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Session handouts and meetings archive

Handouts ... 2025 Innovation Academy, Chicago, IL, July 10-13 2025 Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, March 7-11 2024 Innovation Academy, Seattle, WA, August 1-4 2024 Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 8-12 2023 Innovation Academy, Tampa, FL, August 10-13 2023 Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 17-21 Sessions ... 2025 Innovation

A dermatologic riddle: How is IgG4-related ophthalmic disease parliamentary?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 22, 2017 Immunostains of infiltrate. A, Immunostain shows an infiltrate rich in IgG4+ plasma cells. The infiltrate had an IgG4+ cell count of 80 per HPF and an IgG4+/IgG+ ratio of 80%. B, IgG immunostain shown for comparison. (A and B, original magnifications:

Neurofibromatosis type 1, juvenile xanthogranuloma, and leukemia: Wasting a good worry?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 22, 2017 A clinically pigmented neurofibroma associated with underlying café au lait macule. ... Credit: ... JAAD Worry comes with the territory of Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF-1). It often starts with the anxiety of determining if a child has enough criteria to confirm the

Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) associated with merkel cell carcinoma are analogous to small cell cung Cancer: A comparison to other lung cancers

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 2, 2016 Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC) are neuroendocrine tumors associated with the Merkel cell carcinoma polyomavirus in >80% of tumors (1). Small cell lung cancer, another neuroendocrine tumor, is associated with paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) in up to 20% of cases, notably the syndrome of

CME & session evaluation archive

Claim CME & submit session evaluations ... Claim CME credit and submit session evaluations for attending previous Academy meetings: ... 2026 Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, March 27-31, 2025 Innovation Academy, Chicago, IL, July 10-13 2025 Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, March 7-11 2024 Innovation Academy, Seattle, WA, August 1-4 2024 Annual

Secukinumab for pityriasis rubra pilaris: Tread lightly

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 17, 2016 Every dermatology resident preparing for their board examination can rattle off Griffiths’ classification of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) — Type I (Classical Adult), Type II (Atypical Adult), Type III (Classic Juvenile), Type IV (Circumscribed Juvenile), and Type V (Atypical Juvenile). Type VI,

Are you at risk for pityriasis rubra type V? It’s in the cards!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Feb. 1, 2017 Characteristic facial involvement in caspase recruitment domain family member 14 gene (CARD14)-associated papulosquamous eruption. Symmetric and geometric pink, scaly patches or plaques involving the cheeks, upper cutaneous lip, and chin with sparing of the infralabial region is highly characteristic of CARD14-associated papulosquamous

Melanoma risk in patients with melaoncortin-1 receptor independent of ultraviolet radiation: Is there a way not to be burned by your genome?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 18, 2016 I admit that my concept of Type I skin red-headed patients getting melanoma was simple: They have a polymorphism(s) of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), pheomelanin, ultraviolet exposure, DNA damage, increased reactive oxygen species, and voila: melanoma! While conceptually elegant, this is apparently

Glomus tumors point a finger at neurofibromatosis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... Nov. 21, 2016 ... The correct diagnosis of the ... JAMA Dermatology Clinicopathological Correlation of a glomus tumor presenting as longitudinal erythronychia was straightforward — I was fascinated by this comment in the discussion: "The presence of multiple glomus tumors in the digits

AADA hosts largest Capitol Hill skin cancer check in a decade

On May 15, the AADA hosted its 10th annual Capitol Hill Skin Cancer Check and Health Fair with the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus. This event was our largest to date, hosting 198 Hill staffers and 11 members of Congress, performing 127 skin checks, and providing 75 Reveal camera image results.

Weighing in on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in dermatology

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 17, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 16 Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists — your patients are on them, and perhaps you are too (or at least have thought about it). In 2023, more than 500 million people worldwide were afflicted with obesity and type

Here comes the sun: The role of polypodium leucotomos extract

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 9, 2017 Ultraviolet (UV)B response. Changes in biomarkers of UV radiation exposure before and after Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE). A, Stained nuclei for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and cyclin D1. B, Sunburn cells and cytoplasmic staining for cyclooxygenase-2

Getting a leg up on squamous cell carcinomas of the teratoacanthoma type

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 8, 2016 I thought it was my imagination, but apparently not — there is distinct subset of patients, mostly mature women, with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the keratoacanthoma type (KA) usually presenting on the anterior distal lower extremities. ... These patients are not

Other emerging severe and resistant dermatophytes of concern

Overview ... Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMV ... II ... ) is a recently emerged dermatophyte that is closely related to ... T. indotineae (note: ... T. indotineae was previously called ... T. mentagrophytes type ... VIII ... ). ... 1-3 ... TMVII spreads between people and may be transmitted

Key messages for social media about hair loss

Key messages ... Many conditions and diseases can result in hair loss, as can improper hair care. ... The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary thinning or baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. (1) This condition affects an estimated 80 million Americans — 50 million men and 30

Decomplexing plexiform neurofibromas

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 29, 2016 Plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) are some of the most disfiguring and therapeutically challenging lesions that dermatologists confront. PNs are mostly associated with autosomal dominant neurofibromatosis type 1. Rarely, they may also be seen in germline p16 mutation-positive heritable melanoma and Cowden syndrome. Diffuse

Multiple café au lait spots in fair skinned children without evidence of neurofibromatosis type 1: Don’t SPRE(A)D the word – yet

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 13, 2016 Café au lait spots (CALS) are extraordinarily common; six or more lesions (at least 0.5 cm prior to puberty or 1.5 cm post puberty) are considered one of the criteria for diagnosing neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), and are also seen in

This month's news from across the specialty

What's hot ... February 1, 2021 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Craig Burkhart, MD, MPH, MSBS A ... recent blog in Medical Care reviews how health misinformation has been growing across internet and social

Incretin-based therapy for diabetes and dermatology: Promise and peril

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 23, 2017 In a given day, how many of your patients are diabetic? According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2015, 9.4% of the US population (30.3 million) were diabetic; 29 million of this group had type 2 diabetes. ... Incretin hormones refer to

Plantar melanoma and mechanical stress

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 15, 2016 Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) involves the palms, soles, and nail beds. It is the most common type of melanoma in patients of African or Asian descent. Delays in diagnosis result in more advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Trauma or chronic

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... May 1, 2026 In this monthly column, members of the  DermWorld ... Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   Jason Lee, MD, FAAD The incidence of melanoma in situ has increased to epidemic proportions, rising 50-fold since 1975. Lentigo maligna is the most

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... December 1, 2024 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Craig Burkhart, MD, MS, MPH, FAAD More than 80% of prior authorization appeals are overturned. Insurance plans’ most common interventions to manage utilization

Promising therapeutic developments for cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Interfering with interferon – Part II – Focus on Anifrolumab

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 13, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 37 This is an exciting time for cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Recently published findings from three clinical trials show substantial progress in developing more targeted, efficacious, and better-tolerated medications for patients with CLE, particularly by inhibiting the production

Hair restoration taking root among young people, women

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Megan Bennett, Staff Writer, January 1, 2026 Interest in hair restoration is growing, with women and young adults seeking hair loss surgery at higher rates, according to a member survey from the ... International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery . ... ISHRS — which

Skin conditions by the numbers

Acne ... Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. (1) ... There are different types of acne (blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, acne cysts or nodules), so a one-size-fits-all approach is not the best way to achieve clearer skin. (2) A

Will PD-1 inhibitors be msed for Mastocytosis?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 8, 2016 Kuklinski L, Kim J. Expression of PD-L1 in mastocytosis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2016; 74: 1010-2. ... The authors evaluated 16 specimens from 12 patients with mastocytosis, using immunohistochemical stains for PD-L1, CD-117, and mast cell tryptase on all specimens. Of the12

Preventive Care and Screening: Screening for High Blood Pressure and Follow-Up Documented — Measure 317

Preventive Care and Screening: Screening for High Blood Pressure and Follow-Up Documented ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of adult patients who were screened for high blood pressure and received a follow-up plan where indicated. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 317 ...  ... Type: Process ...  ... CMS Derm

What's hot?

What's hot ... March 28, 2019 In this monthly column, members of the ... Dermatology World Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Edward W. Cowen, MD, MHSc ... The title says it all: ... Lack of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration indication should not

August 1

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / AUGUST 1, 2018 ... Physicians suing patients over negative reviews FDA to laser device manufacturers: Stop marketing for vaginal rejuvenation FDA releases biosimilars plan to increase access, encourage competition Blood test

Do skin cancer rates differ by transplanted organ type and patient age?

Clinical Applications ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, March 1, 2023 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, talks with Lee Wheless, MD,

Key messaging in social media about acne

Key messages ... Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. (1) ... There are different types of acne (blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, acne cysts or nodules), so a one-size-fits-all approach is not the best way to achieve clearer skin. (1)

First Coast Service Options/Novitas Solutions patch testing unit of service reduction averted

In 2021, two Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), First Coast Service Options (FCSO) and Novitas Solutions, published proposed Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) with recommendations to reduce the skin patch testing units for allergic and other contact dermatitis from 80 to 65 units. In a combined effort, the American Academy of Dermatology

AAD Clinical Community surpasses 10 million views

In 2022, we launched the AAD Clinical Community — a free, secure forum by dermatologists for dermatologists to discuss clinical issues and more. ... In 2023, the Community surpassed 10 million views on discussions. 80% of all discussions in the AAD Clinical Community have received a response from a dermatology

March 6

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 6, 2019 ... FDA approves self-injection of guselkumab for plaque psoriasis Nearly 80% of public find drug prices 'unreasonable' Biotin supplementation unnecessary for most patients, may lead to misdiagnosis Why

Cannabinoids may elevate therapy for connective tissue diseases to a higher level

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 2, 2017 Medical "reefer madness" is taking hold in the United States with approximately 10% of cannabis users utilizing it for diverse medical conditions, including dermatologic disorders such as pruritus and atopic dermatitis. To date, at least 28 states allow for the use of

Melanoma: Tracking and Evaluation of Recurrence — Measure 509

Melanoma: Tracking and Evaluation of Recurrence ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of patients who had an excisional surgery for melanoma or melanoma in situ with initial American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging of 0, I, or II, in the past 5 years in which the operating provider examines and/or diagnoses the

Melanoma: Tracking and Evaluation of Recurrence — Measure 509

Melanoma: Tracking and Evaluation of Recurrence ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of patients who had an excisional surgery for melanoma or melanoma in situ with initial American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging of 0, I, or II, in the past 5 years in which the operating provider examines and/or diagnoses the

Gains in Patient Activation Measure (PAM) Scores at 12 Months — Measure 503

Gains in Patient Activation Measure (PAM®) Scores at 12 Months ... DESCRIPTION: The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) is a 10- or 13-item questionnaire that assesses an individual’s knowledge, skills, and confidence for managing their health and health care. The measure assesses individuals on a 0-100 scale that converts to one

Reporting excimer laser therapy: When to use 96999 vs 9692x

As a result of a code descriptor change for CPT codes 96920-96922 effective Jan. 1, 2024, these codes are now to be used only for excimer laser treatment of psoriasis. This change was made by the AMA CPT to better align with the intended use of these services exclusively for

Gains in Patient Activation Measure (PAM) Scores at 12 Months — Measure 503

Gains in Patient Activation Measure (PAM®) Scores at 12 Months ... DESCRIPTION: The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) is a 10- or 13-item questionnaire that assesses an individual’s knowledge, skills, and confidence for managing their health and health care. The measure assesses individuals on a 0-100 scale that converts to one

Nailing the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 30, 2017 ... A to E, Patient with psoriatic arthritis. A, Dactylitis of 4th toe. B, Enthesitis of Achilles tendon. C, X-Ray of dactylitis of 4th toe. D, Severe nail dystrophy. E, Large discoid plaques on elbows. ... Credit: ... JAAD Nail psoriasis (NP)

Screening for Social Drivers of Health — Measure 487

Screening for Social Drivers of Health ... DESCRIPTION: Percent of patients 18 years and older screened for food insecurity, housing instability, transportation needs, utility difficulties, and interpersonal safety. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 487 ...  ... Type: Process ...  ... CMS Derm Specialty Set:  ...

Melanoma Reporting — Measure 397

Melanoma Reporting ... DESCRIPTION: The number of pathology reports for primary malignant cutaneous melanoma that include the pT category, thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate, peripheral and deep margin status and presence or absence of microsatellitosis for invasive tumors. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 397 ...  ... Type: Process

Melanoma Reporting — Measure 397

Melanoma Reporting ... DESCRIPTION: The number of pathology reports for primary malignant cutaneous melanoma that include the pT category, thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate, peripheral and deep margin status and presence or absence of microsatellitosis for invasive tumors. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 397 ...  ... Type: Process

Documentation of Current Medications in the Medical Record — Measure 130

Documentation of Current Medications in the Medical Record ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of visits for which the eligible professional or eligible clinician attests to documenting a list of current medications using all immediate resources available on the date of the encounter. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 130 ... 

Documentation of Current Medications in the Medical Record — Measure 130

Documentation of Current Medications in the Medical Record ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of visits for which the eligible professional or eligible clinician attests to documenting a list of current medications using all immediate resources available on the date of the encounter. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 130 ... 

Closing the Referral Loop: Receipt of Specialist Report — Measure 374

Closing the Referral Loop: Receipt of Specialist Report ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients with referrals during the reporting period whose referring physician received a report back from the other physician. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 374 ...  ... Type: Process ...  ... CMS Derm Specialty

October 12, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 12, 2022 ... Type 2 diabetes and CCCA severity DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Fixing the concept of the neutrophilic fixed drug eruption What’s the risk of IBD in patients

Adult Immunization Status — Measure 493

Adult Immunization Status ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of patients 19 years of age and older who are up-to-date on recommended routine vaccines for influenza; tetanus and diphtheria (Td) or tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap); zoster; pneumococcal; and hepatitis B. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 493 ...  ...

Patient-Centered Surgical Risk Assessment and Communication — Measure 358

Patient-Centered Surgical Risk Assessment and Communication ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients who underwent a non-emergency surgery who had their personalized risks of postoperative complications assessed and discussed prior to surgery using a clinical data-based, patient-specific risk calculator and who received personal discussion of those risks with the surgeon. ...

Patient-Centered Surgical Risk Assessment and Communication — Measure 358

Patient-Centered Surgical Risk Assessment and Communication ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients who underwent a non-emergency surgery who had their personalized risks of postoperative complications assessed and discussed prior to surgery using a clinical data-based, patient-specific risk calculator and who received personal discussion of those risks with the surgeon. ...

Adult Immunization Status — Measure 493

Adult Immunization Status ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of patients 19 years of age and older who are up-to-date on recommended routine vaccines for influenza; tetanus and diphtheria (Td) or tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap); zoster; and pneumococcal. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 493 ...  ... Type: Process

Looking beyond ‘Ozempic face’

Dermatologists weigh in on cutaneous side effects of GLP-1 agonists. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Senior Editor, November 1, 2025 Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are an emerging class of medications used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and weight loss, with demonstrated efficacy in reducing hemoglobin A1c levels, body

Closing the Referral Loop: Receipt of Specialist Report — Measure 374

Closing the Referral Loop: Receipt of Specialist Report ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients with referrals during the reporting period whose referring physician received a report back from the other physician. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 374 ...  ... Type: Process ...  ... CMS Derm Specialty

Psoriasis: Appropriate Assessment & Treatment of Severe Psoriasis — QCDR measure AAD15

Psoriasis: Appropriate Assessment & Treatment of Severe Psoriasis ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of patients with a diagnosis of severe psoriasis without a documented Body Surface Area (BSA) or a documented BSA greater than 10% for whom phototherapy or an oral systemic or biologic medication was prescribed. ...  ... MEASURE ID:

Psoriasis: Appropriate Assessment & Treatment of Severe Psoriasis — QCDR measure AAD15

Psoriasis: Appropriate Assessment & Treatment of Severe Psoriasis ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of patients with a diagnosis of severe psoriasis without a documented Body Surface Area (BSA) or a documented BSA greater than 10% for whom phototherapy or an oral systemic or biologic medication was prescribed. ...  ... MEASURE ID:

Use of High-Risk Medications in Older Adults — Measure 238

Use of High-Risk Medications in Older Adults ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of patients 65 years of age and older who were ordered at least two high-risk medications from the same drug class. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 238 ...  ... Type: Process ...  ... CMS Derm Specialty

Melanoma: Appropriate Surgical Margins — QCDR measure AAD 12

Melanoma: Appropriate Surgical Margins ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of primary excisional surgeries for melanoma or melanoma in situ with Breslow depth and appropriate surgical margins per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology-Melanoma (NCCN Guideline). ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... AAD12 ...  ... Type: Intermediate

Biopsy: Reporting Time - Clinician to Patient — QCDR measure AAD 6

Skin Cancer: Biopsy Reporting Time — Clinician to Patient ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients with skin biopsy specimens with a diagnosis of cutaneous basal, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma (including in situ disease), or primary cutaneous malignancies who are notified of their final biopsy pathology findings within less than

Biopsy: Reporting Time - Clinician to Patient — QCDR measure AAD 6

Skin Cancer: Biopsy Reporting Time — Clinician to Patient ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients with skin biopsy specimens with a diagnosis of cutaneous basal, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma (including in situ disease), or primary cutaneous malignancies who are notified of their final biopsy pathology findings within less than

Psoriasis: Clinical Response to Systemic Medications — Measure 410

Psoriasis: Clinical Response to Systemic Medications ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of psoriasis vulgaris patients receiving systemic medication who meet minimal physician- or patient-reported disease activity levels. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 410 ...  ... Type: Outcome ...  ... CMS Derm Specialty Set:  ... Yes ...

