincare and acne treatment, has launched a pilot program in Utah deploying an AI system that can prescribe acne medication, CNET reported.
The service costs $5 per month and runs through an app where patients scan their face and fill out medical history forms. The AI analyzes the face, generates an acne severity score, and can prescribe from a list of eight approved treatments.
The pilot is slated to last one year and is split into three phases. In the first phase, the first 100 prescriptions will be overseen by a board-certified physician before being sent to pharmacies. The second phase will allow the AI to fully treat 400 patients, with a physician reviewing decisions weekly. The third phase involves a physician auditing at least 10% of written prescriptions once per month.
Regulatory review
Michelle McOmber, CEO of the Utah Medical Association, told CNET that Nolla Health did not need the association's approval for the pilot. According to the facts, the Office of AI Policy had a short conversation with the Utah Medical Association's current president, who is a dermatologist, and also had the subcommittee of the Utah Medical Licensing Board review and comment on the plan.
McOmber stated that the Utah Medical Association would not be in favor of AI being used for anything other than this specific use at this time. Studies report that doctors, surgeons, and mental health professionals are among the least likely professions to be replaced by AI.
Quick answers
How much does Nolla Health's AI acne service cost?
The service costs $5 per month, according to the facts.
Where is the Nolla Health AI prescribing pilot taking place?
The pilot is taking place in Utah and is slated to last one year.
How many prescriptions can the AI handle in each phase of the pilot?
In the first phase, the first 100 prescriptions are overseen by a board-certified physician. The second phase allows the AI to fully treat 400 patients with weekly physician reviews, and the third phase involves a physician auditing at least 10% of written prescriptions once per month.