As global healthcare systems face increasing patient loads and limited specialist access, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a critical tool in transforming patient care pathways—particularly in triage. One compelling use case is in dermatology, where early detection of conditions like melanoma can be life-saving. At smartData, we’ve developed an AI-powered skin cancer triage solution that helps reduce hospital wait times and improve diagnostic accuracy for skin cancers, especially melanoma.

Example: The Growing Challenge in Dermatology

Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, has seen a surge worldwide. Early detection is essential, but access to dermatologists—especially in remote or underserved areas—is often limited. This results in diagnostic delays, unnecessary referrals, and, in worst-case scenarios, advanced-stage presentations that are more difficult and costly to treat.

AI as a Game-Changer in Triage

Our developed AI-powered Skin Cancer Detection App (and other few similar applications we recently developed at smartData) is a cutting-edge solution designed to address these bottlenecks through intelligent triage. With over 95% diagnostic accuracy, the system is not only efficient but also reliable in prioritizing critical cases—helping reduce unnecessary in-person visits and ensuring the most urgent ones receive care promptly.

Impact on Reducing Hospital Wait Times

By automating the initial assessment phase, this AI triage system:

• Streamlines dermatology referral pathways by filtering non-urgent cases
• Frees up dermatologist time to focus on high-severity patients

Hospitals and clinics adopting this AI tool have reported lower operational burdens, increased patient throughput, and enhanced diagnostic confidence.

Real-World Benefits

In a pilot implementation, the app delivered tangible results:

• Reduced late-stage treatment costs through early detection
• Optimized resource allocation, enhancing healthcare system efficiency

Overcoming Challenges

Developing the solution wasn't without hurdles:

• Ensuring high diagnostic accuracy across diverse skin types
• Building robustness against user variability in image quality

The Future of AI in Healthcare Triage

Our skin cancer triage solution exemplifies how AI can address systemic inefficiencies in healthcare delivery. As this technology continues to evolve, we envision its expansion across specialties—from radiology and ophthalmology to emergency care—redefining triage and access to care at scale.

Conclusion

AI-driven triage is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a practical solution already making a difference. Our melanoma detection app shows how smartData is leading this transformation, combining clinical insight with technological innovation to deliver faster, more accurate care. Ashish Chaubey