Controlling High Blood Pressure — Measure 236

Controlling High Blood Pressure ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of patients 18–85 years of age who had a diagnosis of essential hypertension starting before and continuing into, or starting during the first six months of the measurement period, and whose most recent blood pressure was adequately controlled (<140/90 mmHg) during the measurement

Actinic Keratosis: Self-reported AK Treatment or Management Outcomes - National Quality Strategy Domain: Patient Experience — QCDR measure AAD 20

Actinic Keratosis: Self-reported AK Treatment or Management Outcomes - National Quality Strategy Domain: Patient Experience ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of adult patients (age 18 years and older) who report favorable outcomes resulting from a recommended treatment or management approach for Actinic Keratosis. Patients provide a global assessment of the perceived effectiveness

Psoriasis: Clinical Response to Systemic Medications — Measure 410

Psoriasis: Clinical Response to Systemic Medications ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of psoriasis vulgaris patients receiving systemic medication who meet minimal physician- or patient-reported disease activity levels. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... 410 ...  ... Type: Intermediate outcome ...  ... CMS Derm Specialty Set:  ... Yes

Caveat mTOR revisited: Neurofibromatosis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 14, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 7 An abridged version of this commentary was published in "A Clinician's Perspective" in the April 2023 issue of the JAAD. ... It is understandable how dermatologists may forget about many details of rare genodermatoses after taking their

Preventive Care and Screening: Unhealthy Alcohol Use: Screening & Brief Counseling — Measure 431

Preventive Care and Screening: Unhealthy Alcohol Use: Screening & Brief Counseling ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of adult patients who were screened for unhealthy alcohol use using a systematic screening method at least once within the last 12 months and received brief counseling if identified as an unhealthy alcohol user. ...

Preventive Care and Screening: Unhealthy Alcohol Use: Screening & Brief Counseling — Measure 431

Preventive Care and Screening: Unhealthy Alcohol Use: Screening & Brief Counseling ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of adult patients who were screened for unhealthy alcohol use using a systematic screening method at least once within the last 12 months and received brief counseling if identified as an unhealthy alcohol user. ...

Actinic Keratosis: Self-reported AK Treatment or Management Outcomes — QCDR measure AAD 20

Actinic Keratosis: Self-reported AK Treatment or Management Outcomes ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of adult patients (18 years old and older) who self-report favorable outcomes resulting from a recommended treatment or management approach for Actinic Keratosis (AK) and who self-report satisfaction with the treatment or management of AK. Patients provide a global

Advance Care Plan — Measure 47

Advance Care Plan ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of patients aged 65 years and older who have an advance care plan or surrogate decision maker documented in the medical record or documentation in the medical record that an advance care plan was discussed but the patient did not wish or was not

Advance Care Plan — Measure 47

Advance Care Plan ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of patients aged 65 years and older who have an advance care plan or surrogate decision maker documented in the medical record or documentation in the medical record that an advance care plan was discussed but the patient did not wish or was not

Chronic Skin Conditions: Patient Reported Quality-of-Life — QCDR measure AAD8

Chronic Skin Conditions: Patient Reported Quality-of-Life ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients aged 18 years and older with a chronic skin condition whose self-assessed quality-of-life was recorded at least once in the medical record within the measurement period. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... AAD8 ...  ... Type:

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: From rupture to rapture?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD February 16, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 7 If there was a statistic for a dermatological diagnostic impact factor, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) would be at the top. Often undiagnosed until tragedy strikes, astute dermatologists who consider the diagnosis prior to an acute event may

Psoriasis: Improvement in Patient-Reported Itch Severity — Measure 485

Psoriasis: Improvement in Patient-Reported Itch Severity ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients, aged 8 years and older, with a diagnosis of psoriasis where at an initial (index) visit have a patient reported itch severity assessment performed, score greater than or equal to 4, and who achieve a score reduction of

Dermatitis: Improvement in Patient-Reported Itch Severity — Measure 486

Dermatitis: Improvement in Patient-Reported Itch Severity ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients, aged 8 years and older, with a diagnosis of dermatitis where at an initial (index) visit have a patient reported itch severity assessments performed, score greater than or equal to 4, and who achieve a score reduction of

Continuation of Anticoagulation Therapy in the Office-based Setting for Closures and Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Resection Procedures — QCDR measure AAD 17

Continuation of Anticoagulation Therapy in the Office-based Setting for Closures and Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Resection Procedures ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of procedures in patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of skin cancer, on prescribed anticoagulation therapy, who had intermediate layer and/or complex linear closures OR reconstruction after skin

Avoidance of Opioid Prescriptions for Closures and Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Resection — QCDR measure AAD 18

Avoidance of Opioid Prescriptions for Closures and Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Resection ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of procedures in patients, aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of skin cancer, who had intermediate layer and/or complex linear closures OR reconstruction after skin cancer resection where opioid/narcotic therapy was prescribed as first

May 1

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 1, 2019 ... FDA approves two new psoriasis treatments ... DW Insights and Inquiries : When assessing morbilliform eruptions think about morbilli (measles)! We want your feedback: Draft psoriasis guidelines

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)/Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Biopsy Reporting Time — Pathologist to Clinician — Measure 440

Skin Cancer: Biopsy Reporting Time — Pathologist to Clinician ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of biopsies with a diagnosis of cutaneous BCC, SCC, or melanoma (including in situ disease) in which the pathologist communicates results to the clinician within seven days from receipt of the tissue specimen. ...  ... MEASURE

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)/Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Biopsy Reporting Time — Pathologist to Clinician — Measure 440

Skin Cancer: Biopsy Reporting Time — Pathologist to Clinician ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of biopsies with a diagnosis of cutaneous BCC, SCC, or melanoma (including in situ disease) in which the pathologist communicates results to the clinician within seven days from receipt of the tissue specimen. ...  ... MEASURE

Psoriasis: Improvement in Patient-Reported Itch Severity — Measure 485

Psoriasis: Improvement in Patient-Reported Itch Severity ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients, aged 8 years and older, with a diagnosis of psoriasis where at an initial (index) visit have a patient reported itch severity assessment performed, score greater than or equal to 4, and who achieve a score reduction of

Dermatitis: Improvement in Patient-Reported Itch Severity — Measure 486

Dermatitis: Improvement in Patient-Reported Itch Severity ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients, aged 8 years and older, with a diagnosis of dermatitis where at an initial (index) visit have a patient reported itch severity assessments performed, score greater than or equal to 4, and who achieve a score reduction of

Connection to Community Service Provider — Measure 498

Connection to Community Service Provider ... DESCRIPTION: Percent of patients 18 years and older who screened positive for one or more of the following health-related social needs: food insecurity, housing instability, transportation needs, utility difficulties, and interpersonal safety and had contact with a Community Service Provider for at least one

Melanoma: Appropriate Surgical Margins — QCDR measure AAD 12

Melanoma: Appropriate Surgical Margins ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of primary excisional surgeries for melanoma or melanoma in situ with Breslow depth and appropriate surgical margins per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology-Melanoma (NCCN Guideline). ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... AAD12 ...  ... Type: Intermediate

Avoidance of Post-operative Systemic Antibiotics for Office-based Closures and Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Resection Procedures — QCDR measure AAD16

Avoidance of Post-operative Systemic Antibiotics for Office-based Closures and Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Resection Procedures ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of procedures in patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of skin cancer who underwent intermediate layer, complex linear closure, or reconstruction after skin cancer resection in the office-based setting (not

Avoidance of Post-operative Systemic Antibiotics for Office-based Closures and Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Resection Procedures — QCDR measure AAD16

Avoidance of Post-operative Systemic Antibiotics for Office-based Closures and Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Resection Procedures ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of procedures in patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of skin cancer who underwent intermediate layer, complex linear closure, or reconstruction after skin cancer resection in the office-based setting (not

Triskaidekaphobia legitimized: Fatal Factor XIII deficiency

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 12, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 15 I am not especially superstitious. The number 13 has never concerned me but acquired Factor XIII deficiency has now joined my ever-expanding pantheon of new complications to worry about. ... The article entitled "Association of lethal acquired

Preventive Care and Screening: Tobacco Use: Screening and Cessation Intervention — Measure 226

Preventive Care and Screening: Tobacco Use: Screening and Cessation Intervention ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients aged 12 years and older who were screened for tobacco use one or more times within the measurement period and who received tobacco cessation intervention during the measurement period or in the six months

Preventive Care and Screening: Tobacco Use: Screening and Cessation Intervention — Measure 226

Preventive Care and Screening: Tobacco Use: Screening and Cessation Intervention ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients aged 12 years and older who were screened for tobacco use one or more times within the measurement period and who received tobacco cessation intervention during the measurement period or in the six months

October 23, 2024

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / October 23, 2024 ... Botulinum toxin type A with topical minoxidil vs. topical minoxidil alone in males with androgenetic alopecia DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Shocking news — Heat shock protein

Chronic Skin Conditions: Patient Reported Quality-of-Life — QCDR measure AAD8

Chronic Skin Conditions: Patient Reported Quality-of-Life ... DESCRIPTION: The percentage of patients aged 18 years and older with a chronic skin condition whose self-assessed quality-of-life was recorded at least once in the medical record within the measurement period. ...  ... MEASURE ID:  ... AAD8 ...  ... Type:

Interfering with interferon Gamma: The mechanisms behind acquired resistance to PD-1 inhibitors for melanoma

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 4, 2016 Astounding major advances in targeted therapies for melanoma, most notably by PD-1 blockade, have given hope and life to patients with metastatic melanoma. Approximately 30 % of advanced melanoma patients experience tumor responses from checkpoint blockade monotherapy, with better clinical responses seen

Glucose monitors: Not as sweet as they seem

By Christen M. Mowad, MD Oct. 9, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 31 ... The next contact allergen of the year has been announced early by the American Contact Dermatitis Society and it is an acrylate, isobornyl acrylate. (1) This chemical is a photopolymerizable monomer that has been used in industrial

Compounding toolkit

Can you compound or prescribe it? ... Answer a few questions below to determine whether the type of compounding you are performing is in compliance with Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and how to access the drug product if it cannot be compounded in your office. ... Are you

Key messages in social media about eczema

Key messages ... Eczema refers to a group of conditions that lead to inflamed skin. Signs of inflamed skin include a rash, itchiness, and excessive dryness. (1) ... There are several types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type. ... Eczema is a complex condition. Your genes, immune

Learning module: Genetic skin diseases

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of patients presenting with genodermatoses. ... By completing this module, the learner will be able to: ... Identify and describe the morphology of skin lesions typical of tuberous

Addressing systems and administrative challenges

Running a successful dermatology practice hinges not only on exceptional patient care but also on efficient administration. While challenges vary based on practice type and other factors, most practices face common administrative burdens. These burdens are a major driver of burnout. ... Surveys conducted among Academy members between 2016-2020 revealed

COVID-19 can nail you in so many ways

By Elizabeth Yim, MD, MPH, FAAD, and John Montgomery Yost, MD, MPH, FAAD July 13, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 28 Dr. Elizabeth Yim and Dr. John M. Yost. ... During these difficult and quite frankly, scary times, we have heard numerous reports of various cutaneous manifestations by the SARS-COV-2 infection

New treatments provide more options for people with alopecia areata

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ... article highlights new ways to restore hair ROSEMONT, Ill. (Aug. 15, 2023) — A study published today in a supplement of the ... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology titled " ... Alopecia: A New Frontier " reveals that a new

New study reveals that some children with common form of eczema should also be tested for allergic reactions

Study author highlights test used to differentiate between two types of eczema ROSEMONT, Ill. (September 26, 2023) — Eczema, which is a group of medical conditions that causes inflamed, irritated, and often itchy skin, affects millions of people worldwide. A new article published in the ... Journal of the American

Ustekinumab: A topic for atopics?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 9, 2017 Atopic dermatitis patient shows drastic improvement at week 19 of ustekinumab treatment. ... Credit: ... JAAD If you’re like me, you have a cadre of patients with severe atopic dermatitis (AD) patients who are counting the minutes for the release of

Advocacy Update May 5, 2026

IN THIS ISSUE / May 5, 2026 Advocacy win: United Healthcare delays referral program penalties Dr. Gross attends political event on behalf of SkinPAC New Medicare physician payment reform legislative efforts AADA presents at FDA nonprescription drugs access public meeting Payer Advocacy Advocacy win: United Healthcare delays referral program penalties

Malpractice insurance 101

Experts offer advice on navigating malpractice insurance policies. ... Feature ... By Andrea Niermeier, Contributing Writer, February 1, 2025 While medical malpractice suits first regularly appeared in the United States in the 1800s, the frequency of claims has only increased since the 1960s, with lawsuits relatively common today. Medical malpractice

October 1, 2025

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 1, 2025 ... Antiandrogen therapy for the treatment of female pattern hair loss DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei — A Simon and Garfunkel playlist Academy mourns

The doctor will see you...soon?

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, July 1, 2019 As efforts to improve access to dermatologic care remain ongoing (Read ... Dermatology World ’s 2017 feature "Access Granted" at ... www.aad.org/dw/monthly/2017/october/access-granted for strategies to broaden patient access), how long can the average patient expect to wait

Focusing attention on X-linked ichthyosis

Ichthyosis vulgaris ... Credit: ... JAAD By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 2, 2019 I thought it was me. Like every dermatologist, I learned the classical appearance of the ichthyoses, and wonder why I’m not sure if I am looking at a patient with ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) or X-linked ichthyosis

Dermatology antibiotic prescription trends

Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, November 1, 2019 As antibiotic resistance has increasingly captured the attention of the media and global health organizations, physicians have found themselves under more pressure to monitor their antibiotic prescription habits. Although overall antibiotic prescribing by dermatologists decreased by 36.6%

Demand for cosmetic procedures resumes after COVID

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, April 1, 2023 During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many practices paused elective and cosmetic procedures for several weeks, followed by further disruptions due to the ebb and flow in national and regional caseloads. ... The release of new

Ransomware attacks on U.S. health care double

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, February 1, 2024 Ransomware is on the rise. A recent ... JAMA Health Forum study found that the annual number of ransomware attacks on health care organizations more than doubled from 2016 to 2021, exposing the personal health information (PHI)

Melanoma incidence rising, deaths decreasing

Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, December 1, 2019 According to data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), there were an estimated 96,480 new cases of melanoma of the skin in 2019 — making it the fifth most

Private payer appeal letter tool

How can I appeal insurance denials? ... Use the tool below to generate letters from automated templates. These letter templates are intended to help dermatologists appeal to private payers when payments are inappropriately reduced. They may be modified to specifically address your circumstances and those of your patients. ... {{

COVID’s impact on cosmetic procedures

Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, April 1, 2022 During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many practices paused elective and cosmetic procedures for several weeks, followed by further disruptions throughout the year due to the ebb and flow in national and regional caseloads. The release

Medical research funding

Ask the Expert ... By Victoria Houghton, managing editor, August 1, 2021 DermWorld ... spoke to Jennifer Mangone, JD, manager of congressional policy for the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), about the Academy’s advocacy efforts to support medical research funding. DermWorld: Advocating for medical research funding is a top

AAD membership at a glance

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, content specialist, June 1, 2018 Which way are the winds of dermatology blowing? AAD membership data may serve as a bellwether. In 2018, overall membership surpassed 20,000 dermatologists, but beyond hitting the 20K mark, other demographic changes regarding gender and practice type

Checking in on the adverse reactions to checkpoint inhibitors

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 17, 2016 Earlier this year there have been two posts devoted to adverse reactions of checkpoint inhibitors ("Thinking of Discontinuing the PD-1 Inhibitor Because of a Lichenoid Eruption? Don’t do it!" published on May 21st and "Joining the Bullae Pulpit: PD-1 inhibitors" posted on

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... August 1, 2024 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Maureen Offiah, MD, FAAD Several physician groups have recently modified the ... staging and classification of all primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL). Changes to

Metformin mania: Is it an adequate chemopreventive agent for skin cancer?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 31, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 35 Precisely a century ago (in 1922) metformin was synthesized, based on the folk knowledge that the active, but toxic constituent guanidine galegine, (derived from French lilac, ... Galega officinalis ) could treat "sweet urine." Metformin is now

Promising therapeutic developments for cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Interfering with interferon

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 17, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 33 Disfigurement due to scars and dyspigmentation complicating discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) can be devastating. The cornerstones of therapy for cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) are steroids (topical, intralesional, systemic) and antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, quinacrine). Secondary agents include immunosuppressive

