Nolla Health, a Utah‑based health tech startup, began a pilot that lets users scan their faces with a smartphone app and receive an acne prescription generated by artificial intelligence. The service is limited to adults 18 + who have mild or moderate acne. For a monthly fee of $4.99, the AI evaluates the scan, picks a treatment from eight options, and writes a prescription that is then reviewed by doctors.
How the pilot works
During the first phase, two physicians must approve every AI‑written prescription for the first 100 patients. After that, doctors will only review a random sample of at least 10 % of prescriptions each month and any cases that involve side effects or escalations. The company says the AI will refer users to a physician if it cannot confidently choose a treatment.
What’s new about this
Utah recently allowed AI systems to renew certain medications, but Nolla Health claims to be the first in the United States to issue brand‑new prescriptions for skin conditions, not just refills. The pilot is meant to free dermatologists to handle more complex cases while the AI handles routine, low‑acuity acne.
Why it matters
For Utah adults with mild acne, the service could mean faster access to medication without waiting for a dermatologist appointment. It also shows how AI can take on routine medical tasks, potentially lowering costs and freeing doctors for tougher cases. However, the long‑term safety and effectiveness of AI‑written prescriptions remain to be proven.
