Dr. David Cotter on AI's Future in Dermatology

Published Date : 29/07/2025 

Dr. David Cotter, a leading dermatologist, discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on dermatology, highlighting its potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce administrative burdens. 

Dr. David Cotter, MD, PhD, a renowned dermatologist from Las Vegas Dermatology, recently presented at the Dermatology Education Foundation (DERM) 2025 NP/PA CME Conference in Las Vegas. His session, titled ‘Artificial Intelligence: The New Lifeguards in Derm,’ delved into the expanding role of AI in dermatology and its implications for both practitioners and patients.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into dermatology has been a topic of increasing interest and debate. On one hand, AI offers significant potential to revolutionize the field by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, reducing administrative burdens, and improving patient outcomes. On the other hand, there are concerns about its limitations and the potential for misuse.

During his talk, Cotter emphasized the broad applications of AI in dermatology. He noted that while it's possible to dedicate an entire hour to discussing AI's impact on any specific disease state, he chose to take a high-level approach. “I decided to do a high-level potpourri this year because it's more important to understand the large trends affecting the entire house of medicine,” Cotter explained. “One of the most significant benefits of AI is its ability to offload administrative tasks, which is a major advantage not just for dermatology but for all of medicine.”

Cotter highlighted several key areas where AI can make a significant impact. For instance, AI scribes can help reduce the time clinicians spend on documentation, allowing them to focus more on patient care. Additionally, AI can streamline prior authorizations, a process that is often time-consuming and frustrating for both providers and patients. However, there are also risks associated with the use of AI in medicine. Cotter pointed out that insurance companies are beginning to implement AI to deny claims, leading to potential legal issues. “There are class action lawsuits alleging that certain companies like Cigna are turning down claims every 1.2 seconds, claiming they are physician-adjudicated, which is highly unlikely,” he said.

One of the most promising applications of AI in dermatology is its role in diagnosing skin cancer. Cotter emphasized that while AI is not yet ready to be used as a standalone diagnostic tool, it can significantly enhance the diagnostic capabilities of dermatologists. “We're not man versus machine; we're man-with-machine,” he said. “By using AI to augment our skills, we can increase our sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing lesions, whether they are benign, indolent, or malignant skin cancers.”

Cotter also stressed the importance of clinicians having a strong baseline knowledge to effectively interact with AI systems. He noted that the variability in responses from AI tools like ChatGPT regarding psoriasis treatments underscores the need for healthcare professionals to be well-versed in the subject matter. “It’s crucial for clinicians to understand the limitations and capabilities of AI to ensure they can use these tools effectively and safely,” he added.

In conclusion, Dr. Cotter's insights highlight the transformative potential of AI in dermatology. By embracing AI and integrating it into their practice, dermatologists can enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce administrative burdens, and ultimately provide better care for their patients. For more information on AI in dermatology, view Cotter’s full interview segment and stay tuned for the latest updates from DERM 2025. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main benefit of using AI in dermatology?

A: The main benefit of using AI in dermatology is its ability to enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce administrative burdens, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care.

Q: Can AI be used as a standalone diagnostic tool for skin cancer?

A: Currently, AI is not ready to be used as a standalone diagnostic tool for skin cancer. However, it can significantly enhance the diagnostic capabilities of dermatologists when used in conjunction with their skills.

Q: What are some risks associated with the use of AI in dermatology?

A: Some risks include the potential for insurance companies to misuse AI to deny claims and the variability in responses from AI tools, which can lead to misdiagnosis if not properly managed.

Q: How can AI help reduce administrative tasks for dermatologists?

A: AI can help reduce administrative tasks for dermatologists by automating documentation through AI scribes and streamlining prior authorizations, allowing them to focus more on patient care.

Q: Why is it important for clinicians to have a strong baseline knowledge when using AI tools?

A: It is important for clinicians to have a strong baseline knowledge when using AI tools to ensure they can effectively interact with these systems, understand their limitations, and use them safely and accurately. 

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