The nexus of VEXAS syndrome

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD December 1, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 47 You may not be familiar with VEXAS (Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic) syndrome, but it is conceivable that you have already unknowingly encountered patients with the disorder. ... To appreciate the clinical nuances of the VEXAS

Alleviate the ouch

Experts share best practices and review the latest on safety concerns for anesthesia use in children. ... Feature ... By Heidi Splete, Contributing Writer, May 1, 2024 Use of anesthesia can be tricky in adults, but even trickier in children. The use of local or general anesthesia in pediatric dermatology

Waiting for Wong

By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... Oct. 6, 2016 ... The Wong variant of dermatomyositis was originally described by O’Leary during the Eisenhower administration (1953) and named for Wong during Nixon’s tenure (1969). I have been involved with dermatology since Carter’s term in office (1979). Since that time (Reagan,

What are keratoacanthomatous lesions of the legs in mature women?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 11, 2017 ... Right thigh, keratoacanthomatous atypical squamous proliferation. (Hematoxylin-eosin stain; original magnification: ×10.) ... Credit: ... JAAD I have an increasing number of patients asking me questions about proliferating keratoacanthoma-like lesions on their shins. "Why am I getting these? Are they cancer? Why

Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome: Shifting out of neutral

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 27, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 34 In nearly all neutrophil, eosinophil and basophil leukocytes and in the monocytes, several clear vacuoles of varying size were observed in the cytoplasm, which after vital staining…revealed a red colour, i.e. contained a fatty substance. The erythrocytes

Tressed to impress: tips for keeping your mane magnificent

6 tips for healthier looking and feeling hair from a board-certified dermatologist ROSEMONT, Ill. (Aug. 13, 2024) — Hair is as unique as its wearer, making care an important aspect in one’s overall health and wellness routine. From understanding your hair type to learning the best shampooing technique (yes, there

Reporting Quality for MIPS

The tracking of quality measures and the implementation of improvement activities can help to lead to improved outcomes in patient care and care processes. ... Quality measures ... AAD continues to expand the number and type of dermatology-specific measures for reporting to CMS. Access a complete list of MIPS measures

Tuberculosis Screening Prior to First Course Biologic and/or Immune Response Modifier Therapy — Measure 176

Tuberculosis Screening Prior to First Course Biologic and/or Immune Response Modifier Therapy ... DESCRIPTION: If a patient has been newly prescribed a biologic and/or immune response modifier that includes a warning for potential reactivation of a latent infection, then the medical record should indicate TB testing in the preceding 12-month

Advocacy — Improving access to patch testing units

Streamlining your patients’ care ... When payer policies on patch testing didn’t allow you to deliver high-quality care for your patients, you alerted us, and we worked together for a solution. The AADA stepped in when two Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC) — Novitas Solutions and First Coast Service — threatened

Tuberculosis Screening Prior to First Course Biologic and/or Immune Response Modifier Therapy — Measure 176

Tuberculosis Screening Prior to First Course Biologic and/or Immune Response Modifier Therapy ... DESCRIPTION: If a patient has been newly prescribed a biologic and/or immune response modifier that includes a warning for potential reactivation of a latent infection, then the medical record should indicate TB testing in the preceding 12-month

March 1, 2023

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 1, 2023 ... Isotretinoin: Risk of IBS, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Seeing red with dupilumab IL-17 inhibitors in psoriasis patients in the real world

The Term “Dermal Hyperneury” Hits a Nerve

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 21, 2017 ... A, On hematoxylin-eosin stain, the borders of this nerve bundle are sharply demarcated from the surrounding connective tissue with no associated inflammation or fibrosis. A thin layer of epithelium can be seen encapsulating the intersecting fascicles of nerve fibers. Within the

CBD: Potential or placebo?

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Potential applications and concerns regarding the use of cannabinoids in dermatology ... Potential applications and concerns regarding the use of cannabinoids in dermatology ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor This recent Mother’s Day holiday, shoppers may have observed

Tennessee legislation increases transparency

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) signed legislation limiting the use of medical specialty titles in advertisements. ... The new state law requires any advertisement for health care services to include the name of a health care practitioner and the type of licensure or profession held. The AADA believes that all

Researching therapeutic reformation of the capillary malformation: Arteriovenous Malformation Syndrome

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 17, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 24 Small cutaneous lesions may have profound systemic implications. Astute dermatologists will recognize these lesions and assess patients accordingly, often to the surprise of referring physicians and patients alike. ... The Capillary Malformation – Arteriovenous Malformation (CM-AVM) syndrome was

AADA hosts 10th annual Capitol Hill Skin Cancer Check and Health Fair

Moving the needle ... By Apoorva Stull, Senior Manager, Advocacy Communications, May 1, 2024 DermWorld ... breaks down the latest highlights of AADA advocacy activities at the federal and state legislative and regulatory level. On May 15, the AADA hosted its 10th annual Capitol Hill Skin Cancer Check and Health

2020 DW Insights and Inquiries archive

Explore ... DermWorld Insights and Inquiries articles by publication date. ... December ... December 23 - 2020 holiday greeting December 16 - We’re in hot water! Vibrio vulnificus infections are heading north December 9 - Much ado about nothing in dermatopathology December 2 - Pigmented onychomatricoma: Avoid getting nailed by

Membership Committee portal

Welcome to the American Academy of Dermatology’s Membership Committee portal. The portal houses applications and their supporting documentation along with resources to help determine eligibility for membership. ... Applicant Name ... Type ... Category ... Country ... Status ... Review {{application.fullName}} ... {{application.pendingMemberType}} ... {{application.pendingMemberCategory}} ... {{application.businessAddressCountry}} ... {{application.status}} ...

Transplantation dermatology: Race matters

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 21, 2017 African American man with generalized vitiligo. Medial aspect of foot before (A) and 5 months after (B) melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure. ... Credit: ... JAAD December 3rd, 2017 will mark the 50th anniversary of the first human-to-human heart transplant performed by the late

Granulomatous slack skin: More than one type of mimicry

By Warren R. Heymann, MD November 18, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 46 My chief resident presented a case to me enamored with his clinical diagnosis of granulomatous slack skin (GSS). Although I was delighted that he considered the disorder, I explained why I thought these inguinal and submammary pink-white subtly

Atrophic tinea versicolor: Knowledge about its pathogenesis is hypertrophying

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 12, 2017 In the entry "Atrophic Tinea Versicolor: More Than a Mirage" (April 22, 2016), I learned that the atrophic appearance of some cases of tinea versicolor is not just an optical illusion. The case of a 35-year-old man with depressed brown lesions on

What's hot?

What's hot ... February 26, 2019 In this monthly column, members of the ... Dermatology World Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Mallory Abate, MD ... Isn’t it interesting how some common warts that we treat seem to go away almost instantly but others persist

March

Issue ... March January February March April May June July August September October November December View digital flipbook In this issue ... From the Editor ... I always knew firefighting was a dangerous occupation What’s hot ... This month’s news from across the specialty Clinical Applications ... Do skin cancer

The retiring type?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 23, 2017 "Tell me, Dr. Heymann, when do you plan to retire?" ... Patients seem to ask me that every day. ... My usual response: "Why do you ask, do I look that bad?" ... "No, you look pretty good for your age." (According

Studying skin aging never gets old: The potential role of oxytocin

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 14, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 41 Every day, dermatologists address patient concerns about their aging skin — whether they are presenting for medical, surgical, or cosmetic problems. Extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet light and smoking resulting in a leathery, coarsely wrinkled appearance are well

Key messages to communicate about Indoor tanning

Key messages ... Using indoor tanning beds can increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. (1-15) ... Using tanning beds before age 20 can increase your chances of developing melanoma by 47%, and the risk increases with each use. (16) ... Women younger

My fair-weather therapeutic friends for alopecia areata

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 25, 2017 Type C clinical pattern of alopecia. A, Patchy hair loss on a background of a diffuse hair loss with (B) occipital involvement in an ophiasis-like pattern. C, Biopsy specimen obtained from the vertex of the scalp. Histopathology of vertical sections shows an

Mohs Surgery Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) app

There are many considerations when determining whether to use Mohs surgery for the treatment of skin cancer, such as the cancer type, location, and whether it is new or recurring, as well as the health profile of the patient. ... With the Academy's complimentary Mohs Surgery Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC)

Platelet rich plasma: Good for whatever ails you?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 13, 2017 Hair regrowth in ophiasis-type alopecia areata after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. Occipital hair loss before treatment (A) and occipital hair regrowth 3 months after administration of PRP at a concentration 3.5 times above baseline (B). ... Credit: ... JAAD Okay, okay, I

November 18, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / November 18, 2020 ... Hydrogen peroxide and the common wart: Phase 2 results are in DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Granulomatous slack skin — More than one type of mimicry FDA

January 30

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / January 30, 2019 ... Dermatologists prescribe fewer antibiotics overall, but use increased with surgery CMS updates Open Payments data What causes allergic responses in patients with atopic dermatitis? YouTube videos about

Intermediate and complex repairs 2020: Part 1

Cracking the Code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, October 1, 2019 Test your knowledge: Intermediate and complex repairs 2020 — Part 1 ... Take the quiz to

Practice types in dermatology

Dermatologists can choose from a diversity of practice types, from independent to group and institutional. Each of these practice types comes with trade-offs between between autonomy and support, benefits and risks. There are also new practice models, meant to improve value and contain costs. Use the AAD resources below to

Contract reimbursement review

When deciding whether to sign a contract with a payer, reimbursement is one of the most important considerations. Adequate reimbursement is critical to the viability of your practice. Therefore, be sure to review contract language on reimbursement carefully. ... Aspects of reimbursement are often negotiable, though the extent to which

Advocacy Update Feb 3, 2026

IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 3, 2026 Dermatologists urged Washington state to support truth in advertising Humana corrects destruction code denials Academy asks CMS to reduce regulatory burdens on dermatology Contribute to SkinPAC Truth in Advertising Dermatologists urged Washington state to support truth in advertising ... The AADA ... urged

Prolactin and its role in stress-induced psoriasis: Milking the data

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 18, 2018 Patients will readily acknowledge that stress worsens their psoriasis. When asked how this happens, I respond by mentioning the "mind-body connection" using the term "psychoneuroimmunology;" patients nod in agreement, feigning understanding; appropriately so, because frankly, I don’t understand it either. ... The

4 cradle cap tips from dermatologists

Tips from board-certified dermatologists ROSEMONT, Ill. (August 18, 2022) — Bringing home a new baby is a joyous time for any parent. For first time parents, bringing home a new baby can unlock a wide range of emotions—from excitement to nervousness. As you adjust to parenthood, you’ll notice that your

New data to recall when considering radiation recall dermatitis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 30, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 39 I have always been mystified by the diagnosis of radiation recall dermatitis (RRD). RRD was first described in 1959 by D’Angio et al who stated: "Actinomycin D therapy alone can reactivate ‘latent’ radiation effects in normal tissues. For

Becoming pro-geriatric by understanding progeria

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 13, 2018 A fifteen-year-old boy with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. ... Credit: ... JAAD I have never seen a case of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). You probably haven’t either, given its incidence of 1 in 4 million. Why comment on a disease that will likely

AAD's guidance on resources related to workplace violence

Unfortunately, violence in the workplace has become more common in health care and incidences are slowly rising. Has someone at your dermatology practice ever experienced any type of violence at work? Is your practice equipped or prepared to handle violence, if it were to occur? Dermatologists are not always trained

How to prevent keloid scars

Board-certified dermatologist shares tips to reduce your risk ROSEMONT, Ill. (Dec. 6, 2023) — Keloids are a type of raised scar that can occur after an injury, and over time they can grow much larger than the wound itself. Although keloids are not dangerous to a person’s health, they can

July 1, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / July 1, 2020 ... Derm Coding Consult : E/M coding — What has changed? DW Insights and Inquiries : Spironolactone — An increasingly recognized hero in acne therapy Is it ethical

Ubiquitous ubiquitination

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 28, 2017 Generalized severe epidermolysis bullosa simplex. Blister classification. Single blisters were defined as a count of 1. Blister nests derived from 1 healing blister were defined as a count of 1. Redness without convexes was not counted. Only time points for which good

The congenital perineal groove: Defective recognition of a dermal defect

By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... Feb. 28, 2018 ... It has been nearly half a century since Stephens first detailed the perineal groove (PG) as a congenital malformation consisting of three features: (1) a wet groove in the midperineum between the fourchette and the anus; (2) normal formation of

Seeing red with dupilumab

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 1, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 9 Since its release in 2017, dupilumab (a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-4 and IL-13) has transformed the therapeutic landscape for managing atopic dermatitis (AD) and other eczematous disorders, bullous pemphigoid, Kimura disease, etc. when used

Are teens tanning less?

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Signs point to progress, but work remains ... Signs point to progress, but work remains ... By Ruth Carol, contributing writer It appears that fewer teens are indoor tanning in recent years, but the data are sparse. Regulations

RAC audits: Target areas

This page has quick tips, facts, and links for you to keep on hand so that you can stay on top of the audit game. ... Where a RAC will catch you ... It goes without saying that you must be careful about many procedures when you’re a physician. However,

Giving a NOD2 to Yao syndrome

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 5, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 9 The 21 ... st ... century has witnessed an expanding array of systemic autoinflammatory disorders (SAIDs) due to innate immunity dysfunction. SAIDs are characterized by recurrent attacks of fever, cutaneous signs, chest or abdominal pain, lymphadenopathy, vasculopathy,

Write this down if your patient has multiple PENS: Look further

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 18, 2016 Papular Epidermal Nevus with Skyline Basal Cell Layer (PENS) was first described by Torrelo et al. They detailed 5 infants with solitary or multiple 1 to 7 mm congenital keratotic papules. Lesions were randomly distributed and did not follow Blaschko lines. They

Advocacy Update Feb. 4 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 4, 2025 Physician champions introduce Medicare physician payment fix in House Academy joins coalition urging less regulatory burdens in Medicare Advantage and Part D program AADA urges CMS to improve MVP framework Become an AADA Advocacy Key Contact Support dermatology champions in Congress through SkinPAC

CMS Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) reviews are now in full swing

What is a Targeted Probe and Educate program? ... A Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) program is a claim review process utilized by the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MACs) designed to help dermatologists reduce claim and billing denials as well as appeals through "one-on-one" corrective action assistance and is overseen by

Getting to the heart of neonatal lupus erythematosus

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 21, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 29 I have found that rendering the diagnosis of neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is fraught with emotional challenges. Not only are mothers concerned for their children, frequently they are unaware of the fact that they are also at

Dermatology resident develops face masks from recycled medical supplies

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... DermWorld Weekly talks with Aditi Sharma, MD, a third-year resident in the department of dermatology at the University of California, Irvine, about how she produced a new type of protective face mask made from recycled

Advocacy Update Dec 9, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Dec. 9, 2025 AADA endorses annual inflationary update to Medicare payment legislation Upcoming formulary prior authorization changes to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s federal employee coverage Podcast highlights advocacy on dermatopathology payer and regulatory challenges AMA offering $1 million in community health program grants Peter Friedman, MD,

Taking the challenge: Social media, adolescents, and the skin

By Albert C. Yan, MD June 12, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 14 Patterned skin injury can raise the specter of non-accidental trauma. However, over the past decade or so, striking examples of patterned skin injury have emerged among adolescents and pre-teens that share certain features: these are self-induced voluntarily; the

June 1, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / June 1, 2022 ... What’s new in adult acne over the last two years? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Granulomatous cheilitis — Back to the Future Derm Coding Consult : Cigna’s

September 1, 2021

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 1, 2021 ... Which dermatology patients should receive a third dose of mRNA vaccine? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Shedding light on the hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoproliferative disorder Obesity, diabetes associated with

December 1, 2021

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Dec. 1, 2021 ... Risk of COVID-19 infection in atopic dermatitis patients DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : The nexus of VEXAS syndrome Skin and gut microbiome in hidradenitis suppurativa Is imiquimod

Treatments for renal IgA vasculitis are beginning to flow

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 19, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 7 The alliterative phrase "palpable purpura" will instantly conjure the diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) for dermatologists. IgA vasculitis (IgAV, aka Henoch-Schönlein purpura [HSP]) is the most common vasculitis in children but is much less frequent in adults.

November 1, 2023

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Nov. 1, 2023 ... Can oral nutraceuticals reduce isotretinoin side effects? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Exchanging plasma exchange for a novel approach — The potential of FcRn antagonists in dermatologic

Applying the 2021 E/M coding concepts in everyday practice – Part 1

The introduction of the revised 2021 evaluation and management (E/M) coding guidelines has generated a plethora of questions from dermatologists in the application of the concepts used in the ... medical-decision making table (MDM). ... To help members navigate the E/M changes in a simplified and relatable manner in everyday

This month's news from across the specialty

What's hot ... December 1, 2020 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Harry Dao Jr., MD Choice and transparency dominate our landscape. It is hard to believe that it was only 2013 when the FDA

Academy physician leaders meet with federal legislators

On June 4, AADA physician leaders met with legislators in Washington, D.C., as part of the House Call on the Mall fundraiser hosted by the National Republican Congressional Committee and Rep. John Joyce, MD, FAAD (R-PA). During the event, AADA leaders reiterated the importance of Medicare physician payment reform. ...

