At a Glance
- Doctronic’s AI platform can renew 191 types of routine prescriptions in Utah
- Patients must verify ID and have prior physician approval
- Why it matters: First-of-its-kind program tests if AI can cut average 26-day wait times for medication renewals
Utah has authorized AI-powered telehealth firm Doctronic to renew prescriptions without human doctors, aiming to speed access to common medications.
How the Program Works
Patients upload a photo ID and confirm the drug was previously prescribed by a physician. Doctronic’s AI flags eligible renewals among 191 approved medications, including blood-pressure pills, birth control, and antidepressants.
The system:
- Conducts a medical interview on efficacy, side effects, and compliance
- Cross-checks for drug interactions or health changes
- Refills the script or escalates to a human clinician if red flags appear
Expert Concerns
Dr. John Whyte, AMA CEO, warned:
> “Without physician input it also poses serious risks to patients and physicians alike.”
Critics note removing human contact can miss subtle clinical clues.
Potential Benefits
Doctronic argues the move tackles a major pain point: the average wait for a primary-care appointment is 26 days, risking treatment gaps.
Dr. Adam Oskowitz, Doctronic co-founder, stated:
> “Improving access to medication renewals will directly impact medication compliance and reduce unnecessary emergency room visits.”
Key Takeaways
- Utah is the first U.S. state to let an AI system renew prescriptions independently
- Controlled substances and ADHD drugs are excluded
- Program will be monitored for safety and patient outcomes
The pilot could set a precedent for AI’s role in routine care if delays shrink without harming patients.
