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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
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
A future therapeutic Harlequin Romance?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 17, 2018 A neonate with harlequin ichthyosis on day 21 of life after 3 weeks of treatment with acitretin at 1 mg/kg/d. ... Credit: ... JAAD My fiancé Ronnie, then a pediatric resident, called me excitedly, asking for my opinion about a remarkable neonate
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.
Yeast rising: Predicting the efficacy of candida antigen immunotherapy for warts
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 2, 2017 ... Numerous flat warts (verrucae plana) seen on upper extremities of patient with epidermodysplasia verruciformis. ... Credit: ... JAAD Perhaps I’m paranoid, but I always think that warts are laughing at me, or at least at whatever I throw at them —
Dermatologists cannot be lax about acquired cutis laxa
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 28, 2019 Acral localized acquired cutis laxa. Loose, redundant skin on the volar finger pads bilaterally that gave them a flat, rounded appearance. ... Credit: ... JAAD From the time I was a medical student, I have always been fascinated by the "little old
Not aging like fine wine: The myths and mysteries of acquired port wine stains
By Warren R. Heymann, MD January 13, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 2 Port wine stains (PWS, aka nevus flammeus, nevus simplex, salmon patch) are cutaneous capillary malformations that are characteristically congenital (CPWS) but may be acquired (APWS). APWS was first described in a German publication by Fegeler in 1949, hence
Epidemic of melanoma or epidemic of scrutiny?
By Jason B. Lee, MD May 19, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 20 The goal of population screening is to detect cancers at their early stages to prevent the associated morbidity and mortality of the late stages. The efforts to detect melanoma in its early stages went into full gear over
Hair straightening and acute renal injury: The latest data straight up
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 3, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 14 The global hair straightener market has experienced significant growth, with a market size of US$ 587.9 million in 2022, projected to be US$ 759.9 million by 2028. (1) I expected the market to already be in the
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. ...
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
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
Clinical information
1. How contagious is measles? ... Measles is a highly contagious virus, much more contagious than the common cold and even more contagious than other outbreaks like smallpox or Ebola. ... 1 ... Measles is potentially transmissible even after brief exposures and at distances up to 30 meters. ... 2
Enjoying the game and staying sun safe
Brad Koller, board president of Miracle League Field of Findlay, was happy to be able to protect both players and their families from sun exposure. Brad’s story ... Baseball fans at Miracle League of Findlay enjoy watching the game from the shade. ... Miracle League of Findlay is thrilled with
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
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
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
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,
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
Prognosticating folliculotropic mycosis fungoides: Everything old is new again
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 16, 2016 I was dermatology resident in 1980 learning about mycosis fungoides when the late Peter Allen was in his glory singing "Everything Old is New Again". The universe of cutaneous T cell lymphoma was simultaneously more confusing (how would you differentiate poikiloderma
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)
Independent practice association (IPA)
Best for: Dermatologists who want to stay fully independent but benefit from shared payer negotiations and reduced administrative burden. ... Quick summary: Join a contracting network while maintaining full clinical autonomy. Ideal for those seeking better reimbursement rates and back-office support without merging or sharing clinical operations. ... IPA overview
April 3, 2024
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 3, 2024 ... Safety of DEET insect repellent in children: Do the natural alternatives work? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Hair straightening and acute renal injury — The latest data
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
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
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
October 4, 2023
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 4, 2023 ... Dermoscopic predictors of melanoma in small-diameter melanocytic lesions DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : The Venetian antithesis – Treating median canaliform nail dystrophy Risk between history of rosacea
How to examine your skin for skin cancer
Board-certified dermatologist shares 5 skin cancer exam tips ROSEMONT, Ill. (May 31, 2023) — Last year, 69-year-old Isabel Lievano's board-certified dermatologist diagnosed the persistent black spot under her nail as melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Though she lost her nail, she was thrilled that her dermatologist was able
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
Clear cell papulosis: Clearly distinctive, clearly underrecognized
By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 3, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 22 One of my greatest joys in dermatology is diagnosing a disease that I have only read about, but then encounter in life. That "aha moment" is exhilarating! When attending patient presentations at dermatology conferences, I encourage my residents
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
Your Dermatologist Knows
An update on the Academy’s successful consumer positioning strategy. ... Feature ... By Matt Walsh, Specialist, Member Communications, December 1, 2025 2026 will be the fourth full year of the Academy’s revolutionary push to position board-certified dermatologists as the experts in skin, hair, and nail health. Since launching in October
October 31
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / October 31, 2018 ... Oral antibiotic gets FDA approval for acne Teamwork Hero: Steven Daveluy, MD Are you smarter than DataDerm? ABMS approves Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery subspecialty Trump administration announces plans
Dermatology benign, premalignant, and malignant destruction code utilization
The AADA coding team continues to educate dermatologists on the code utilization indicators for services provided in a dermatology setting. As a follow-up to the first in the series, ... How does your benign and malignant excision code utilization compare to the average in dermatology , the coding team has
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
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,
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.