Evaluation and management in 2021: Part 1

Cracking the code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, September 1, 2020 Test your knowledge: Evaluation and management in 2021: Part 1 ... Take the quiz to see

Optimizing financial efficiency: Part 1

Experts offer advice on best practices to ensure financial health before the appointment begins. ... Feature ... By Megan Bennett, Staff Writer, May 1, 2026 When opening her private practice in 2022, Suzanne McGoey, MD, MPH, FAAD, also discovered the challenges of managing the business of medicine. ... "We do

April 1, 2026

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 1, 2026 ... Aesthetic treatment considerations for perimenopausal, menopausal patients DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Cocaine-associated plasma cell orificial mucositis — Anything goes Effects of PRP, minoxidil in patients with

Leaders in medicine – Part 1

DermWorld talks to dermatologists in leadership roles in the house of medicine. ... Feature ... By Matthew Walsh, Member Communications Specialist, May 1, 2023 The American Academy of Dermatology is one of hundreds of medical associations in the U.S., each offering opportunities for doctors to assume important leadership positions. Engaged

Spironolactone: An increasingly recognized hero in acne therapy

By David A. Wetter, MD July 1, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 26 In 1983, Bonnie Tyler released the catchy and powerful anthem, "Holding Out for a Hero." Emotion exudes from the lyrics: ... I need a hero I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the morning light He’s gotta be

May 1, 2024

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 1, 2024 ... Consensus statements for the treatment of vitiligo in younger patients DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Eyebrow-raising complications of microblading Role of low-dose oral minoxidil for treatment of

February 1, 2023

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 1, 2023 ... Are topical AK treatments associated with increased risk of SCC? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : A seasoned approach to treating the ‘salt and pepper’ dyspigmentation of systemic

I don’t know JAK — but I will! Ruxolitinib improving chilblain lupus erythematosus

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 31, 2016 The JAK inhibitors are among the current darlings of treating autoimmune diseases. Recent articles about tofacitinib for vitiligo (1) and alopecia areata (2) have been reported in the lay press with considerable fanfare. ... Ruxolitinib (Jakafi) is indicated for treating intermediate to

JAAD wins again!

JAAD has retained the #1 position as the most impactful journal in dermatology according to the 2024 Clarivate Journal Impact Factor (JIF). ... JAAD is No. 1 in the field of dermatology for the sixth year in a row, with a JIF of 11.8 and 38,702 total citations. ... But

April 1, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 1, 2020 ... What to do with iPLEDGE patients during COVID-19 DW Insights and Inquiries : Knuckling down on knuckle pads Medicare offers physicians advance payments to address COVID-19 cash-flow

The opioid epidemic: Coma blisters and beyond

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 4, 2017 The opioid crisis in the United States is responsible for at least 90 fatalities every day. This dire situation has been aggravated by the increased availability of very potent synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil, which are 50 and 5000 times

JAAD ranks no. 1 among dermatology journals

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology’s impact factor remains #1 in field ROSEMONT, Ill. (July 2, 2024) — The ... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology remains the top peer-reviewed journal in its field, according to the 2023 journal impact factor rankings recently published by Clarivate’s Journal

JAAD ranks no. 1 among dermatology journals

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology’s impact factor remains #1 in field ROSEMONT, Ill. (July 5, 2023) — The ... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology remains the top peer-reviewed journal in its field, according to the 2022 journal impact factor rankings recently published by Clarivate’s Journal

Appropriate Documentation and Shared Decision Making of AK — QCDR measure AAD 21

Actinic Keratosis: Appropriate Documentation and Shared Decision Making of AK ... DESCRIPTION: Percentage of adult patients (18 years old and older) diagnosed with Actinic Keratosis (AK) whose healthcare provider has recorded the following information in the patient’s medical record 1) documentation of the number or range of AKs, 2) location(s)

Dermatology coding essentials part 1: Pearls, pitfalls, and best practices

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Senior Manager, Coding & Reimbursement, April 1, 2026 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld Coding Consult. ... Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . Your ability to deliver excellent patient care

Psoriasiform eruptions during Kawasaki disease (KD): A prognosis that lets the good times roll

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 27, 2016 Psoriasiform skin changes have been rarely described in the literature in both acute (1-4 weeks) and convalescent phases (4-12 weeks) of KD (1). ... Haddock et al, in their review of 870 cases of KD, identified 11 patients with a psoriasiform eruption

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... December 1, 2023 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Bryan Carroll, MD, PhD, FAAD Our surgical prep may benefit non-surgical elderly patients. A study of extended bacterial decolonization in 28,956 nursing home

Is dyshidrosiform pemphigoid really anti-p200 pemphigoid?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 20, 2016 Dyshidrosiform pemphigoid (DP) was initially reported in a 72 year-old man with large, tense bullae on the plantar aspect of his feet, with some lesions on an erythematous base. He also had an "ill-defined papular eruption" of the trunk and an erosion

Shedding light on the hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoproliferative disorder

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 1, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 35 Hydroa vacciniforme (HV) has always mystified me in every respect — its clinical presentation, pathophysiology, prognosis, and even its name. I understand "vacciniforme" because residual scars may resemble those of smallpox. I was surprised to learn that

Advocating for patch testing units

Ask the Expert ... By Victoria Houghton, Managing Editor, February 1, 2022 DermWorld ... spoke to Cynthia Stewart, CPC, COC, CPMA, CPC-I, manager of coding and reimbursement resources for the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), about the Academy’s successful efforts to advocate for increased patch testing units in Local

Impact Report — Vol 4, Issue 1

Celebrating a year of big wins at the Academy From critical changes to iPLEDGE, to new CME learning opportunities on actinic keratosis, alopecia, and atopic dermatitis, to enhanced coding and practice management tools, the Academy was here for you in 2023. Our successes are a direct result of the strong

Biopsy coding in 2019: Part 1

Cracking the Code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, November 1, 2018 Dermatologists commonly biopsy skin lesions via a tangential shave technique, with a punch, or with a

The journey of focal dermal hypoplasia: From description to inspired therapy

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 9, 2017 The dermatologic community lost a giant in 2014 with the passing of Robert W. Goltz, MD at the age of 90. Dr. Goltz was not only responsible for describing focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), but also multicentric reticulohistiocytosis, generalized elastolysis, and the nevoid

Sweating over sweat gland carcinomas: Part 2 — Eccrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 20, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 33 As I write this commentary, March Madness is underway. According to the NCAA, the odds of predicting all 63 NCAA tournament games correctly are approximately 1 in 9.2 quintillion (a quintillion is 10 to the 18th power).

The H syndrome – Understanding Y

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 15, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 15 It has been more than a decade since the H syndrome was described by Molho-Pessach et al, in their report of 10 patients from 6 Arab consanguineous families. (1) More than 100 cases have now been reported worldwide.

Excludes notes

ICD-10 Excludes notes: In a nutshell ... ICD-10-CM codes include two sets of exclusions. ... Excludes 1 exclusions indicate when two codes cannot be billed at the same time. ... Excludes 2 exclusions indicate that the codes are separately billable. ... Excludes 1 Note ... Within the ICD-10-CM manual, you

August 17, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Aug. 17, 2022 ... Do dietary exclusions improve atopic dermatitis? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Promising therapeutic developments for cutaneous lupus erythematosus — Interfering with interferon Derm Coding Consult : Dermatology

Advocacy Update Jul 1, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / July 1, 2025 Senate advances reconciliation bill with 2026 Medicare Physician Payment increase RFK pledges to work with Rep. Joyce on Medicare physician reimbursement CMS suspends CLIA lab director restrictions AADA and DermCAC support inclusion of dermatologists in SRT Local Coverage Determinations Build a relationship with

Storytelling in advocacy

Ask the Expert ... By Victoria Houghton, Managing Editor, February 1, 2023 DermWorld ... spoke to Alex Gross, MD, FAAD, chair of the AADA State Policy Committee, about how to utilize personal stories with policymakers to make an advocacy impact. DermWorld: Tell us about your experience advocating on behalf of

Granulomatous cheilitis: Back to the Future

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD June 1, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 22 I opened my dermatology practice in 1985 — looking retrospectively, life was then both simpler and more complicated. It was the pre-computer era when patients paid their fee at the time of their visit, utilizing a peg-board

Shedding light on treatments for female pattern hair loss

Dermatologist hair experts discuss the efficacy and safety considerations of off-label treatments for female pattern hair loss. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, April 1, 2025 A female patient presents with thinning hair and a reduction in hair density at the top of the scalp. Is it

Knuckling down on knuckle pads

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 1, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 13 Today is April Fools’ Day. Thus far, 2020 has felt like April Fools’ Year. All of us are dealing with COVID-19, 24/7. During World War II, morale was lifted by the song "There’ll be bluebirds over the White

Advocacy Update Apr. 1, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Apr. 1, 2025 HHS announced major department restructuring Senate confirms Drs. Bhattacharya to lead NIH and Makary to head FDA Step therapy reform bill headed to New Jersey governor Contribute to SkinPAC Regulatory Affairs HHS announced major department restructuring ... On March 27, the Department of

We are your No. 1 high impact journal

For the fourth straight year, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) ranked as the top peer-reviewed journal in its field, according to journal impact factor rankings published by Clarivate’s Journal Citation Reports (JCR) Web of Science Group. With an impact factor of 13.8, JAAD is in the

Telehealth policy changes take effect; shutdown impacts Medicare claims processing

In the ... Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Update on Medicare Operations: Telehealth, Claims Processing, and Medicare Administrative Contractors Status During the Shutdown of Oct. 1, 2025, CMS announced that significant changes to Medicare telehealth services that took effect on Oct. 1, 2025, may impact the processing of Medicare telehealth claims.

Should benign cephalic histiocytosis be renamed? Let’s keep our heads about this decision.

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 4, 2017 Benign cephalic histiocytosis (BCH) is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytic disorder first recognized by Gianotti 46 years ago. (1) Over the years, I have seen several cases of both Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), and non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses, but do not recall ever

Coughing up a new warning for ustekinumab

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 15, 2019 Vol 1, No. 10 After using a drug for years, physicians become comfortable with the benefits and risks of the frequently prescribed agent. I have utilized ustekinumab extensively — learning of new adverse reactions is sobering. ... Ustekinumab has been in use

Exchanging plasma exchange for a novel approach: The potential of FcRn antagonists in dermatologic autoimmune disease

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 1, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 44 Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) are potentially life-threatening disorders demanding aggressive therapy with all the finesse and skill that dermatologists can muster. PV is characterized by IgG autoantibodies targeting desmoglein (Dsg)‐3, which is associated with

February 16, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 16, 2022 ... A review of calcipotriol plus 5-fluorouracil for actinic keratosis DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: From rupture to rapture? Delayed complications for FDA-approved HA dermal

It’s JAAD, again, of course!

For the ... fifth year in a row, ... JAAD has retained its position as the #1 most impactful journal out of 94 dermatology journals measured in Clarivate’s 2023 Journal Citations Report (JCR) Web of Science. ... Here are the details: ... JAAD ’s impact factor is 12.8 ... JAAD

History and current status

1. What is the history of measles in the U.S.? ... Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. ... Pre-vaccine era ... Measles was first identified as an infectious agent from blood samples collected in 1757 and became a nationally notifiable disease in the US in 1912. ... 1 ... An average

Thinking of discontinuing the PD-1 inhibitor because of a lichenoid eruption? Don’t do it!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 21, 2016 Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been the proverbial "game changers" in oncology, and offer hope (and a chance of survival) where none existed just a few years ago. ... Cutaneous manifestations are the most common adverse reactions to these drugs. Indeed, more than

A seasoned approach to treating the “salt and pepper” dyspigmentation of systemic sclerosis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 1, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 5 It only takes a nanosecond for a dermatologist to recognize the "salt and pepper" dyspigmentation (SPD) of systemic sclerosis (SSc), but a lifetime to understand and manage it. Of all the cutaneous signs of SSc (sclerodactyly, telangiectasias,

What you read in 2024: AAD publications roundup

JAAD still making an impact For the ... fifth year in a row, ... JAAD retained its position as the #1 most impactful journal out of 94 dermatology journals measured in Clarivate’s 2023 Journal Citations Report (JCR) Web of Science. ... Here are the details: ... JAAD ’s impact factor

Naltrexone therapy for Hailey-Hailey disease: Confirming my addiction to evidence-based medicine

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 28, 2017 Hailey-Hailey disease. Patient 1: erythematous-crusted plaques on the lower midback before radiation treatment. ... Credit: ... JAAD I was fascinated by a presentation at the recent World Congress of Pediatric Dermatology discussing improvement of epidermolysis bullosa wounds with topical CBD (cannabis) oil.

Claim Reopenings or Level 1 Appeals for Denied Services

Not every Medicare denial requires a formal appeal. Most Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC) have developed automated claim "reopenings" to handle these simple corrections. This method significantly reduces the amount of time required to reprocess a denial. It is important that reopenings be submitted on the correct form, which can be

Keeping up is hard to do: The need for true grit

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 5, 2017 One of the daunting challenges in practicing dermatology (or any branch of medicine) is keeping abreast of advances in the literature to optimize patient care. As a clinician-educator, I have always had an interest in how we learn best. For full disclosure,

Applying the 2021 E/M coding concepts in everyday practice – Part 3

Part three of the AADA’s clinical vignettes focuses on the application of the more challenging concepts related to the review and analysis of data in the AMA Medical Decision-Making table. Understanding the application of these concepts will assist you in determining when data may impact the level of service provided.

Not just for boys: X-linked erythropoietic protoporphyria

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 7, 2017 I was anxiously awaiting the results of erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels obtained from a 4 year-old boy who avoids sunlight because his "skin hurts" when not in the shade. Until I read the article by Balwani, et al (1), I was unaware of

Dermatology practice staff by the numbers

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, July 2, 2018 Nurses, aestheticians, billers — who’s most likely to be spotted working in the average dermatology practice? Aside from dermatologists, medical assistants and practice administrators are the most widely employed across all practice settings, according the 2017 AAD Practice Profile

COVID-19 impact on employed dermatologists: Part 1

Legally Speaking ... Robert M. Portman, JD, MPP, is a health care attorney with Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, in Washington, D.C. ... By Ben Tesdahl, JD, Megan La Suer, JD, MHA, and Rob Portman, JD, MPP, September 1, 2020 Every month, Dermatology World ... covers legal issues in "Legally

Biotin supplementation for hair and nail health: Does it pass the test?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD November 17, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 46 When patients ask me about biotin supplementation for their hair or nails, the usual question is what dose they should take, not whether or not it has any value. High dose over-the-counter biotin supplements (≥ 5 mg/day,

1 million patients affected by ransomware in one month

Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, July 1, 2022 Ransomware attacks seeking valuable patient records thus far show no signs of slowing down in 2022. In March 2022 alone, 26 health organizations reported to HHS that they had been affected by data breaches, impacting nearly one

Key messages for social media about aging skin

Key messages ... Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and indoor tanning beds is the most preventable cause of early skin aging. (1-3) ... The most effective ways to prevent wrinkles and sun damage are to protect yourself from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and applying

Cautious enthusiasm — physicians remain split on augmented intelligence

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, November 1, 2024 According to a new survey released by the American Medical Association (AMA), physician attitudes about augmented intelligence (AuI) may be at a critical tipping point. Last year, the AMA surveyed 1,081 practicing physicians about the increased use

Merkel cell carcinoma in situ: Begin the beguine?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 26, 2017 I have to admit, the concept of Merkel cell carcinoma in situ (MCCIS) was "below my radar screen," until I read the intriguing article, from Jason Lee’s group, questioning whether an intraepidermal proliferation of Merkel cells (MC) within a seborrheic keratosis is

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... September 1, 2023 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Craig Burkhart, MD, MS, MPH, FAAD The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective method of preventing cancer, but parental hesitancy toward vaccine

Vitiligo or vitiligo-like lesions and PD1-inhibitors: Which is right?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 1, 2017 The following is a well-known staple of Jewish humor. I’ve heard it thousands of times, but it always makes me smile: ... In a small town in Russia, people brought their complaints to the Rabbi to settle their differences. One man purchased

A string of (clinical) pearls about drug-induced linear IgA disease

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 6, 2018 Linear IgA dermatosis patient with urticarial eruption of the trunk. ... Credit: ... JAAD The late sage Wallace Clark taught me that once a diagnosis is secured, thinking ceases. Admittedly in cases of drug-induced linear IgA dermatosis (DI-LAD) that I have encountered

Is there a best approach to widespread actinic keratoses?

