Bupa has integrated AI into its at-home skin assessment service, enabling faster assessment of moles and skin lesions linked to potential skin cancer within a clinical pathway.
The technology, designed to free up dermatology capacity for more complex cases, uses Skin Analytics’ DERM technology, a Class III CE-marked AI medical device approved for autonomous use in skin cancer pathways.
The service is designed to speed up access to assessment, with customers receiving a home kit within 24 hours to capture clinical-quality images of moles or lesions. Images are analysed using AI alongside medical history to assess risk, with results delivered within minutes and reported 99.9% accuracy in ruling out melanoma. A follow-up GP consultation is available where needed.
Bupa’s model integrates AI into a clinical pathway to support clinical decision-making, whereas other solutions in the market are typically used earlier in the process to flag potential risks ahead of clinical involvement. Bupa’s system can also discharge low-risk cases within the pathway, while other tools provide risk assessments and leave follow-up decisions to the user.
Bupa says referrals into its at-home skin assessment service have increased by 260% since launch in 2020, with more than 30,000 customers supported to date. Around half of referrals now come through its digital health platform, Blua.
Skin cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the UK, with melanoma affecting around 17,600 people each year and cases having risen by around 147% since the 1990s.
Bupa medical and healthcare director Lucy Pallett says: “Speed is critical in diagnosing skin cancer. The sooner a concern is assessed, the sooner people can get the reassurance or treatment they need. Crucially, this speed is backed by clinically accredited, regulator‑approved technology, giving customers confidence in the quality and safety of their results, while helping ease pressure on dermatology services.”
Skin Analytics CEO Neil Daly says: “Our core mission is to use AI to detect skin cancer earlier. Having partnered with Bupa for five years, and already delivered faster access to diagnosis for over 30,000 members, we are incredibly proud to see them become the first UK insurer to integrate our autonomous AI directly into their pathway.
“This expansion of our partnership with AI gives their members access to the world’s most experienced specialist. One that has already found 24,000 cancers and is the only Class III AI medical device. The result is a fundamentally better patient experience, offering instant peace of mind for the majority, earlier diagnosis and faster treatment for those who need it.”