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Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), online data aggregation, and telehealth continue to shape dermatology care, according to experts last week at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
The role of artificial intelligence (AI), DataDerm, and telehealth in advancing dermatology care was discussed throughout the meeting, with experts highlighting their potential regarding patient access and health equity. | Image Credit: insta_photos – stock.adobe.com
Balancing AI’s Potential and Pitfalls
AI is rapidly reshaping various aspects of society, including health care. During the “Hot Topics” session on Monday, March 10, Justin M. Ko, MD, MBA, FAAD, of Stanford Health Care and Stanford University School of Medicine, examined AI’s role in dermatology, highlighting its potential and challenges.1
Ko acknowledged several challenges dermatologists face, including high patient demand and burnout. He explained that AI tools are evolving rapidly and can help alleviate these burdens by assisting with administrative tasks, documentation, and triage, ultimately improving patient care.
However, he cautioned that AI comes with limitations and risks. AI models have inherent biases and can generate inaccurate information. Also, their performance in controlled settings may not always translate to real-world applications. He stressed that integrating AI into dermatology requires careful oversight to minimize potential medical errors.
Consequently, Ko encouraged dermatologists to be open to AI’s potential while remaining critical of its limitations. Additionally, he urged them to advocate for technologies designed specifically for medical professionals and actively participate in their development.
“We need to be at the table for all this stuff,” Ko said. “If we’re not at the table, and we’re not demanding these things really get designed for us, then people are going to show up at our offices and say, ‘Hey, here’s the solution,’” and we’re going to end up in a world in which we’re suffering for it.”
Advancing Advocacy, Research in Dermatology With DataDerm
Another technological resource explored during this year’s meeting was AAD’s DataDerm, the largest clinical registry in the world.2 Launched in 2016, DataDerm aggregates data extracted from the electronic health records of dermatologists worldwide. It currently contains data from over 1700 practices, 6000 clinicians, 16 million unique patients, and 68 million patient visits.
DataDerm was further explored during the session titled, “The Future of Dermatology: What Changes are Coming and How Can We Prepare?,” by Bruce A. Brod, MHCI, MD, FAAD, of Penn Medicine. He explained that it was initially created to assist in Merit-based Incentive Payment System reporting. It has since evolved into a more comprehensive data collection tool capable of aiding advocacy, research, and beyond.
Regarding advocacy, Brod highlighted that DataDerm helped push back against Aetna’s limited photodermatology service coverage. He explained that Aetna’s coverage of these services excluded vitiligo and other nonpsoriatic conditions. However, DataDerm data were used to demonstrate the utilization of photodermatology codes for various diagnoses beyond psoriasis. With DataDerm, Brod emphasized that AAD has specific data to support these ongoing conversations with Aetna.
Looking ahead, he highlighted that DataDerm is migrating to a new in-house platform, which allows for better dashboard customization and reporting. Brod concluded by encouraging more dermatology practices to participate in DataDerm for its advocacy and research benefits.
“We’re going to need data to support our advocacy,” he said. “I think it’s really helpful in the whack-a-mole world of insurance companies to have data to push back.”
Expanding Access, Equity Through Teledermatology
Telehealth is a hot topic throughout health care, and dermatology is no exception. It was discussed in various aspects of this year’s meeting, including during the session, “Leveraging Teledermatology to Improve Patient Access to Dermatologist-Level Care.”
Elizabeth Jones, MD, FAAD, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, began this session by presenting evidence on patient outcomes and satisfaction with virtual care.3 She highlighted how teledermatology can reduce care barriers, especially for patients in rural areas and those who are immunocompromised and/or have mobility issues.
Jones also emphasized its benefits for physicians, claiming that teledermatology can reduce burnout by offering flexibility and a less physically demanding patient care approach. She claimed this can contribute to a more resilient health care system by improving job satisfaction, ultimately retaining experienced doctors.
In an on-site interview with The American Journal of Managed Care®, Jones emphasized that teledermatology is a necessary tool for increasing access to dermatological care and promoting health equity.
“Teledermatology is a huge opportunity to serve many different populations,” she said. “It’s something where we can get creative with how we’re delivering health care. If you think about it just on a patient level, an individual patient cost basis, there are a lot of reasons why you would want to use that in terms of improving equity.”
References
- Ko J. AI and dermatology: the ups and downs. Presented at: 2025 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting; March 7-11, 2025; Orlando, FL.
- McCormick B. Shaping dermatology’s future by increasing access, data, and advocacy. AJMC®. March 7, 2025. Accessed March 13, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/shaping-dermatology-s-future-by-increasing-access-data-and-advocacy
- Santoro C. Teledermatology benefits underserved populations, reduces physician burnout. AJMC. March 10, 2025. Accessed March 13, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/teledermatology-benefits-underserved-populations-reduces-physician-burnout