By Deirdre Connolly, MD and Naomi Lawrence, MD April 10, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 5 Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Volume 72, Issue 2, Pages e57-e59 (February 2015) ... Widespread actinic keratoses (AKs) are problematic to both patients and physicians, not only because of their pre-cancerous nature, but

The newest frontier for biologics and psoriasis may be adherence

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 19, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 15 My first job as an attending dermatologist was heading the psoriasis day care center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1983. The challenges of treating severe psoriasis with the Goeckerman regimen, PUVA, methotrexate, etc. made

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... March 1, 2026 In this monthly column, members of the  DermWorld ... Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   Harry Dao Jr., MD, FAAD Injectable biologics remain the gold standard for achieving optimal clinical responses in psoriasis, but fear of injections leads many

This month's news from across the specialty

What's hot ... March 1, 2020 In this monthly column, members of  ... Dermatology World 's Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... BRYAN CARROLL, MD, PHD There are relationships of psoriasis lesions with candida, staph aureus, and now bacteriophages. Our understanding of the interplay

The role of GLP-1s in dermatology

Dermatologists discuss how the use of GLP-1s has offered potential new avenues for patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, January 1, 2026 Over the past five years, the approvals of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), particularly semaglutide and tirzepatide, have sparked

What is the AAD Clinical Community?

Asked and Answered ... August 1, 2024 In 2022, the Academy launched the AAD Clinical Community — a secure online forum by dermatologists for dermatologists to discuss a range of clinical issues, based on members’ areas of interest. The forum is secure, organized, and moderated. It is also free to

Educating the public — National Healthy Skin Month

30 healthy skin days hath November! ... November was National Healthy Skin Month and the AAD was Johnny on the Spot (whatever that spot may be) on Nov. 1 ... with information across aad.org and our @AADskin social media channels educating the public on healthy skin from head to toe

Don’t let negative patient reviews bring down your practice

Answers in Practice ... By Olivia Barry, Manager, Practice Management, October 1, 2022 Each month, DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month, practice management staff offer tips for managing online patient reviews. Online reviews can be one of the most influential factors when prospective patients choose a

AAD settled into Seattle for Innovation Academy

The AAD held its latest Innovation Academy meeting Aug. 1-4 in Seattle. Attendees heard from innovators, visionaries, entrepreneurs, and problem solvers who are changing the practice of dermatology, or medicine in general. ... In addition to many informative sessions and events, Innovation Academy featured a talk by famed swimmer Diana

Snitching on Schnitzler syndrome: The continuing search for an optimal biomarker

By Warren R. Heymann, MD August 7, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 22 Urticarial dermatoses confound our even our most sagacious dermatologists. It is no surprise that patients with systemic autoinflammatory diseases such as Schnitzler syndrome (SS) go undiagnosed for years after failed trials of antihistamines, steroids, and other immunosuppressive therapies.

How are patients with skin of color uniquely affected by dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans?

Clinical Applications ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, June 1, 2025 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, talks with Travis Blalock, MD, MBA, FAAD, about his recent JAAD ... paper, ‘ The epidemiology of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans incidence, metastasis, and death among various population groups:

Taking woolly hair to heart

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD October 27, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 43 Woolly hair (WH) appears as strongly coiled hair — it may be localized or diffuse, with the latter often associated with syndromes affecting the heart, gastrointestinal tract, or central nervous system. ... This commentary will briefly touch

Advocacy Update Jan. 21 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Jan. 21, 2025 MedPAC recommends 2026 Medicare payment update linked to inflation Advocacy win: FTC releases second report on egregious PBM practices AADA urges UnitedHealthcare to rescind laser policy for vitiligo Dr. Green hosts Rep. Elfreth to discuss Medicare physician payment reform SkinPAC hosts breakfast for

Atopic dermatitis: Up in smoke!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Feb. 8, 2017 The etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is multifactorial, with genetic mutations of the filaggrin mutations affecting barrier function, immunodysregulation of the TH2 pathway, and environmental triggers being of primary importance. AD has long been associated with autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo and

Necrobiosis lipoidica in a Wink

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 3, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 18 Ninety years have transpired since Urbach coined the term ... necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) for the granulomatous disorder first described by Oppenheim in 1929 as ... dermatitis atrophicans lipoidica diabetica . (1) Early authors observed sclerotic plaques

Fighting detrimental Medicare payment cuts

As our top federal legislative priority, your Academy fought all year against Medicare payment cuts of 8.5% or more that were scheduled to begin on Jan. 1, 2023. ... As a result, in late December, President Biden signed into law an omnibus spending package that included partial relief from the

Evaluation and Management (E/M) coding changes are coming in 2021 – Part 1

Several major E/M guideline revisions will go into effect Jan. 1, 2021, including: ... E/M guideline additions, revisions, and restructuring; ... Deletion of CPT code 99201 and revision of CPT codes 99202 – 99215 ... Updates to components for code selection to include: ... A medically appropriate history and/or physical

Calcipotriene and 5-fluorouracil: Dermatology’s new dynamic duo?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 18, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 28 Chatting with my chief resident, Tia Pyle, I was lamenting the recent comparative report that ingenol mebutate (and other treatments) did not fare as well as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for treating actinic keratoses (AKs). (1) (See previous ... Dermatology

Playing the field: Introducing tirbanibulin for actinic keratosis therapy

By Warren R. Heymann, MD January 27, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 4 Field therapy is a cornerstone of actinic keratosis (AK) management. Two years ago, a ... New England Journal of Medicine article demonstrated that 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was the best among inadequate therapies (compared to imiquimod, MAL-PDT, and ingenol mebutate).

Pityriasis rubra pilaris: Check a TSH!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... June 10, 2016 ... There are myriad ways to mine the data from the review of 100 cases of PRP by Ross et al, however, one key finding will change the way I will assess these patients — 20% were hypothyroid! (1) ... There

CMS creates permanent drug code for treating molluscum contagiosum

Last updated: March 5, 2026 ... CMS has created a permanent drug code, J7354, for cantharidin, a drug used to treat molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years and older. The new J-code became effective on April 1, 2024. ... Cantharidin is the first ... FDA-approved topical treatment

Dermatology is a taxing specialty

From the Editor ... Dr. Heymann is the physician editor of ... DermWorld . ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, April 1, 2026 April 15 may be Tax Day, but every day is taxing for dermatologists. This issue of ... DermWorld focuses on making practice less taxing administratively and

CMS Releases 2020 First Quarterly NCCI PTP Edits

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the first Quarterly Update to the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) Procedure-to-Procedure (PTP) Edits, Version 26.0, which will go into effect on January 1, 2020. ... As part of the effort to promote correct coding and to minimize inappropriate payments

Tofacitinib: A JAK inhibitor of all trades

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 3, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 4 The Janus kinase inhibitors are taking the dermatologic therapeutic world by storm — at least in the literature. By now, most dermatologists are familiar with studies that have demonstrated efficacy in alopecia areata, vitiligo, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and

Tackling Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis: Part 1

Diagnosis and common mimickers. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Senior Editor, May 1, 2026 Among serious diseases treated by dermatologists, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) often top the list. ... Rare disorders of the skin and mucous membranes, SJS and TEN are thought to be clinically

Hidradenitis suppurativa and socioeconomic status: Food for thought (and benefit)

By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... Oct. 2, 2016 ... We see many patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), especially in our Camden practice. I am certainly not surprised by the well-documented comorbidities of obesity and smoking (1), which may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. While

Pregnant with possibility: Rituximab prophylaxis for pemphigoid gestationis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 26, 2018 ... Pemphigoid gestationis in 34-year-old primigravida at 28 weeks gestation. A, Urticated erythema with multiple tense blisters on both thighs. B, Histopathologic findings reveal subepidermal blister formation with abundant eosinophils, accompanied by superficial and middermal perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. (Hematoxylin-eosin stain; original magnification:

I never wanted chaperones — until now

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 25, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 29 My oldest brother George had just gotten his driver’s license — under no circumstances would my mother allow him to drive his date Ruth to the movies. George protested vehemently, but ultimately relented, with my mother sitting in

LIDA* rose the insulin requirement

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 14, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 15 * Localized insulin-derived amyloidosis ... Amyloidosis, I thought I knew ye. But alas, you fooled me again. ... Amyloid is an insoluble protein folded in ... β -pleated sheets that is deposited extracellularly. Amyloid can accumulate in one

Lipoid proteinosis’ weak, hoarse cry is crying for targeted therapeutic intervention

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 6, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 45 Having recently participated in the excellent conference devoted to antisemitism in medicine organized by Heather Milbar at the University of Pennsylvania, I reacquainted myself with Erich Urbach, who described lipoid proteinosis (LP, Urbach-Wiethe disease) with the otolaryngologist

This month's news from across the specialty

What's hot ... November 1, 2019 In this monthly column, members of  ... Dermatology World 's Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... EDWARD W. COWEN, MD, MHSc Adalimumab was approved in 2015 for the treatment of moderate and severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). It is

Get your KICS on Route IL-6

By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 1, 2018 Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome caused by hypercytokinemia (notably Th1 cytokines — interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-6). Clinical manifestations are dramatic, presenting as fever, hepatosplenomegaly, hemophagocytosis, and cytopenias. (See the addendum for diagnostic criteria of HLH). Primary forms of HLH

Itching to see if polymerase chain reaction mite be the future of diagnosing scabies

By Warren R. Heymann, MD January 6, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 1 The scourge of scabies has been plaguing mankind for millennia. The causal relationship of the itch mite causing scabies was discovered by Bonomo and Cestoni in 1687, earning the distinction of being the first to discover a proven

Advocacy Update Aug 19, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Aug. 19, 2025 Academy addresses Cigna’s new E/M billing policy AADA member selected for Partnership for Quality Measurement’s Pre-Rulemaking Measure Review Clinician Committee AADA presents at FDA Advisory Panel on dermal fillers Contribute to SkinPAC Payer Advocacy Academy addresses Cigna’s new E/M billing policy ... On

2020 CPT Coding Updates

For 2020, the CPT code set has multiple changes. Although most of the changes do not specifically affect dermatology, there are notable changes that members need to be aware of starting on January 1, 2020. ... Non-Face-to-Face-Services: Telephone Services ... CPT code 99444 has been deleted and in its place,

A potential roadMAP for treating malignant atrophic papulosis

DermWorld Insights and Inquiries ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, June 1, 2026 Vol. 8, No. 6 Certain skin lesions evoke dread in the dermatologist who encounters them, fearing a poor prognosis for their patient. Examples include a Sister Mary Joseph nodule, a thick melanoma, or rhinocerebral mucormycosis, among

How dry I am: The white scale sign of xerosis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 22, 2016 When winter approaches my skin dries out. Fortunately, it doesn’t bother me at all. For others, especially in the elderly, xerosis be a predisposing factor for asteototic eczema, nummular dermatitis or dyshidrotic eczema (1). With so many people presenting with dry

Types of audits

RAC audits: In a nutshell ... There are four different types of Medicare contractors that are responsible for auditing records, claims, and payments. ... You need to notify your MAC if you notice errors during a self-audit. ... It doesn’t matter whether you are being audited for the first time

December 3, 2025

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Dec. 3, 2025 ... GLP-1s and telogen effluvium DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Pityriasis rosea and pityriasis rosea-like eruptions — A Christmas tale Combination oral minoxidil and baricitinib for alopecia areata

'Stepping up' to off-label dosing of biologics

By David A. Wetter, MD, FAAD April 6, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 14 It is an exciting time to be a medical dermatologist, with the ongoing development of numerous safe and effective systemic treatments for several complex medical dermatologic diseases. For example, both the American and British guidelines for the

Scent-sitive skin

Contact dermatitis experts discuss regulatory complexities of the fragrance industry and share tips for identifying and managing allergens. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, November 1, 2024 Ask a contact dermatitis expert — what’s one of the toughest allergies to manage? ... "Probably fragrance," said Christen Mowad, MD,

The nerve of Zika!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 17, 2017 Zika virus–associated skin exanthem. Peripheral edema of bilateral hands (A) and feet (B). Generalized lymphadenopathy was also present. ... Credit: ... JAAD Zika virus infections have dominated the headlines, most notably because of its association with microcephaly. According to the valuable CDC

CMS releases 2024 third and fourth quarter NCCI edits

Derm Coding Consult ... By Tiffany E. McFarland, RHIT, Analyst, Coding & Reimbursement, February 1, 2025 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . CMS has released the third and fourth quarter updates to the 2024 National

Obituaries

Obituaries ... By Jerry Graff, MD, June 1, 2020 The Academy recently learned with sorrow of the passing of the following members of the dermatologic community. ... ROBERT AUERBACH, MD, of New York, Nov. 1, 2017, at age 85. Trained in dermatology at University of Chicago. Was a well-known expert

Firefighter Skin Cancer Checks Program on a ladder to success

On June 1, the Academy launched its new ... Firefighter Skin Cancer Checks Program nationally. Developed in partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, the new program aims to provide help to a population that is at a much greater risk of melanoma and skin cancer than the average person.

PDF of AAD-1

Holy dermatology, Batman!

Balance in practice ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, August 1, 2020 Each month, Dermatology World ... addresses issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month, Philip Latham, MD, talks about his passion for Batman-inspired car remodels. "You can’t just go down and tell the guy at the auto store that

Skin and hair legislation: What’s happening?

Experts offer a primer on what dermatologists should keep their eyes on. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, February 1, 2023 On the heels of the start of the 118th U.S. Congress — which marks the first Republican House-Democratic Senate split in a decade — lawmakers and federal

Advocacy Update Feb. 18 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 18, 2025 AADA, house of medicine demand reversal of Medicare cut and provide a pay boost AADA highlights need for Medicare physician payment reform at House Committee on Ways and Means hearing Dermatology addresses new CLIA requirements for lab directors Legislators reject pharmacists’ effort to

Advocacy Update Mar. 18, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Mar. 18, 2025 AADA outraged that Congress passed government funding without doc fix AADA advocates for dermatologists in CLIA lab director requirements FDA testing confirms minimal benzene in most benzoyl peroxide acne products, some voluntary recalls issued Add your voice and become an AADA Advocacy Key

Springtime is tick time

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 27, 2017 Petechial eruption on palm of child with Rocky Mountain spotted fever. ... Credit: ... JAAD Oh, the majesty of spring’s rejuvenation — a bloom’s aroma, opening day’s first pitch, and romance in the air. For dermatologists, no one will write a

Hand-wringing over the histology of mechanic’s hands and other cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 23, 2018 Dermatomyositis. Erythematous papules overlying the metacarpal and interphalangeal joints (Gottron papules). ... Credit: ... JAAD Of all the cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis (DM) — the heliotrope rash, Gottron’s papules, Gottron’s sign, shawl sign, holster sign, flagellate erythema, photosensitivity, poikiloderma, periungual erythema, periungual

The 2025 Allergen of the Year is to dye for

By Christen Mowad, MD, FAAD Oct. 29, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 43 The "Allergen of the Year" announcement is always much anticipated in the world of contact dermatitis and patch testing. This year the honor has gone to toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate (PTDS). (1) PTDS is an aromatic amide that is used

Postmortem: AADA Legislative Conference

From the President ... Dr. Tomecki served as Academy president from March 2021 to March 2022. ... By Kenneth Tomecki, MD, FAAD, November 1, 2021 Postmortem : "examination of a dead body," or "process of evaluating success (or failure) of a project’s ability to meet its goals." Given that definition,

CMS releases 2025 third and fourth quarter NCCI edits

Derm Coding Consult ... By Tiffany E. McFarland, RHIT, CPCD, CRCR Analyst, Coding & Reimbursement, March 1, 2026 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . CMS has released the third and fourth quarter updates to the

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans recurrence: Size matters

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 24, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 17 Editor’s note: An abridged version of this commentary was published in the November 2023 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ... . Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a fascinating soft tissue tumor; although considered

Improvement activities (15%)

In this performance category, clinicians are rewarded for care focused on care coordination, beneficiary engagement, and patient safety. For 2025 MIPS reporting, this category is worth 15% of the MIPS score with a maximum of 40 points available. There are 77 dermatology-relevant practice improvement activities (IAs) to choose from.  ...

AADA takes on step therapy reform, sunscreen access

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed step therapy reform legislation into law, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The new law places guardrails around the use of step therapy protocols by state-regulated health plans, including Medicaid. ... The AADA has supported this effort since 2020 in partnership with the Dermatological Society

Old stains leaving new marks in dermatology

 ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 15, 2018 A new blue-gray papule was noted on the left side of the neck and was excised as outlined by gentian violet surgical marker. ... Credit: ... JAAD Periodically I will pull an ancient tie from my rack. I’m delighted if

Business valuation: How much is my practice worth?

