BVDD criticizes dm pilot project: AI skin analysis and online dermatologist pose risks to patient safety

Drugstore chain dm is currently testing AI-powered skin analysis stations and online dermatology services in selected stores and via smartphone. While dm promotes the offer as an innovative healthcare service, the German Association of Dermatologists (BVDD) voices strong criticism.

BVDD President Dr. Ralph von Kiedrowski argues that the supposed diagnoses mainly serve as sales triggers for skincare products: “Even the so-called AI-generated skin analysis should be viewed with great caution! My test diagnosis was wrong and directly led to a product recommendation worth over 30 euros.”

What worries the association even more is the cooperation with telemedicine provider Dermanostic. The company advertises the ability to diagnose even serious conditions such as melanoma online. According to the BVDD, this is highly risky: Around 30% of cases require prescription medication, and 8–10% are not suitable for digital consultations at all. Yet who ensures the necessary follow-up care in a dermatology practice remains unclear.

The risk: Patients may receive only a private online diagnosis along with a prescription but may not find timely follow-up treatment within the regular healthcare system. This could lead to uncertainty, dissatisfaction, and even patient endangerment.

The BVDD also points to a ruling by the Düsseldorf Regional Court, which prohibited Dermanostic from making misleading claims about alleged cooperation with dermatologists. Since then, practices have reported increasing cases of unclear diagnoses and prescription issues.

According to Dr. von Kiedrowski, dm’s services create “incentives for uncontrolled skin examinations outside the statutory health insurance system.” This further strains the limited time resources of dermatology practices and worsens existing waiting time issues.

From a medical standpoint, the project is also questionable: When it comes to assessing moles – potentially early signs of melanoma – photos alone are insufficient. Guidelines require at least dermatoscopy in direct contact with a dermatologist.

BVDD’s conclusion: Innovative digital models are welcome, but dm’s pilot project does not help improve patient care for skin diseases.