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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
Skin in the news
Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, content specialist, April 2, 2018 In 2017, the Academy generated more than 8.8 billion media impressions in print and online — akin to reaching each person in the United States more than 26 times. Nevertheless, the year’s overall total marked a slight
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
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
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,
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.
Using time to select the level for E/M services
Using time to determine the level of service: In a nutshell ... The level of service can be selected based on total time spent by the dermatologist or other qualified non-physician clinician on the date of the encounter. ... Time spent by clinical staff is not included in calculation of
Is 3D total-body photography effective in early detection of melanoma?
Clinical Applications ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, December 1, 2025 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, talks with H. Peter Soyer, MD, FACD, FAHMS, and Monika Janda, PhD, about their JAMA Dermatology ... paper ‘ 3D Total-Body Photography in Patients at High Risk
What's hot?
What's hot ... November 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 ... On Oct. 5, the ... U.S. FDA approved the Gardasil 9 human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for men
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
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
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
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
Rejecting preconceived notions of squamous cell carcinomas in patients experiencing transplant rejections
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 21, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 24 Dermatologists are keenly aware of immunosuppression’s profound biologic effects. Whether by disease or iatrogenic means, clinical vigilance is mandated because of an elevated risk of malignancy, infection, or inflammatory dermatoses. ... In a study of 177 organ transplant
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
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
Fixating on doxycycline-induced fixed drug eruptions
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 21, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 20 When reading medical journals, I am intrigued by titles that inspire me to learn more about the topic. Happening upon a letter to the editor titled "Doxycycline-induced fixed drug eruption: The new epidemic?" (1) gave me pause.
Bad online review?
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Dermatology World explains why bad online reviews may not be so bad after all ... Dermatology World explains why bad online reviews may not be so bad after all ... By Ruth Carol, contributing writer Patients are increasingly
Quality (30%)
The quality category makes up 30% of the total MIPS score. Points are earned by submitting performance on quality measures. ... Reporting quality measures ... In 2025, achieving the minimum score required to avoid penalties is not possible without an electronic health record (EHR) or an exemption for the Promoting
State advocacy win: Step therapy reform enacted in Alaska
A step therapy and prior authorization reform ... bill enacted in Alaska will require insurers to establish a streamlined prior authorization process that minimizes administrative burdens on physicians. The legislation provided a clear and convenient process for requesting exceptions to step therapy protocols and conditions for automatic approval of step
Quality (30%)
The quality category makes up 30% of the total MIPS score. Points are earned by submitting performance on quality measures. ... Reporting quality measures ... In 2026, achieving the minimum score required to avoid penalties is not possible without an electronic health record (EHR) or an exemption for the Promoting
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
CMS prior authorization final regulation incorporates AADA’s recommendations
The AADA advocated for these specific prior authorization reforms, which will take effect in 2026. While the regulations currently apply only to Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and CHIP plans and not to private, commercial, and ERISA plans, the AADA anticipates that many private health plans will adopt similar policies. ...
Raising a toast to advances in treating alcohol-induced flushing
By Warren R. Heymann, MD November 11, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 45 Whether with pride or embarrassment, we have all blushed. Also known as flushing, the process is defined as a visible reddening of the skin accompanied by a sensation of warmth, characteristically affecting the face, ears, neck, and upper
April 10
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 10, 2019 ... ‘Inactive’ ingredients in pills may cause allergic reaction DW Insights and Inquiries: Is there a best approach to widespread actinic keratoses? What’s the optimal way to perform
Dermatologist job satisfaction
Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, August 1, 2019 Despite rising burnout rates among all physicians, according to the AAD 2019 Life in Practice Study, the vast majority of dermatologists still enjoy what they do. Overall, 72% — or 7 in 10 dermatologists — say they
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
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
InCYSTing on searching for explosives
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 8, 2016 I have enjoyed medical writing and editing since publishing my first article in 1983 when I wrote about a penile Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus (my medical school roommate’s father was the patient). Once in a great while, some interest would be generated from
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
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: ...
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
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
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
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
The naked truth about total body skin examination: A lesson from Goldilocks and the Three Bears
By Lorraine L. Rosamilia, MD Nov. 13, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 36 In my last 13 years of immersion in dermatology, I have often asked this simple yet elusive question of my superiors, my colleagues, and myself: Which patients need skin checks? As I peruse my clinical schedule, in which
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. ...