You’ve spent years building your dermatology practice, and you consider it one of your most rewarding accomplishments. Now, you’re ready to retire. And you’re wondering how, when, and where to sell. Perhaps most importantly, you're wondering how to set the right price. ... Business valuation is both an art and

Coming full circle (almost): Low dose oral minoxidil for alopecia

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD January 5, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 1 I presume that virtually every dermatologist reading this commentary has recommended topical minoxidil (TM) for their patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and other alopecias (telogen effluvium, alopecia areata [AA], hair shaft abnormalities, and eyebrow hypotrichosis). I recall

Labor Day thoughts on increasing dermatologist burnout

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 5, 2016 "Love and work…work and love. That’s all there is" – Sigmund Freud ... Today you probably received an email from ... Dermatology Times entitled "Tips for taking advantage of Labor Day 2016." A recent Mayo Clinic study was quoted, noting that between

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... June 1, 2025 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Bryan Carroll, MD, PhD, FAAD The balancing of the efficacy against the toxicities of immunotherapy for melanoma remains a vigorous point of debate

Trichophyton rubrum resistant to terbinafine

Trichophyton rubrum resistant to terbinafine ... T. rubrum , a dermatophyte fungus, is the most common cause of dermatophytosis worldwide. ... 1 ... Oral terbinafine is considered a first-line treatment for most infections caused by this fungus, but cases of terbinafine-resistant ... T. rubrum are increasingly being reported worldwide and

New CDC treatment guidelines for sexually transmitted infections

Clinical Applications ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, May 1, 2022 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, talks with Kimberly A. Workowski,

What can dermatologists do to prevent squamous cell carcinoma in solid organ transplant recipients?

Clinical Applications ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, January 1, 2023 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, talks with Anokhi Jambusaria, MD,

AADA advocacy delivers Senate Medicare payment reform bill

In a major advance in AADA’s fight for Medicare payment reform, the Senate introduced a bill on Aug. 1 aimed at addressing budget neutrality, a major cause of the ongoing physician payment cuts. This is a direct result of the AADA’s relentless advocacy on this issue, which is our sole

Shingles and the battle of the bulge

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 11, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 27 I thought I knew herpes zoster (HZ, shingles) inside and out — from patients’ experiences, my late mother’s herpes zoster ophthalmicus (I could not believe how devastatingly awful she appeared arriving back from Europe!), to my recent vaccination

Selectivity and the choice of beta-blockers for infantile hemangiomas

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 11, 2017 Clinical evolution of an infantile ulcerated hemangioma on upper lip of patient 7. Clinical appearance: Before starting propranolol (A); after 12 months of follow-up (3 months of treatment) (B). ... Credit: ... JAAD Has there ever been a more radical change in

Exploring the intersection between medicine and the humanities

A solution for physician burnout? ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, October 1, 2022 "Physicians have become small cogs in a humongous machine, and they resent it. That’s not what most of us imagined when we got into medical school," said Salvatore Mangione, MD, associate professor of medicine

Vulvar hidradenoma papilliferum and mammary-like gnogenital glands: The whole story

By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 31, 2016 I had always assumed that hidradenoma papilliferum (HP), which characteristically appears in the vulvar region, was derived from apocrine glands. Until I read the article by El-Khoury et al (1) I had never even heard of mammary-like anogenital glands (MLAGs). ... Although

Preventing and treating Trichophyton indotineae

Prevention ... Specific recommendations to prevent ... T. indotineae infection do not exist, but physicians can educate patients about strategies for ... preventing dermatophyte infections in general. ... Health care professionals should use ... Standard Precautions when caring for patients with possible tinea. ... Empiric treatment ... Because confirmatory testing

October 27, 2021

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 27, 2021 ... COVID-19 and nails: A review of clinical findings DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Taking woolly hair to heart Derm Coding Consult : CMS revises Advance Beneficiary Notice

Itching to prescribe the right treatment for scabies: Topical permethrin or oral ivermectin?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... Feb. 1, 2018 ... Scabies burrow via high-resolution digital photography (4 megapixels). ... Credit: ... JAAD Three weeks after confirming the diagnosis of crusted scabies on an HIV-positive patient, I started to scratch while driving in the parking lot at Cooper University Hospital.

March 2, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 2, 2022 ... Biotin beware: Physician, patient knowledge about lab interference DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : The rhythm of RIME Infections in children treated with dupilumab Cutaneous adverse events are

2017’s management of Stevens-Johnson/toxic epidermal necrolysis: The pendulum is swinging

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 1, 2017 A, Sheet-like detachment, blisters, and raw erosions on back of patient with Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. B, Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation accentuated in areas where detached epidermis was not left in situ. ... Credit: ... JAAD As in any controversial subject, it is essential

Reflectance confocal microscopy, driverless cars, and Uber: The future of dermatopathology

By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... Sept. 12, 2016 ... In a matter of days, you will be able to use Uber to hail a driverless car to your destination in Pittsburgh. During these trials, initially there will be a human monitor (1). You know where this is going

Melanoma clinical guideline

More than 1 million people are living with melanoma, and one person dies of the disease every hour. These new evidence-based guidelines address the most commonly considered and utilized approaches for the surgical and medical treatment of primary cutaneous melanoma. Review guideline highlights or download the full guidelines below. ... Access

Joining the bullae pulpit: PD-1 inhibitors

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 25, 2016 As the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has increased, so have the number of severe immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs). Although discontinuation of therapy may result in resolution of these untoward reactions, long-term sequelae and death have been reported. In a recently published

The risk of melanoma in adults with giant pigmented nevi

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 27, 2016 Giant pigmented nevi (GPN, defined in reference 1 as > 20 cm in an adult) are among the most challenging lesions from so many perspectives. When diagnosed in childhood, questions from parents regarding the risk of melanoma, approach to monitoring, managing, and

Psoriasis

Key messages ... Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that develops when the body makes skin cells too quickly, causing skin cells to pile up and form visible patches or spots on the skin. (1-6) ... Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be associated with other diseases

Monitoring infantile hemangiomas: What’s the score?

By Howard B. Pride, MD, FAAD Geisinger Medical Center, Department of Dermatology Aug. 11, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 32 Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are common vascular tumors that generally run a self-limited course of rapid growth in the first 2-3 months of life, slow growth for another 4-6 months, and then

Teledermatology workflow for small practices

Use the workflow below to help you implement or improve your teledermatology operations. This version is designed for solo or small practices. There is a distinct PDF guide for dermatologists who practice in an ... academic or multispecialty organization . ... 1. Technology setup ... Create a generic account on

The concept of atrophoderma of pasini and pierini as morphea may be falling off a cliff

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 6, 2017 ... Clinical photos of idiopathic atrophoderma of Pierini and Pasini. ... Credit: ... JAAD Diagnosing Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini (APP) is reasonably straightforward — it usually presents in adolescents and young adults, more often in females, with sharply defined, single or

Keeping dermatologists in the driver’s seat with step therapy reform

Moving the needle ... By Victoria Houghton, Managing Editor, March 1, 2023 DermWorld ... breaks down the latest highlights of AADA advocacy activities at the federal and state legislative and regulatory level. Step therapy protocols interfere with patient care and create unwanted burdens on dermatology practices. Thanks to the AADA’s

AADA advocates for innovative teledermatology policies and programs

While 85 million Americans are impacted by skin disease, only 1 in 3 patients will see a dermatologist. The Academy believes that teledermatology is a powerful tool for increasing patient access to needed dermatologic care. ... The Academy advocates for innovative teledermatology policies and programs that increase access to care

Skin cancer fact sheet

Incidence rates ... Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. (1-3) ... Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. (4) ... It is estimated that approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.

AMA CPT releases new online digital E/M services codes for private payers

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, the AMA CPT deleted CPT code 99444 (Online evaluation and management service provided by a physician or other qualified health care professional who may report evaluation and management services provided to an established patient or guardian, not originating from a related E/M service provided within the

Prior authorization audits and innovations: Are we finally reducing the (PA)in?

By Lorraine L. Rosamilia, MD, FAAD Aug. 9, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 32 There is little utility in defining prior authorization (PA) for prescription medications as it relates to the practice of dermatology, as each of us navigates this process and its stagnation every day. There have been several studies

What are clinical practice guidelines for the treatment and management of port-wine birthmarks, including those associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome?

Clinical Applications ... Dr. Hsu is a member of the ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup. ... By Sylvia Hsu, MD, FAAD, March 1, 2022 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, DermWorld ... Editorial Advisory Workgroup Member Sylvia Hsu, MD, FAAD, talks with Kristen M. Kelly, MD, FAAD, and Sara Sabeti,

I have moved. How do I update my contact information with the Academy?

Asked and Answered ... March 1, 2023 AAD members can conveniently update their contact information at any time by visiting account.aad.org and selecting the ‘My Profile’ tab from the menu below. ... For additional assistance, please contact the Member Resource Center at ... mrc@aad.org or 866-503-7546. ... Looking for more

Rituximab and dermatomyositis: Dr. Samitz would be proud

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 20, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 37 The gifted dermatologist clinician-educator Morris H Samitz, MD, has been honored with an annual lectureship at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania for the past 44 years. Dr. Samitz passed away in 1993, but

AESOP: The ants and the grasshopper

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 21, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 34 Unquestionably, AESOP ( ... A denopathy and ... E xtensive ... S kin patch ... O verlying a ... P lasmactyoma) is rare — to date, fewer than 25 cases have been reported. (1) Why write (or

We are battling detrimental Medicare payment cuts

As our top federal legislative priority, your Academy has been fighting all year against Medicare payment cuts of 8.5% or more that are scheduled to begin on Jan. 1, 2023. These scheduled cuts are on top of payment reductions that took effect this year, and, without a long-term solution, Medicare

Diagnosing infectious diseases in 2028: Let the good times roll

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 27, 2018 You may be overwhelmed by the "omics" — genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, with good reason. "Big Data" are changing the diagnostic landscape in infectious diseases and oncology at breakneck speed. Warning: By the time this is posted, it may be obsolete!

Of every possible solution for elastosis perforans serpiginosa, fractional carbon dioxide laser may be the best

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 13, 2017 ... Elastosis perforans serpiginosa. Clinical presentation. ... Credit: ... JAAD My initial attraction to dermatology, which still offers great appeal, is the challenge and joy of differential diagnosis and clinical-pathologic correlation. I learned quickly, however, that patients don’t want to be interesting

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: Tapinarof is taking off

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 19, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 46 In his outstanding lecture identifying drivers of lupus, presented at the 2025 meeting of the Medical Dermatology Society, Jaehyuk Choi MD, PhD, explained that interferon — the well-known nemesis of lupus — controls the production of T

Coding and documentation — Your best defense

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Senior Manager, Coding and Reimbursement, October 1, 2025 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . Accurate and thorough documentation in the medical

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... October 1, 2024 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Mallory Abate, MD, FAAD How highly hereditable is melanoma? Prior studies have estimated that genetic predisposition is rare, with as few as 2.5%

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... October 1, 2022 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Mallory Abate, MD, FAAD With growing media hype, "rule-out monkeypox" consults with dermatologists are increasing. So, as a dermatologist, what do you need

COVID-19 and dermatology

What have we learned about the cutaneous manifestations of the virus and the vaccines? ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, December 1, 2021 While the immediate and long-term effects of COVID-19 on the human body are still being studied, new research regarding the cutaneous manifestations of the virus

Life is just a bowl of cherry angiomas

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 29, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 13 "Dr. Heymann, I’ve noticed a number of these spots appearing lately." ... "They’re called cherry angiomas — totally benign." ... "Why I am getting them?" ... "Maturity." ... "You mean I’m getting old!" ... "I did not say

Recognizing Trichophyton indotineae

Reporting to health departments ... Physicians who suspect antimicrobial-resistant dermatophytosis can also contact ... their state or local health departments for assistance . Public health officials who are concerned about potential cases or clusters of drug-resistant tinea infections can email ... fungaloutbreaks@cdc.gov for assistance with recommendations and testing. ... Overview

Dermatology coding essentials part 2: Reporting dermatology procedures and services

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Senior Manager, Coding & Reimbursement, June 1, 2026 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld Coding Consult. ... Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . Current Procedural Terminology (CPT ... ® ...

Supplements and the skin

Are nutritional supplements aimed at skin care helpful, harmful, or simply a placebo for patients? ... Feature ... By Heidi Splete, Contributing Writer, July 1, 2023 Nutritional supplements appeal to many individuals as an alternative or additive treatment for skin and hair ailments, but evidence to support the effectiveness of

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: Six decades of progress

DermWorld Insights and Inquiries ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, March 1, 2026 Vol. 8, No. 3 Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a quizzical disorder. In 1965, Ise and Ofuji described the case of a 42-year-old woman who "repeatedly developed crops of small pustules on the face, the trunk,

A Trumpian analysis of infliximab-induced follicular mucinosis: Something’s going on here

By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 10, 2016 Williams et al presented two cases of biopsy-proven facial follicular mucinosis (FM), apparently induced by infliximab, with a normal tissue CD4/CD8 ratio of 2/1 and the presence of CD7, thereby ruling out CTCL. The first case was a 23 year-old man with

Trichophyton indotineae infections and other severe or antifungal-resistant dermatophytoses

Dermatophytosis (ringworm, tinea, jock itch, athlete’s foot) is a very common and typically minor infection of the skin caused by dermatophyte fungi. ... 1 ... In the past decade, severe or antifungal-resistant dermatophytoses have become a global public health concern, including in the United States. ... The AAD has assembled

2024 Allergen of the year: Sulfites

Clinical Applications ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, April 1, 2024 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, DermWorld ... Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, talks with Erin

Employment-related legal considerations during COVID-19: Part II

Legally Speaking ... Robert M. Portman, JD, MPP, is a health care attorney with Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, in Washington, D.C. ... By Megan La Suer, JD, MHA, Rob Portman, JD, MPP, and Ben Tesdahl, JD, June 1, 2020 Every month, Dermatology World ... covers legal issues in "Legally

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... July 1, 2025 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Michael A. Marchetti, MD, FAAD Although management options for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) improved with the introduction of the anti-IgE monoclonal antibody omalizumab

AAD EpiDerm Awards 2021

From the President ... Dr. Tomecki served as Academy president from March 2021 to March 2022. ... By Kenneth Tomecki, MD, FAAD, January 1, 2022 "Lights, camera, action…" Now is that time for the Academy EpiDerm awards which recognize significant achievement in the specialty during the last year or two

iPLEDGE changes

Ask the Expert ... By Apoorva Stull, Senior Manager, Advocacy Communications, April 1, 2024 DermWorld ... interviews John Barbieri, MD, MBA, FAAD, co-chair of the Academy’s Acne Guidelines Workgroup, about important changes to the iPLEDGE program. DermWorld : In a win for the AADA, dermatologists, and their patients, the FDA

No Surprises Act

The No Surprises Act (NSA) provides patients with new protections against surprise billing because of insurance network rules. Like other clinicians, dermatologists must follow new NSA rules beginning on Jan. 1, 2022. The rules were issued jointly by HHS and agencies in the Labor and Treasury departments. ... The NSA

Employment-related legal considerations during the COVID-19 public health crisis

Legally Speaking ... Robert M. Portman, JD, MPP, is a health care attorney with Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, in Washington, D.C. ... By Megan La Suer, JD, MHA, Rob Portman, JD, MPP, and Ben Tesdahl, JD, May 1, 2020 Every month, Dermatology World ... covers legal issues in "Legally

PDF of biodegradeable part 1

What dermatology practices need to know about laws protecting pregnant and lactating employees

Legally Speaking ... Robert M. Portman, JD, MPP, is a health care attorney with Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, in Washington, D.C. ... By Ben Tesdahl, JD, LLM, Jason Qu, JD, and Rob Portman, JD, MPP, September 1, 2024 Every month , DermWorld ... covers legal issues in "Legally Speaking."

What's hot?

What's hot ... May 29, 2018 In this monthly column, members of the ... Dermatology World Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Edward W. Cowen, MD, MHSc ... You may be surprised to learn that a ... new organ’ in the skin was recently identified.

Medical vs. cosmetic dermatology: Who is doing what?

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, January 1, 2019 Despite ongoing discussion about the role of cosmetics in the specialty, data from the 2017 AAD Practice Profile Survey indicate that medical dermatology remains the primary focus of dermatology practitioners across all types. However, dermatologists spend the

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... January 1, 2026 In this monthly column, members of the  DermWorld ... Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   Jason Lee, MD, FAAD The incidence of melanoma in situ (MIS) has risen sharply in the U.S., surpassing invasive melanoma in 2025 ( ...

American Academy of Dermatology survey shows outdoor workers more at risk for skin cancer than average Americans

Board-certified dermatologist encourages those who work outside to utilize proper sun protection ROSEMONT, Ill. (May 7, 2024) — A recent American Academy of Dermatology survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults revealed that outdoor workers — like those who work in construction, landscaping, emergency medical services, and postal delivery —

This month's news from across the specialty

What's hot ... October 1, 2020 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... ED COWEN, MD Why do a small percentage of young and apparently healthy patients with COVID-19 develop life-threatening infection or a Kawasaki syndrome-like

Topical retinoid therapy for acanthosis nigricans: In the thick of it

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 11, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 39 At the risk of overgeneralizing, in my experience there are two types of patients with acanthosis nigricans (AN) — those who are devastated by it, and those are unaware that they have it. ... This commentary will focus

This month's news from across the specialty

What's hot ... February 1, 2020 In this monthly column, members of  ... Dermatology World 's Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... EDWARD COHEN, MD, MHSc Apremilast, an oral inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4, was approved in 2014 for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic

Pharmacy benefits managers

Middlemen who rose to the top ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, Contributing Writer, August 1, 2022 Pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) may be in the middle of the distribution drug chain, but they are on top when it comes to profits. ... PBMs had a humble beginning in the 1960s;

Workplace violence

Legally Speaking ... Clifford Warren Lober, MD, JD, presents legal dilemmas in dermatology every other month. He is a dermatologist in practice in Florida and a partner in the law firm Lober, Brown, and Lober. ... By Clifford Warren Lober, MD, JD, June 3, 2019 Question: What is workplace violence?

