Going to the doctor can be a moment of anxiety. Getting there on time, making sure you have your insurance cards, sitting in the waiting room. But what if you didn’t have to go for fairly routine things like getting a prescription renewed for a chronic condition? The state of Utah is implementing a pilot project that allows AI to approve prescription renewals. How will that work? Let’s chat.
So, what will the AI be doing?
The Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy announced it will be starting a pilot project with Doctronic, a medical AI company. Doctronic’s AI system can renew prescriptions for requesting patients. If more complex decisions are needed, physicians will do an additional review. For example, if a newer drug is available or a patient requests a medication change. For now, this service is free.
Why wouldn’t doctors renew the prescriptions?
Patients may face barriers to getting their prescriptions renewed. Some people have difficulties with physically or financially visiting the doctor. Also, doctor’s offices are busy and patients can face long waits to secure an appointment. Even patients who request renewals by email may face obstacles or delays, as physicians are not reimbursed for this work in the midst of all they have to do. Doctronic’s system could free up a lot of time for busy physicians.
How will they know if the prescriptions and decisions are correct?
Licensed MDs will evaluate the AI’s decisions at first. Later, doctors will continue to review Doctronic’s decisions after they are made to ensure the AI agent has been deciding appropriately. As an additional safeguard, the AI system is limited to reviewing renewal prescriptions for chronic conditions that will have a high likelihood to be renewed.
Is everyone OK with this pilot project?
The state’s Medical Licensing Board raised an issue with the new system. They say the state did not consult them prior to implementation. The board argues that licensed doctors are needed to renew prescriptions since a variety of factors go into the decision including side effects, drug interactions, and patient examination. They are suggesting that Utah pause the pilot program.
My Take
I find it interesting that they are looking to switch to AI rather than let pharmacists play a greater role. Maybe pharmacists would also be overwhelmed with the task? I do wonder what the liabilities could be if the system makes a wrong call that causes harm. Utah waived normal licensing rules so this pilot project could happen. Further, I wonder how much data patients will have to give Doctronic.
Explore More
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