Key Takeaways:
- Doctronic, a generative A.I. model, can now renew Utahns’ prescriptions without a doctor’s approval through a pilot program.
- The A.I. system uses a shared database to verify previous prescriptions and refers patients to a human doctor if unsure.
- The first 250 prescriptions renewed by the A.I. will be reviewed by a doctor, and the contract limits the types of drugs that can be renewed.
- The Utah Medical Association has concerns about the program, citing potential issues with medical histories and nuanced patient needs.
- The pilot program aims to test the A.I.’s safety and reduce medication costs and increase accessibility.
Introduction to Doctronic
The founders of Doctronic claim that their A.I. system can renew prescriptions as well as or better than doctors. This statement has sparked both interest and concern in the medical community. As Dr. Adam Oskowitz, co-founder of Doctronic, stated, "We believe that our A.I. system can provide high-quality prescription renewals without the need for human intervention." However, others are not convinced, citing potential issues with medical histories and nuanced patient needs. Michelle McOmber, CEO of the Utah Medical Association, expressed her concerns, saying, "I think A.I. could be used in a way that would be helpful if you have a connection just between A.I. and the pharmacy. A.I. making the decision on the renewal is concerning."
How Doctronic Works
Doctronic uses a shared database connected to about 95% of pharmacies to verify that a person has previously received a prescription for the requested drug. If the A.I. is unsure that the prescription should be renewed, it refers the patient to a human doctor. According to Oskowitz, "The A.I. is designed to ask patients questions, such as what other drugs they are taking, if they are taking their medication, and if their medication is working." However, McOmber pointed out that this could be a problem for patients who do not know all of the drugs they take. As she said, "To actually say that A.I. is making a decision that should be made by a provider, a physician — that is very concerning to us."
Pilot Program and Concerns
The pilot program, facilitated by Utah’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, allows Doctronic to renew Utahns’ prescriptions without a doctor’s approval. The contract states that the first 250 prescriptions renewed by the A.I. will be reviewed by a doctor, and the A.I. cannot renew prescriptions outside of a list of 191 drugs, none of which are controlled substances. However, McOmber and others in the medical community are concerned about the potential risks of relying on A.I. for prescription renewals. As McOmber said, "How can A.I. make up for medical histories taken by human doctors? And how would it know if a prescription was meant to be a temporary trial?" These concerns highlight the need for careful evaluation and oversight of the pilot program.
Background and Development
Doctronic’s online generative A.I. model was built to provide medical advice at no cost. The company’s founders, Oskowitz and Matt Pavelle, cite a study they conducted with other researchers, which found that Doctronic matched the top diagnosis of an actual clinician in 81% of 500 urgent-care telehealth visits. The study also found that treatment plans made by A.I. and a human clinician aligned 99.2% of the time. However, the study has not been peer-reviewed, and Oskowitz said it is currently in that process. As Oskowitz stated, "We believe that our A.I. system has the potential to revolutionize the way medical advice is delivered, and we are excited to see the results of the pilot program."
Regulatory Framework
Utah’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy played a key role in facilitating the pilot program. According to Zach Boyd, the director of the office, Doctronic approached the state with their idea roughly five months ago. Boyd said, "They first approached with this idea that maybe they could go farther with their model than others had gone before. They had these statistics on how good their product had been. … They were looking at what is kind of the natural next advanced thing for it to try." The state worked with independent doctors and pharmacists to agree on a contract that allows Doctronic to renew Utahns’ prescriptions. As Boyd said, "The state doesn’t take a position whether people should like this business. That’s not the state’s role."
Conclusion and Future Directions
The pilot program is a significant step in testing the safety and efficacy of A.I. in prescription renewals. While there are concerns about the potential risks, the program also has the potential to increase accessibility and reduce costs. As Oskowitz said, "We believe that our A.I. system can provide high-quality prescription renewals without the need for human intervention." However, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the results of the pilot program and address the concerns raised by the medical community. Ultimately, the success of the program will depend on its ability to balance the benefits of A.I. with the need for human oversight and expertise. As McOmber said, "I think A.I. could be used in a way that would be helpful if you have a connection just between A.I. and the pharmacy. A.I. making the decision on the renewal is concerning."
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2026/01/09/utahns-can-now-use-ai-renew/