An appetite for healthy skin

Can diet affect dermatologic health? Experts weigh in on the evidence. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, November 1, 2020 You are what you eat — more than just a mantra, the phrase encapsulates a growing public desire for food-based solutions to targeted health outcomes. However, mixed media

What is being recommended to patients on social media?

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, October 1, 2023 Social media is abundant with skin care advice. A recent ... JAAD cross-sectional analysis of acne treatments on YouTube found that up to 91% of teens report using social media to access health information. However, who is

Pathway to reducing medical errors

By Jason B. Lee, MD, FAAD June 26, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 26 The 2000 landmark report by the Institute of Medicine ... To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System ushered in the patient safety movement in the modern era. (1) The report highlighted nearly 98,000 hospital deaths

Homing in on hornerin: Breaking down the barrier to understand its crucial role in atopic dermatitis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 16, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 42 Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by skin barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and chronic pruritus. The etiology of AD, however, is complicated and incompletely understood, with genetic, environmental (soaps, surfactants, stress), and immunological factors causing skin barrier abnormalities and

Cutting giant congenital nevi down to size molecularly

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 2, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 30 Personally, I find giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) to be among the most unnerving skin lesions imaginable. The risk of melanoma, leptomeningeal melanocytosis, and psychosocial stresses are profoundly burdensome to patients, their families, and health care professionals. With

May 3, 2023

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 3, 2023 ... Oral oxybutyloride for hidradenitis suppurativa patients? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Necrobiosis lipoidica in a Wink Exposure to anesthesia and alopecia areata Do study authors accurately report

Scar solutions

Experts discuss current approaches to scar management. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, January 1, 2025 Every scar has a story. However, for millions of people worldwide, scars may negatively impact their quality of life, causing psychological distress along with physical discomfort. ... While therapeutic approaches to treat

Striae due to bartonella is a stretch

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 1, 2018 ... A, Localized striae distensae on the left upper limb (flexor aspect). B, Clinical improvement 9 weeks after treatment. ... Credit: ... JAAD I met a woman in her early 20’s who is being treated for chronic Lyme disease and Bartonella infections

Estate planning 101

Experts offer tips on what to do and when to do it. ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, Contributing Writer, March 1, 2023 They are two of the most difficult decisions to make: who should be your child’s guardian and who should get your assets if something happens to you.

Impact Report — Vol 6, Issue 1

Your membership in action From fighting for your patients and practice against payment cuts and scope-of-practice expansions, to securing major media wins that position you as the authorities in skin, hair, and nails, see how your Academy is working for you. Plus, explore the latest member benefits, including new CME

Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy: Reality bites

By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 24, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 20 Our new gazebo’s screening beckons! Finally completed late last fall, I have longingly stared at it, waiting for spring’s warm embrace to invite me in. I cherish being outside, but in the shade and protected from the annoyance

Beyond disfigurement: The potential for keratinocyte carcinoma in discoid lupus erythematosus

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Jan. 10, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 2 Cosmetic disfigurement due to scars and dyspigmentation is the main complication of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). The current classification of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) includes acute cutaneous LE (ACLE), subacute LE (SCLE), chronic cutaneous LE (DLE, LE

Americans lack basic health insurance literacy

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, March 1, 2023 A recent Forbes Advisor survey of 2,000 Americans who have health insurance found that while most policyholders report they’re happy with their coverage, many don’t understand it.According to the survey, over three-quarters of participants were unable to

March 24, 2021

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 24, 2021 ... Derm Coding Consult : Applying 2021 E/M coding concepts in everyday practice — Part 1 DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Lipschütz ulcers — Not only for women

Impact Report — Vol 5, Issue 1

Reiterating the value of membership It’s time once again for the Academy’s ... Impact Report to reveal its 2024 advocacy and patient education activities and remind you of your meaningful member benefits from last year. ... Read the latest on how we are advocating for you on Capitol Hill and

JAAD ranks no. 1 among dermatology journals

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology’s ... impact factor increases by 34% ROSEMONT, Ill. (July 5, 2022) — The ... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology is the top peer-reviewed journal in its field, according to the 2021 journal impact factor rankings recently published by Clarivate’s Journal

Lending a helping hand to our patients with Dupuytren’s disease

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 26, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 43 When patients trust you, they want your opinion, even if the disorder in question is out of your bailiwick. Although likely to refer patients with Dupuytren’s disease (DD, aka Dupuytren’s contracture, DC) directly to an orthopedic (hand)

CMS Pays for Communication Technology-based Services, Effective 2019

Given the recent ubiquitous nature of synchronous audio and video applications available for download and the increased use of patient-facing health portals, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined that a broad range of services can be provided by healthcare professionals via communication technology. ... Remote Evaluation

Coming to grips with lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 18, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 20 As a medical student, I was introduced to the concept that bilaterally symmetrical palpable purpura is leukocytoclastic vasculitis until proven otherwise. Although that bromide has served me well over the years, with experience, vasculitis perpetually befuddles me.

Modifier madness

Cracking the Code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, April 1, 2019 Test your knowledge: Modifier madness ... Take the quiz to see if you're up to date.

So many questions. So little time.

Experts offer best practices on efficiently addressing patients’ questions about sunscreen. ... Feature ... By Andrea Niermeier, April 1, 2023 Aisles of products, numerous social media top 10 lists, and abundant information on the internet: Consumers can be quickly overwhelmed with sunscreen questions related to types, usage, and safety —

Tarrying for tapinarof

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD January 12, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 2 Today we held our first round of interviews for our dermatology residency program for 2023. Meeting dermatology resident applicants is a delight — they are brilliant, engaging, and a source of pride for our discipline. We started

A bridge from the view: Switching from glass to digital dermatopathology

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 23, 2016 Eight months ago, I started using the Clearpath digital dermatopathology system developed by Tom Olsen and his associates at the Dermatopathology Laboratory Central States (DLCS). As one of the early utilizers, I was grateful to work with his software wizards, offering my

Documentation and reporting requirements for adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Senior Manager, Coding and Reimbursement, June 1, 2025 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . Adjacent tissue transfer (ATT) or rearrangement procedures

Getting the GIST cutaneous hyperpigmentation disease

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 6, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 35 Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal malignancies arising from the interstitial cells of Cajal (cells that create bioelectrical slow wave potential, leading to smooth muscle contraction, thereby aiding peristalsis). GISTs were initially recognized by identification of KIT (CD117)

A single case report has the potential to change the world: Could JAK inhibition alter the trajectory of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 3, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 31 In 1965, Reye described 18 small, fibrous tumors from 12 children submitted to his laboratory for histological examination, that he had accumulated over two decades. Initially, these lesions were tentatively classified as well-differentiated fibrosarcomas. His seminal observation

Checking in on immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors offer hope for non-melanoma skin cancer patients ... Feature ... By Heidi Splete, Contributing Writer, July 1, 2022 Patients with advanced non-melanoma skin cancer see new hope on the horizon, thanks to recent developments in the number and effectiveness of new drugs to improve survival. ... "Patients

Nonepidemic Kaposi sarcoma: The fifth dimension

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 16, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 32  ... For more than a century, since first described in 1872 by Moritz Kaposi* as "idiopathic multiple pigmented sarcoma," dermatologists focused on classical Kaposi sarcoma (KS) — violaceous patches, plaques, and tumors on the lower extremities of

Reporting Mohs micrographic surgery with a simple repair

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Coding & Reimbursement, February 1, 2022 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld Coding Consult. ... Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . The Integumentary System, Repair (Closure) guidelines were recently

Peace of mind

Finding the right insurance coverage to protect your practice. ... Feature ... By Andrea Niermeier, Contributing Writer, September 1, 2024 While the adage goes, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail," this simple witticism has grown complicated for dermatologists looking to protect themselves, their practices, and their patients.

A tale of two disorders of hypopigmentation: The potential role of Cutibacterium acnes dysbiosis in progressive macular hypomelanosis and lichen striatus

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 30, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 17 The human microbiome of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and airways comprises distinct populations of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites and plays an essential role in homeostasis. The skin microbiome represents the totality of microbial genes within the

Bowel-associated dermatosis-arthritis syndrome (BADAS): The story behind the acronym

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 30, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 13 Justifiably, the COVID-19 pandemic has focused the world’s attention, however, another global pandemic threatens us — obesity. According to the World Health Organization, in 2016, more than 1.9 billion people are overweight (BMI > 25) and 650

The treatment of systemic juvenile xanthogranulomas matures

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Jan. 8, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 1 Diagnosing juvenile xanthogranulomas (JXG) is simultaneously satisfying and slightly disconcerting. JXG’s clinical yellow appearance, the "setting sun" on dermoscopy, or the recognition of Touton giant cells histologically allows dermatologists to be reasonably confident of the diagnosis. It

Stress^2 + Hormones^2 = Acne^2

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 5, 2019 Vol. 1, Issue 13 I would wager that every human being has experienced at least one pimple attributed to stress. I recall a devastatingly embarrassing moment during 10th grade world history class at Martin Van Buren High School (Queens, New York), when

The skin and stress connection

Experts explore the underlying mechanisms of the link between the brain and the skin. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, assistant managing editor, December 1, 2020 There is generally no question among dermatologists that psychological stress can affect the skin. This year, more than ever, the heightened stress of living

A burning question: Should patients receive the zoster vaccine after an episode of shingles?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 26, 2016 The question as to whether a patient should receive the vaccine after having had herpes zoster (HZ) has been asked since the initial release of the vaccine. There has been remarkably little data to help guide the clinician. ... The importance of

Measuring a lesion and choosing the appropriate excision code

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Lead Coding and Reimbursement Strategist, June 1, 2024 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . Benign and malignant lesions present significant

Tackling itch

Understanding and treating chronic itch ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, April 1, 2022 Itch, or pruritus, is a common symptom (and condition) that is considered one of the 50 most prevalent conditions worldwide — an estimated 15% of the population suffers from chronic pruritus. Speak to

Modifier 25 and E/M coding in 2021

Derm Coding Consult ... By Cynthia Stewart, CPC, COC, CPMA, CPC-I, manager, coding & reimbursement resources, March 1, 2021 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in Derm Coding Consult. ... Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . The recently released 2021 CPT ... ® ... office or

Research rebound

Steady funding fuels dermatologic research after pandemic paralysis. ... Feature ... By Jan Bowers, Contributing Writer, December 1, 2022 With the exception of the lifesaving mRNA vaccines developed at remarkable speed, many non-COVID-related research projects ground to a halt as the pandemic seized the nation. "Our laboratories shut down for

Changing the narrative: The AAD and member centricity

by Melanie Tolley Hall Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, AAD In my previous articles on the AAD rebrand, I touched on two areas of strength the Academy demonstrates: ... education for dermatologists and ... advocacy on behalf of the specialty. This month, I want to shift gears and address member-centricity,

Disaster relief preparedness

Answers in Practice ... By Swapna Pachauri, MPH, manager, Health Technology & Informatics, June 1, 2021 Each month DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month Swapna Pachauri, MPH, the Academy’s Health Technology & Informatics manager, offers a summary of disaster relief preparedness. Disasters and emergencies can happen

Pineapple and cicatricial pemphigoid: A need to dole out more studies

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 4, 2016 The benefits of pineapples have been touted in folk medicine for years. Increasing knowledge of its active ingredient bromelain has lead to a therapeutic pineapple renaissance. Bromelain is a complex natural mixture of proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapple (Ananas cosmosus) and possesses

Idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma — Have we met?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 20, 2017 I’m racking my brain wondering if I have ever seen a case of idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma (IFAG) — I know that I never made the diagnosis because I had never heard the term until I read the first reference. I surmise

Quality Resources Provided by the AAD

Quality Measures ... AAD continues to develop ... dermatology-specific measures available to dermatologists . Dermatology measures are needed to meet CMS reporting requirements, can be used to drive quality improvement, and may be required by additional organizations. ... Learn more about quality measures available for reporting, a ... measure selection

The woolly culprit: Lanolin revealed as an uncommon cause of dermatitis on normal skin

By Christen Mowad, MD, FAAD Nov. 15, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 46 Excitement surrounding the "Allergen of the Year" may only be truly appreciated by those immersed in the field of contact dermatitis and patch testing, but each year the announcement is met with enthusiasm from the wider dermatology specialty.

2025 CPT coding updates

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Lead Coding and Reimbursement Strategist, December 1, 2024 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . The American Medical Association (AMA) has

Increasing evidence for the use of topical timolol for pyogenic granulomas

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 16, 2016 There are multiple approaches to treating pyogenic granulomas (PGs). If possible, I usually perform a shave biopsy and electrodesiccate the base of the lesion. Certainly there are times when that approach may not be optimal, such as a PG the face of

Paraneoplastic Merkel cell carcinoma: Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 6, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 36 By pure coincidence, Jimmy Buffett passed away from Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) as I researched the topic of paraneoplastic MCC. Although I am no parrothead, every time I’d hear Margaritaville, I’d smile and fantasize about a lifestyle

Till death do us part: Love, marriage, and cutaneous oncology

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 9, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 14 "What’s that on your back?" ... My wife asked me that question a year after finding a tick at the same site. This time, the dark lesion was a thin melanoma. I hadn’t a clue that a

Striving to alleviate the physical and emotional scars of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia

By Warren R. Heymann, MD November 4, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 44 More than half a century ago, Drs. Lopresti, Papa, and Kligman coined the term "hot comb alopecia," asserting: "The cause is unmistakable, namely the practice of straightening the hair with a hot comb…" (1). Now known as central

2026 CPT coding updates

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Senior Manager, Coding and Reimbursement, January 1, 2026 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Coding and documentation for hyperhidrosis

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Lead Coding and Reimbursement Strategist, November 1, 2024 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . Clear and concise documentation is essential

Getting a toehold on subungual tumors: Aneurysmal bone cysts join the club

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 26, 2016 Subungual tumors make me nervous. I realize that most are benign (subungual exostosis, osteochondroma, onycholemmal cyst, glomus tumor, pyogenic granuloma, wart, fibroma, acral fibromyxoma), however subungual malignant lesions (squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, melanoma) occur. A delayed diagnosis can result in a profoundly

Practical steps to an environmentally friendly office

Answers in Practice ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, March 1, 2021 DermWorld ... talks to David Fivenson, MD, — founder of Fivenson Dermatology in Ann Arbor, Michigan — about steps his practice has taken to reduce its carbon footprint. DermWorld: Tell us about your practice. Dr. Fivenson: I’ve been

Giving thanks

From the President ... Dr. Desai served as Academy president from March 2024 to March 2025. ... By Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, November 1, 2024 Dear members, ... I hope everyone is enjoying their autumn so far! ... Last month kept me busy doing one of my favorite things:

PDF of Oral disease, part 1

PDF of Retinoid biology, part 1

Step 1: Check participation requirements

MIPS 2026 Reporting Snapshots ... Access our 2026 ... MIPS reporting options (PDF), with guidance tailored to your practice size and needs. ... First, determine if you are exempt from MIPS reporting. ... Use the tool below to check whether you are required to participate in MIPS. CMS uses your

2022 CPT coding updates

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Coding & Reimbursement, November 1, 2021 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld Coding Consult. ... Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . The American Medical Association (AMA) has released the

Donors, children, dermatologists: Camp Discovery benefits all

Donor Spotlight ... By Dean Monti, Managing Editor, Special Publications, November 1, 2022 In this new column, DermWorld ... highlights individual members who have gone above and beyond with their Academy contributions. Giving takes many forms and so do our donors. It takes a healthy measure of financial and direct

Coding and documentation clarity

Cracking the Code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, April 2, 2018 You biopsy a suspected drug eruption and document the following: "Punch biopsy done. Return in 1

Dupilumab treatment of bullous pemphigoid: Hoping for approval on the double

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Jan. 15, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 2 Perhaps dupilumab won’t be the game-changing biologic that patients are pining for. At the least, it represents the dawn of the biologic era for AD [atopic dermatitis] ... . That alone offers hope for our long-suffering patients,

Aiming to hit the target in cutaneous granulomatous diseases

DermWorld discusses the latest treatment strategies for granulomatous skin diseases, and clinical advice for how to manage patients in the absence of approved therapies. ... Feature ... By Heidi Splete, Contributing Writer, February 1, 2026 Approved treatments for granulomatous skin diseases are lacking, but a growing number of case series

Coming clean on chlorhexidine-induced dermatoses

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 13, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 11 Dermatologic surgeons use a variety of products that may cause an irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, including antiseptics, anesthetics, gloves, suture materials, tissue adhesives, topical antibiotics, and bandages. Antiseptic agents are the most frequent cause of contact