2026 AAD Innovation Academy: Schedule at-a-glance
Experience the energy of dermatology’s latest advancements in New York this summer! ... 2026 AAD Innovation Academy arrives in New York City with just as much momentum and energy as the city itself. Explore a future focused program featuring high-impact sessions, standout speakers, and immersive learning experiences designed to keep
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
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
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 ( ...
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
Recognizing toxic epidermal necrolysis-like acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus ASAP
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD November 10, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 45 ASAP, the well-recognized acronym for "as soon as possible," takes on special significance for dermatologists confirming the diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). In 2004, Ting et al introduced an alternative definition of the ASAP acronym —
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:
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
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:
Read all about it: Dermatology's media impact
Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, April 1, 2019 There’s nothing fake about this news: In 2018, the Academy generated nearly 9 billion media impressions in print and online. Despite the unpredictability of the current media landscape, the specialty’s public impact has remained stable with a
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
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
AMA introduces new prolonged service code for 2021
Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, manager, coding and reimbursement, January 1, 2021 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in Derm Coding Consult. ... Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . Coding based on time ... As previously discussed
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
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
Learning module: The skin exam
Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a systematic approach to the skin exam and highlight the importance of examining the entire cutaneous surface. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Discuss the key questions that make
Free skin cancer screenings at a shelter for displaced and unhoused veterans
Stephanie Choi, a medical student at UMass Memorial Medical Center, sought to bring dermatology care to the underserved. Stephanie Choi's story ... Stephanie Choi (medical student) and others from UMass Memorial Dermatology participated in this skin cancer screening event. ... Homelessness is a pervasive and widespread problem in the United
Your Dermatologist Knows has hot summer on social media
You’re the experts and millions of people know it. ... The Your Dermatologist Knows strategy involves a robust social media presence that includes AAD Social Media Correspondents, partnerships with AAD member social media influencers, and paid and organic placements of Your Dermatologist Knows content. ... This summer, Your Dermatologist Knows-related
You had questions. Your Academy had answers.
Your Academy Member Resource Center (MRC) receives thousands of phone calls, emails, and online chats throughout the year. But it’s nothing we can’t handle! ... Here are some highlights of the MRC’s member-centric activities in 2023: ... Total calls: 11,413 ... Voicemails handled: 512 ... Chats received: 1,656 ... Emails:
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
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,
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
Managing menopause
Dermatologists discuss dermatologic changes before and during menopause and the dermatoses that may occur. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, December 1, 2025 Menopausal transitions can be stressful. While rapidly declining estrogen levels can wreak havoc internally, many of these changes involve the skin, hair, and vulvar
Understanding current Evaluation and Management (E/M) guidelines
Current E/M coding guidelines: In a nutshell ... The level of service for E/M services is based on medical decision making (MDM) or total time for the date of the encounter. ... A medically appropriate history and examination must be documented but is no longer a component of code selection
Mpox outbreak: U.S. snapshot
Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, May 1, 2023 It has been one year since an outbreak of Mpox was confirmed in the United States. While cases have dropped off in recent history, as of January 2023, total U.S. cases of Mpox totaled just under 30,000
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
Strong showings and stellar speakers at our 2024 meetings!
AAD in San Diego If you were at the 2024 AAD Annual Meeting in San Diego in March 2024, you were part of history. More than ... 19,800 people joined us in San Diego — almost 1,000 more than the previous record (18,830) set in San Diego in 2018. Medical
Hair straighteners and the risk of uterine cancer: More studies are necessary to get this straight
By Temitayo Ogunleye, MD, FAAD Nov. 9, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 45 Every time the ... New York Times publishes a dermatology-related article I receive a flurry of text messages from friends and family and messages from patients. The most recent article discussing the ... possible link between the use
Paraneoplastic Sarcoidosis? A Proposal to Revise and Rename the “Sarcoidosis-Lymphoma Syndrome”
By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 18, 2018 ... A 45-year-old woman with cutaneous sarcoidosis at (A) baseline before treatment and (B) with koebnerization after BBLT (560 nm filter at 20 J/cm2, pulse width 30 msec, 20°C cooling, 7-mm square spot size, repetition rate 10 Hz). ... Credit: ... JAAD
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
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 ... ...
