Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how we do our work, including the practice of dermatology. From AI-generated notes to AI-drafted appeal letters for insurance denials, AI promises to reduce administrative burden and help dermatology clinicians focus more on direct patient care. In addition, cosmetic dermatologists, according to an article in Women’s Health, are implementing AI applications that are more patient-focused. These tools can educate patients, contribute to the development of treatment plans, and improve procedure safety and efficacy.
For a real-world look at AI integration in a medical and cosmetic dermatology practice, I interviewed dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Ala. Dr. Hartman will conduct live demonstrations with dermal fillers and neurotoxins at Skin of Color Update.
What was your first foray into using AI with your cosmetic patients? What led you to adopt this new technology? Were you optimistic, cautious, or a mix of both?
We’ve used AI in patient communication for a while now through Klara, but more recently we adopted Ageless AI into our social media, newsletter, and website. Ageless AI is a platform that allows patients to enter personal attributes and a photo to introduce them to various cosmetic dermatology procedures and lasers that offer solutions for aesthetic issues that the patient has identified in themselves. The technology then allows patients to “try on” the different options to visualize how the procedures would impact their skin in real time. So, it’s education, consultation, and visualization all in one.
Since then, what other AI technologies have you incorporated into your practice?
We most recently started using an AI scribe in Modernizing Medicine, our practice management and EMR software. This new addition will automatically transcribe our conversations with patients and create a SOAP note, generate prescriptions, and provide handouts and education for patients. We hope that this addition will make us more efficient and accurate in our notetaking.
How have these technologies benefitted your patients and your practice? Have there been any drawbacks?
These technologies have allowed us to reach new patients to bring them into the practice, introduce procedures and options to existing patients, show patients in real time how certain procedures can benefit them, and help our staff to deliver more efficient and customized care to our patients. The drawbacks include the pain on implementation, learning curve to incorporate the technology as seamlessly as possible, and of course, the cost of the technology.
How have your patients responded to these new technologies? Have they been willing to embrace AI in their treatment or have they expressed hesitancy?
For the most part, these changes have been met with great enthusiasm. Patients love interacting on social media, communicating with us on messaging apps, and having a hand in their treatments by gaining more insight about the cosmetic options that we offer at Skin Wellness Dermatology.
What other aspects of cosmetic dermatology do you think present opportunities for future AI technologies?
The sky is the limit. I can envision a world where AI is used to help us devise customized treatment plans across modalities including peptides, as soon as they are properly studied and regulated in the United States.
What else should dermatologists know about AI in cosmetic dermatology?
I know that it can be scary adopting new technology in clinical practice, especially with all the negative chatter about AI destroying the environment and eliminating jobs, but the reality is that AI is here and it can be used to make your day-to-day life easier. So, keep an open mind and research how the various AI platforms may help you to deliver the best care possible for patients that aligns with your philosophy on medical practice.
Did you enjoy this Patient Buzz Expert Commentary? You can find more here.