Eye-opening news about oxymetazoline

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 27, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 17 Certain articles have a "wow" factor that immediately impacts practice. In 2007, I recall being impressed by the 2 cases of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea reported by Shanler and Ondo that dramatically improved with the application of oxymetazoline hydrochloride

Vascular abnormalities in FFA, artificial intelligence, and Winston Churchill

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 23, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 34 If Winston Churchill were a dermatologist, he would say that frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma" (which is how he viewed Russia). Almost 30 years have passed since Kossard

Sparking the interest in Spark nevus

By Jason B. Lee, MD, FAAD Dec. 13, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 49 The late A. Bernard Ackerman has described and named a variety of dermatologic entities, expanding the lexicon of dermatology over his career. He has been known to come up with catchy and playful names for dermatologic entities

Cutaneous complications of immune checkpoint inhibitors

DermWorld highlights some of the common (and not-so-common) skin complications associated with ICIs and shares expert tips for management. ... Feature ... By Heidi Splete, Contributing Writer, March 1, 2024 Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a mainstay of immunotherapy for many cancer types — including breast, colon, liver, lung, skin,

Professionalism and Ethics

Ethics and medicine have been intertwined since the dawn of our profession. From the ancient Hippocratic Oath to the principle of ... primum non nocere to modern-day principlism, medical ethics have evolved over time. ... As public and professional interest in medical ethics increases, it is important for clinicians, researchers,

Banding together

Physicians turn to unions to increase pay, gain benefits; all want to improve working conditions. ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, Contributing Writer, October 1, 2024 Physicians are increasingly adding a new role to their CV, but this one has nothing to do with the specialty they’re in or the

Donning many hats

Dermatology hospitalists work in several roles to deliver quality expert care. ... Feature ... By Andrea Niermeier, Contributing Writer, March 1, 2024 As medicine is constantly evolving, so are the roles of physicians providing the latest treatments to patients. Dermatology is no exception: before it became its own specialty in

This month's news from across the specialty

What's hot ... November 1, 2021 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Craig Burkhart, MD, MPH, MSBS, FAAD Health care support workers (phlebotomists, medical assistants, licensed practical nurses, nursing aides, and medical secretaries) are essential

May 22, 2024

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 22, 2024 ... Dermatologic findings associated with semaglutide use DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Striving to avoid an amebic nightmare — Recognizing cutaneous Balamuthia mandrillaris infection Characteristics and treatment of

Granular detail on granular parakeratosis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD October 6, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 40 After attending a clinic at the University of Pennsylvania 30 years ago, I recall relaxing in the cafeteria, coffee in one hand and ... JAAD in the other, being impressed with an article by Northcutt et al

More than skin deep

Dermatologists discuss cutaneous complications of tattoos — and their complex regulatory status. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, July 1, 2024 Humans have been tattooing since the Stone Age. The oldest discovery to date of tattooed human skin is on the body of Ötzi the Iceman, dating back

Applying the 2021 E/M coding concepts in everyday practice – Part 2

In our ongoing efforts to help members navigate the E/M changes in a simplified and relatable manner in everyday practice, part two of the AADA’s clinical vignettes focuses on the application of the concepts necessary to support reporting a high level of number and complexity of problems addressed, data analyzed,

Avoid the opioid

Experts offer advice on effective pain management in dermatology. ... Feature ... By Heidi Splete, Contributing Writer, May 1, 2026 Many dermatoses and dermatologic procedures are painful, but consensus on pain management in dermatology is limited, and complicated not only by the individual and varied experience of pain, but also

ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding updates for 2024

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Lead Coding and Reimbursement Strategist, September 1, 2023 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . The CDC and the National Center

After 23 years, a syndrome converted me into an eflornithine believer

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 12, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 28 I learned that Vaniqa (eflornithine - ... α -difluoromethylornithine [DFMO]) was discontinued. Topical eflornithine was released in 2000 to reduce facial hirsutism. When the drug was released, I recall being fascinated by the premise of its mechanism.

Could a metal implant affect your skin?

Board-certified dermatologist weighs in on the role of metal allergies in medical implants NEW ORLEANS (March 17, 2023) — Millions of people in the U.S. report having a metal allergy, and current estimates state that 10 percent of Americans will receive a medical implant during their lifetime ... 1 ...

What's hot?

What's hot ... June 27, 2019 In this monthly column, members of the ... Dermatology World Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Mallory Abate, MD ... Many dermatologists initiate a test dose of methotrexate, followed by laboratory evaluation prior to prescribing the second dose. However,

This month's news from across the specialty

What's hot ... January 1, 2022 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Sylvia Hsu, MD, FAAD Diagnostic conundrums are often presented at dermatology teaching conferences in which the presenter asks the audience for a differential

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... October 1, 2025 In this monthly column, members of the  DermWorld ... Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   Rosalie Elenitsas, MD, FAAD Pathologists and dermatopathologists frequently encounter poorly differentiated tumors that fail to reveal a defined lineage. In cutaneous specimens, these are

Melanoma of the head and neck: Mohs or wide local excision?

Clinical Applications ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, April 1, 2020 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, talks with Ian Maher, MD, about his

All you need is love.

From the Editor ... Dr. Heymann is the physician editor of ... DermWorld . ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, February 1, 2026 In February 1979, the month before my match in internal medicine, I was struck by Cupid’s arrow during my dermatology elective, which changed the trajectory of

Safety first

From the Editor ... Dr. Heymann is the physician editor of ... DermWorld . ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, March 1, 2026 Anyone who has taken a cruise knows the drill: Before heading to the pool, casino, or bar, you must learn to put on your life vest

Do genetics play a role in sun-seeking behavior?

Clinical Applications ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, August 1, 2021 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, talks with Veronique Bataille, MD,

Managing hair loss

What has research revealed about the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia as well as new potential therapeutics? ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, assistant managing editor, September 1, 2021 To those outside the world of dermatology, hair is sometimes perceived to be a cosmetic

They never taught us how to fail

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, December 1, 2019 Physicians are high performers and success is the norm. In our safety-conscious world of medicine, we learn about errors and are given tools to analyze the root cause in

Twenty years of imiquimod taking its toll on lentigo maligna — Where are we?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD February 12, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 6 Although Y2K never amounted to much, a solitary case report that year changed the dynamic in treating a vexing problem — melanoma in situ of the lentigo maligna (LM) subtype. Ahmed and Berth Jones reported treating an 88-year

2026 DW Insights and Inquiries archive

Explore ... DermWorld Insights and Inquiries articles by publication date. ... June ... June 1 - A potential roadMAP for treating malignant atrophic papulosis May ... May 1 - Granular C3 dermatosis in granular detail April ... April 1 - Cocaine-associated plasma cell orificial mucositis: Anything goes March ... March

Advocacy Update Oct 28, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 28, 2025 CMS lifts hold on Medicare claims Advocacy win: Elevance expands coverage for home-based light therapy AAD statement on FDA safety alert for RF microneedling devices AADA nominates Alina Bridges, DO, FAAD, for Medicare clinical diagnostic laboratory test advisory panel 2026 Advocate of the

Cosmetic complications

Dermatologists offer insight and instruction for approaching procedural afflictions. ... Feature ... By Laura Vernaci, Contributing Writer, September 1, 2025 It goes without saying that dermatologists do everything in their power to keep their patients safe and avoid complications or adverse events. However, stay in the business long enough and

Fighting for truth in advertising in Indiana

Ask the Expert ... By Victoria Houghton, Managing Editor, August 1, 2022 DermWorld ... spoke to Carrie Davis, MD, FAAD, former chair of the Government Affairs and Advocacy Committee at the Indiana Academy of Dermatology, about efforts with the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) to advocate for truth in

2024 CPT coding updates

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Lead Coding and Reimbursement Strategist, November 1, 2023 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . The American Medical Association (AMA) has

January 12, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Jan. 12, 2022 ... Probiotics for atopic dermatitis? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Tarrying for tapinarof Derm Coding Consult : Patch testing unit of service reduction averted Research gap years may

Toxicity of topical timolol for infantile hemangiomas in preterm infants: Size matters

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 13, 2016 I have been using topical timolol (0.5% gel) for the past few years for infants with infantile hemangiomas (IH) with reasonable success, but I am always nervous about prescribing it, as data on the degree of topical absorption remains to be defined.

Dermatological Care MIPS Value Pathway (MVP)

The Dermatological Care MIPS Value Pathway (MVP) is a streamlined reporting system designed specifically for dermatologists to meet MIPS requirements. CMS is designing MVPs to allow physicians to report on measures that are more relevant to their specialties in a structured manner. Unlike traditional MIPS, participation in an MVP for

Sun safety

Key messages ... At least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. (1,2) ... Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. (3-6) ... To protect your skin from the sun, seek shade, wear protective

It's time for a CLIA refresher!

In Practice ... Faiza Wasif, MPH, is the AAD's practice management manager. Her column offers tips on an area she commonly receives questions about from members. ... By Faiza Wasif, MPH, August 1, 2019 What comes to mind when you hear CLIA? Probably that it’s just another burdensome federal regulation

Do polygenic risk scores have potential utility in determining risk for dermatologic disease?

Clinical Applications ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, February 1, 2020 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, talks with Maryam Asgari, MD, MPH, about

We all know.

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, October 1, 2024 Ask any of us and we will confidently claim that no one knows more about skin, hair, and nails than a board-certified dermatologist. Unfortunately, social media offers an

AADA advocacy at a state level

From the President ... Dr. Taylor is the Academy’s former president. ... By Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, February 1, 2026 Taking care of dermatologists so that they can take care of their patients...and their practices Dear members, ... Advocacy is a key mission of the Academy. On the federal

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... January 1, 2023 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Mallory Abate, MD, FAAD In October’s ... Dialogues in Dermatology , Dr. Scott Elman, double board-certified internist and dermatologist, discusses important "new medications

Key components of evaluation and management: Medical decision making

Cracking the Code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, August 1, 2018 Medical decision making (MDM) is the third key component of evaluation and management (E/M) that is

Key components of evaluation and management: Physical examination

Cracking the Code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, July 1, 2018 There are three "key components" used to determine levels of Evaluation and Management (E/M) services. The

April 17, 2024

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 17, 2024 ... Does low-dose oral minoxidil improve short anagen syndrome? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Weighing in on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in dermatology CDC investigates counterfeit botox: AAD

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... March 1, 2023 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Bryan Carroll, MD, PhD, FAAD New, but not new, but maybe new, but not good = ... Candida auris is looking worse with

Americans with Disabilities Act issues in dermatology

Legally Speaking ... Robert M. Portman, JD, MPP, is a health care attorney with Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, in Washington, D.C. ... By Ben Tesdahl, JD, Megan La Suer, JD, MHA, and Robert M. Portman, JD, MPP, January 1, 2021 Every month, DermWorld ... covers legal issues in "Legally

Are you a rash whisperer?

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Patch test. Identify allergens. Avoid them. If only it was that simple to diagnose and treat patients with allergic contact dermatitis. ... Patch test. Identify allergens. Avoid them. If only it was that simple to diagnose and treat

Long COVID has a lot of nerve

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Dec. 17, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 49 The profound medical and socioeconomic trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic may seem as though it is in the rearview mirror, but it is not. As of April 15, 2025, the CDC estimated that COVID-19 infections are growing

During the COVID-19 pandemic, “Leaders eat last.”

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... DW Weekly talked to Vinh Chung, MD, from Vanguard Skin Specialists in Colorado Springs, about his experiences helping his staff manage during the COVID-19 pandemic. DW Weekly : Tell us about Vanguard Skin Specialists. How

June 13

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / JUNE 13, 2018 ... FDA approves first hyaluronic acid filler for hands Feedback requested: Primary cutaneous melanoma treatment draft guidelines After 60 years, a new treatment for pemphigus vulgaris Jack Resneck

Challenges ebb and flow, but our “why” remains the same

From the President ... Dr. Kaufmann served as Academy president from March 2022 to March 2023. ... By Mark Kaufmann, MD, FAAD, March 1, 2023 Serving as your Academy President these last 12 months has been a journey filled with opportunities and challenges. While it has been a test of

Cosmetic or not, will this be covered?

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Lead Coding and Reimbursement Strategist, February 1, 2024 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . Dermatologists play a crucial role in

Primer on payer contract issues

Answers in Practice ... By Lou Terranova, Associate Director, Practice and Payment Policy, and Teresa Salaway, Senior Manager, Practice and Payment Policy, October 1, 2024 Each month, DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month, AADA regulatory and payment policy staff highlight critical elements of payer contracts for

Lock it down

Answers in Practice ... By Victoria Houghton, Managing Editor, September 1, 2020 Dermatology World ... talks to Jon Ward, MD, founder and president of Dermatology Specialists of Florida, about developing office lockdown procedures. Dermatology World: You have procedures for several emergency events — not only natural disasters, but also for

Go your own way

Dermatologists share experiences and considerations practicing in a variety of practice models. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, September 1, 2025 Whether you’re embarking on your career path, or you’re simply ready for a reset, there are a multitude of practice models to investigate. Each path offers

Changing the narrative: The AAD and education

by Melanie Tolley Hall Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, AAD In our ... first article , AAD Board member Abby VanVoorhees, MD, shared that the AAD will unveil its new brand in September. Having done branding work throughout my career in diverse institutions including Fortune 500 companies and hospital health

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... October 1, 2023 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Mallory Abate, MD, FAAD Chronic pruritus is burdensome for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and can be incredibly difficult for dermatologists to

I always knew firefighting was a dangerous occupation

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, March 1, 2023 I grew up in a very small town where firemen, all of whom were volunteers from the community, were called to action with a very loud siren that

Shielding our heroes: Dermatologists deploy to provide free skin cancer checks to 425 NYC firefighters

Event kicks off the American Academy of Dermatology’s and Firefighter Cancer Support Network’s national program to check 10,000 firefighters for skin cancer by 2026 NEW YORK CITY (May 28, 2024) — The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), in conjunction with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, will host a free Skin

Early-onset hypertension associated with extensive capillary malformations: A new worry to raise dermatologists’ blood pressure

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Jan. 31, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 5 The recent passing of Mikhail Gorbachev reminded me of the teaching value of his port wine stain. The following brief article published in the ... Washington Post in 1987 reflects the state of knowledge 36 years ago.

Managing Gen Z patients

Answers in Practice ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, March 1, 2023 DermWorld ... talks to Brittany Craiglow, MD, FAAD, from Yale School of Medicine, about tips for managing Gen Z patients — individuals born after 1996. DermWorld: Tell us about your practice. Brittany Craiglow, MD, FAAD ... Dr. Craiglow:

JAAD impact factor ranks No. 1 among dermatology journals

JAAD International debuts at No. 10 ROSEMONT, Ill. (June 19, 2025) — The ... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology remains the top peer-reviewed journal in its field for the sixth straight year, according to the 2024 journal impact factor (JIF) rankings recently published by ... Clarivate’s Journal Citation

Aluminum can cause allergic contact dermatitis: Allergen of the Year 2022

By Christen Mowad, MD, FAAD June 15, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 24 Allergen of the year is an eagerly awaited award for those of us excited by allergic contact dermatitis. It has been given each year for over 20 years to highlight allergens of new and emerging significance and sometimes

A second set of eyes

As states consider new chaperone rules for skin checks, what do they mean for your patients and practice? ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Senior Editor, July 1, 2025 In dermatology, the physical exam is a core part of nearly every patient encounter, requiring mutual trust between patient and physician.

Cocaine-associated plasma cell orificial mucositis: Anything goes

DermWorld Insights and Inquiries ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, April 1, 2026 Vol. 8, No. 4 Dermatologists will never be bored by cocaine. The mucocutaneous manifestations are so vast that one can almost say that "anything goes," but there are clinical scenarios where clinicians should suspect cocaine use

PDF of industry expert sessions for theater 1.

Impact Report — Vol 3, Issue 1

We are building a brighter tomorrow, today. Our bright tomorrow is forged and reinforced by the work we do all year to make the Academy strong. The efforts and successes involve AAD staff, working alongside leadership and, importantly, members like you. It’s a powerful collaboration. ... In this edition of

Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis: Past reflections and future directions

By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 4, 2017 Linear or circular arrangement of pigmented macules along the lines of Blaschko. ... Credit: ... JAAD I recall meeting Debra Chester Kalter as a young, remarkable dermatologist, chatting annually with her at the AAD meeting. She was my wife’s classmate at the

Hiring high-quality clinical and non-clinical staff

In Practice ... Faiza Wasif, MPH, is the AAD's practice management manager. Her column offers tips on an area she commonly receives questions about from members. ... By Faiza Wasif, MPH, August 1, 2018 Every aspect of a physician practice is important to delivering the highest quality of care to

"Insure"

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, September 1, 2024 "To make certain especially by taking necessary measures and precautions." ( ... www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insure .) In the past few years, ... DermWorld has shared stories from colleagues who have

The importance of cross-training and preparing for change

Change, as they say, is the only constant we can count on, but change can be difficult to accept and adapt to if you are not prepared. A successful practice should always be thinking "how will you and your team manage change?" By planning for change, you are not only