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
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
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 ...
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
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
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
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)
JAK inhibitors battle in the heavyweight class
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 12, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 45 Editor’s Note: A modified version of this commentary appeared as "A Clinician’s Perspective" in JAAD ... . JAK inhibitors (JAKi) have catapulted to such prominence in dermatologic therapeutics that I could write a weekly commentary about them.
NSA (neutrophilic sebaceous adenitis) secrets revealed
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 8, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 45 If asked what the acronym NSA means, most of us — dermatologists included — would respond, "National Security Agency." News of security leaks (think Edward Snowden or Jack Teixeira) are in the headlines, but neutrophilic sebaceous adenitis
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: 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 ...
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:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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. ...
Out of the (check) box
Dermatologists break down how to make quality and practice improvement activities manageable while benefiting their practice and patients. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, December 1, 2022 Quality improvement (QI) efforts are increasingly tied to reimbursement. Reporting measures in the quality category of the Merit-based Incentive Payment
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
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
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
Frontal fibrosing alopecia: Bewitched, bothered, and bewildered
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Feb. 13, 2017 Women given the diagnosis of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) with different severity grades. A, FFA grade I/V in a premenopausal 30-year-old woman, with a less than 1-cm wide area of cicatricial skin produced by the recession of the frontal and temporal hairline.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Acquired acrodermatitis enteropathica from “total” parenteral nutrition: Still crazy after all these years
By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... May 26, 2016 ... Last week I concluded my introductory dermatology lecture to the first year medical students at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University with the case that convinced me that dermatology would be a great career. During my dermatology elective under 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
New evaluation and management (E/M) coding changes are coming in 2021 – Practical applications of the 2021 E/M coding changes
Selecting the E/M level of service ... Part 3 of the "E/M coding changes are coming in 2021" series will focus on the practical application of the changes to dermatology-specific encounters based on ... medical decision making (MDM) or ... time . (Review ... part 1 and ... part 2
What's hot?
What's hot ... June 28, 2018 In this monthly column, members of the ... Dermatology World Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Mallory Abate, MD ... "SPF 30 or higher" is the classic, impulse response that we often give when asked about sunscreen recommendations. However,
November 13, 2019
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / November 13, 2019 ... New recommendations for detecting noninvasive melanoma published DW Insights and Inquiries: The naked truth about total body skin examination — A lesson from Goldilocks and the Three
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
Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness 101
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... DermWorld ... spoke to Alexander Gross, MD, and Joanne Gross, from Georgia Dermatology Center in Cumming, Georgia, about their successful attempts to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. DermWorld : Tell us about your
The not-so-full body skin examination
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 16, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 15 It is not my imagination. With every passing year, an increasing number of new patients schedule an appointment for a full (or total) body skin examination (FBSE, TBSE) to be checked (or, as some patients say, "scanned")
Drain, pare, snip
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, December 1, 2019 Test your knowledge: Drain, pare, snip ... Take the quiz to see if you're up to
It’s your call. We answer it.
Your Academy Member Resource Center (MRC) receives thousands of inquiries via email, phone, and online chats. But we are always there to answer the call. ... Here are some of the highlights of the MRC’s member-focused activities in 2024: ... # of calls received: ... 9,359 # of voicemails handled:
March 19, 2025
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 19, 2025 ... Association between actinic keratosis treatments and use of antihypertensives? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Mastering dermatology Laser and energy treatments for acne scarring Efficacy of upadacitinib vs.
Digital media kit: Consumer advertising
Reach interested consumers searching for information on skin, hair, and nail conditions. Tell them about your products while they are looking for answers to their dermatologic concerns. ... AAD.org AAD.org is the most authoritative dermatology website in the world. With more than 3.75M unique visitors and 4.5M total visits monthly,
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
Questions? Your Academy Member Resource Center is ready!
Whether it’s a phone call, an email, or an online chat, the Academy’s Member Resource Center stands at the ready to answer your questions and offer assistance. ... Below are the highlights of the MRC’s member-centric activities in ... 2022 : ... Calls: 15,677 ... Voicemails: 374 ... Chats: 2,183
CME by the numbers!