Pediatric diseases in disguise
Dermatologists discuss conditions that may be harder to diagnose in children. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, October 1, 2025 Despite years of rigorous training and experience, even the best dermatologists may miss a pediatric diagnosis, particularly for dermatologists who don’t see as many pediatric patients. Some
The ins and outs of billing company contracts
Legally Speaking ... Alice G. Gosfield, Esq. is a health care attorney at Alice G. Gosfield and Associates, P.C. ... By Alice G. Gosfield, Esq., November 1, 2020 Every month, DermWorld ... covers legal issues in "Legally Speaking." This month’s author is Alice G. Gosfield, Esq., who is a health
Beware: Discordance abounds among pathologists in the diagnosis of melanocytic neoplasms
By Jason B. Lee, MD Dec. 4, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 38 Discordance in the histological diagnosis of melanocytic lesions has been an underemphasized and understudied problem, and, therefore, the scale and the impact of the problem is largely unknown. Over the years, there were small studies and observations suggesting
Tax reform: What you need to know
Money Matters ... Jason P. Wainscott, JD, is an attorney, author, and general manager of the financial planning firm OJM Group. ... By Jason P. Wainscott, JD, March 1, 2018 Every dermatologist needs to know 2017 saw widespread changes to the federal tax code. There are many cuts and additional
Left in the dark
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... An explanation to patients on the factors that can keep physicians out of the loop on current drug prices and costs to patients ... An explanation to patients on the factors that can keep physicians out of the
May 19, 2021
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 19, 2021 ... Differentiating early squamous cell carcinoma from actinic keratosis DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Epidemic of melanoma or epidemic of scrutiny? AAD Board selects Keyvan Nouri, MD, MBA,
Evaluation and management: Selecting the codes
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 3, 2018 You have evaluated a patient, and now it is time to select an appropriate level of
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.
October 13, 2021
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 13, 2021 ... How does wearing occlusive gloves impact hand eczema? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : What’s up in Down syndrome? Relief funds available for health care providers, including some
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
Living with trimethylaminuria: Research awaiting the smell of success
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 26, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 8 I was mesmerized watching (and listening to) the PBS episode of ... Great Performances devoted to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 80th anniversary. Rodgers’ melodious scores and Hammerstein’s poignant lyrics remain the ultimate standard of the musical theatre genre.
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
A pandemic of perception
Virtual life has negatively affected patients’ self-perception. Dermatologists may be in a position to help. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, July 1, 2022 Photo editing, once associated with flawlessly airbrushed celebrities, has become not only ubiquitous but nearly a requirement of social sharing. In a highly
Coming down the payment pike
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... While Medicare reimbursement changes were minimal in 2020, what's in store for dermatology down the road? ... While Medicare reimbursement changes were minimal in 2020, what's in store for dermatology down the road? ... By Melanie Padgett Powers,
What’s up in Down syndrome?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD October 13, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 41 Being married to a geneticist has served me well as a dermatologist. Just as dermatologists can instantly diagnose many dermatoses based on pattern recognition, geneticists skilled in dysmorphology can identify many syndromes in a heartbeat. Physicians of
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
The ACA: 10 years later...during a pandemic
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... It survived for a decade, but will it survive another 10 years after COVID-19? ... It survived for a decade, but will it survive another 10 years after COVID-19? ... By Ruth Carol, contributing writer On its 10
Sweet Sounds of the “SKINphony”: Incorporating Music into Daily Dermatologic Practice
By David A. Wetter, MD, FAAD Nov. 29, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 47 It is amazing how music instantaneously transports us back in time. For me, Kool & The Gang’s catchy tune " ... Celebration " ( ... "Celebrate good times, come on!") hearkens back to the 1980s when my
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
Deeper thoughts about acne keloidalis nuchae
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, February 1, 2026 Vol. 8, No. 2 Wallace Clark taught me the truism that thinking often ceases when a diagnosis is rendered. The clinical diagnosis of acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is straightforward. Embarrassingly, I had not given much thought
Coding for office visit evaluation and management (E/M) in 2021 and beyond: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The following scenarios of dermatology encounters have been developed by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD/A) coding team. The 2021 office and other outpatient evaluation and management (E/M) coding guidelines were used to determine the appropriate E/M level of service. Dermatology practices are encouraged to use these examples to
Conquering failure
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Dermatologists discuss their experiences and perceptions of failure while providing strategies for overcoming setbacks ... Dermatologists discuss their experiences and perceptions of failure while providing strategies for overcoming setbacks ... By Allison Evans, assistant managing editor Most are
Acne: The drought is over
After years of recycling the same ingredients, dermatologists have novel acne treatments and formulations available — with more on the horizon. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, assistant managing editor, February 1, 2021 Over the past few years, an incredible amount of innovation has taken place for the treatment of
An uphill battle
Pediatric dermatologists share struggles and successes obtaining treatments for their patients ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, December 1, 2021 In a perfect world, a dermatologist would diagnose their patient’s condition and prescribe a therapy, and the patient would receive treatment. Unfortunately, in reality, dermatologists diagnose a
Melanoma controversies
Screening, biopsy practices questioned as incidence rate increases ... Feature ... By Jan Bowers, contributing writer, September 1, 2021 At first glance, dermatologists would seem to be wildly successful in their decades-long effort to detect and remove cutaneous melanoma lesions before they can metastasize and become deadly. According to the
Breaking the mold
COVID-19 has sent waves of change throughout the health care system — how will it reshape patient access to dermatology care? ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, October 1, 2021 It has been approximately 640 days since the first cluster of COVID-19 cases were reported by the Wuhan
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
Your Dermatologist Knows
One year since launch, where do things stand with the AAD’s new consumer positioning strategy? ... Feature ... By Matthew Walsh, Member Communications Specialist, November 1, 2023 With social media’s ever-growing prevalence in day-to-day life, an all-too-common occurrence is a patient learning some new "trick" from a viral video and
Navigating "natural" medicine
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... How to meet patients' desire for alternative medicine with evidence-based care ... How to meet patients' desire for alternative medicine with evidence-based care ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor "We are clearly past the ‘golden age’ where, by