The AAD strives to deliver the gold standard in dermatologic education, and Academy members took advantage of that in 2025. Thousands of members seized the opportunity to earn CME in 2025. ... Average number of CME claims per month: ... 28,341 Total number of CME credit hours claimed: ... 185,472.25
Monkeypox health crisis resources
The Academy takes its duty to report important information to the public very seriously. Monkeypox was recently declared a national and global health emergency, and the AAD has you covered. ... The AAD website ... features an article in which Esther E. Freeman , MD, PhD, FAAD, explains various aspects
AAD Corporate Partners
Thank you to the Academy’s Corporate Partners! ... The Academy’s Corporate Partner Circle Program offers engaging benefits while recognizing a company’s total annual commitment of $25,000 or more to AAD programs and services, including sponsorships and grants. ... 2026 Corporate Partner Circle Members ... Reflects support of 2025 AAD programs
CME by the numbers! Our 2024 highlights
The Academy is dedicated to promoting and encouraging dermatology research and the application of these findings to improving patient care. This includes the development of hours of CME available for members. As you can see below, thousands of you have been getting your CME from the AAD. ... Average CME
Quality assured
Engaging in quality improvement activities can boost patient outcomes, practice efficiencies, and satisfaction all around ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, Contributing Writer, November 1, 2021 Quality improvement (QI) efforts can boost reimbursement but engaging in QI activities can have an even more positive impact on a dermatology practice’s overall
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
December
Issue ... December January February March April May June July August September October November December View digital flipbook In this issue ... From the Editor ... And so, it ends. What’s hot ... This month’s news from across the specialty Clinical Applications ... Is 3D total-body photography effective in early
You’ve been using the AAD’s Diversity Toolkit
The AAD is continuing to expand on offerings in its ... Diversity Toolkit . If you don’t know about it, you should. ... The ... Skin of Color Curriculum is a complete, definitive inpatient and outpatient curriculum for the diagnosis and effective treatment of skin of color diseases and conditions
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
Our videos for the public garner millions of views
As part of the Your Dermatologist Knows launch, the Videos of the Month were rebranded to align with the new strategy and are now known as Your Dermatologist Knows Videos. This change was in name only; the quality of the video information presented remains high and they are as popular
Corporate partner guidelines
The Academy’s Corporate Partner Circle Program offers engaging benefits in addition to the recognition of supported programs and services. It recognizes the company’s total annual commitment to AAD programs/services, including sponsorships and grants, starting at $25,000. ... Diamond: $500,000+ ... Sapphire: $250,000 - $499,999 ... Ruby: $100,000 - $249,999 ...
Helping hometown heroes with Firefighter Skin Cancer Checks
The AAD’s Firefighter Skin Cancer Checks Program continued to expand nationwide in 2025. The initiative is designed to support firefighters, who are at a significantly higher risk of developing melanoma and skin cancer than the general public. The program, which was developed in partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network,
Firefighter Skin Cancer Check program providing care to community heroes
The AAD’s ... Firefighter Skin Cancer Checks Program is continuing its nationwide expansion. The initiative was launched last year in partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and is designed to support a population that is at a significantly higher risk of melanoma and skin cancer than the general public.
Medical dermatology
Topical retinoid therapy for acanthosis nigricans: In the thick of it Rituximab and dermatomyositis: Dr. Samitz would be proud The naked truth about total body skin examination: A lesson from Goldilocks and the Three Bears Getting the gist of GIST cutaneous hyperpigmentation disease I never wanted chaperones — until now
AAD bolsters information about darker skin tones
New and updated content on AAD.org reflects our commitment to providing information for patients of all skin tones. ... The Academy launched a ... Darker Skin Tones resource center in 2022, which included updates on 11 conditions that affect people with darker skin tones more frequently or more severely. It
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
Avascular necrosis in psoriasis: Avoiding “snap” judgments
By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 8, 2017 Of all the adverse reactions of corticosteroids, there is none more terrifying than avascular necrosis (AVN, aka osteonecrosis); this usually involves the femoral head (AVN of the hip), although the shoulders and knees may be affected. It is estimated that 25,000 new
Dermatology snags the spotlight
Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, April 1, 2020 Dermatology remained a hot news topic in 2019, generating a record 13.2 billion print, broadcast, and online media impressions — a 48% increase from last year. Web traffic to public content on the newly updated AAD.org also
Dermatology drugs with the highest cost burden
Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, October 1, 2024 Rising prescription drug costs continue to put an escalating financial strain on the U.S. health care system, creating affordability challenges for patients. According to HHS, between January 2022 to January 2023, more than 4,200 drug products had
Dermatology doubles media presence in 2020
Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, August 1, 2021 Last year, dermatology-related topics generated a record-breaking 36 billion print, broadcast, and online media impressions — more than double the total coverage in 2019. This sharp increase is likely tied to COVID-19, specifically news items on COVID-related
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
Going green: Environmental cost savings of teledermatology
Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, June 1, 2023 Research shows that health care is a major global driver of climate change, accounting for 5% of a country’s total environmental footprint. As medicine continues to look for ways to reduce its environmental impact, a recent ...
Reduced Medically Unlikely Edits for Certain Lesion Removals
The 2019 first quarter CCIv25.0 Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs) have been reduced for a selection of dermatology codes. These edits are developed from clinical data by the National Correct Coding Center (NCCI) provider by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The MUEs limit the total number of units
Educating the public – Summer meeting coverage
AAD Summer Meeting and dermatologists’ summer skin care tips make the news ... So far, a total of ... 38 news stories covering the ... 2021 AAD Summer Meeting and new dermatologic research impacting patient treatment and care made headlines that have been seen more than 41 million times. ...
What are the CLIA requirements for lab operations?
Thanks to persistent ... advocacy by the AADA , CMS has suspended enforcement of a controversial CLIA policy that would have excluded board-certified dermatologists from serving as lab directors for moderate- and high-complexity labs. Under this suspension, CMS: ... Allows individuals qualified as technical supervisors to qualify as laboratory directors
Dermatologist workforce mobility
Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, April 1, 2025 How often do dermatologists separate from their practices? A recent ... JAMA Dermatology study sought to answer this question and identify characteristics associated with practice separation (doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.5862). The cross-sectional study collected data from archived versions of the
Digging into dermatologist demographics
Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, June 1, 2025 Each year, the Academy releases a snapshot of official membership facts and figures. In 2025, AAD total membership includes 21,400+ dermatologists, representing 96.3% of U.S. American Board of Dermatology-certified dermatologists. ... AAD dermatologists work in all 50
Educating our public — AAD.org provides a comprehensive, reliable resource for your patients
Itch, sunburn, COVID toes. You name it. You treat them all. When questions invariably arise about skin, hair, and nails, the public has a trusted, reliable place to find answers on our site for the public. ... In 2021, we tracked more than 52 million pageviews at ... aad.org/public ,
Building a climate-smart practice
Answers in Practice ... By Emily Margosian, Senior Editor, September 1, 2025 DermWorld ... talks to Eva Parker, MD, DTMH, FAAD, about tips for building a sustainable, climate-smart practice. DermWorld: Tell us about your practice. Dr. Parker: I am an academic dermatologist, and I practice at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Study outlines average frequency, timing of skin cancer diagnoses
Facts at your Fingertips ... By Megan Bennett, Staff Writer, April 1, 2026 More than 40% of skin cancer patients will develop skin cancer at least once more in their lifetime, according to a 2025 JAAD study that analyzed millions of patients over more than 20 years (doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.12.047). ...
MIPS reporting: Top 10 measures reported by dermatologists in 2020
Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, November 1, 2021 Despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the MIPS 2020 performance year was a successful one for DataDerm ... ™ ... and Academy members. Last year, 671 providers reported through the registry, with a total of 3,031 measures
AADA Advocacy Win: CMS suspends CLIA lab director enforcement policy
June 23, 2025 Advocacy News Alert As a direct result of advocacy by the AADA, CMS will exercise enforcement discretion on several provisions of its revised CLIA laboratory director policy that had excluded board-certified dermatologists from directing moderate- and high-complexity laboratories. Specifically, CMS will: ... Allow for individuals qualified as
2019 DW Insights and Inquiries archive
Explore Dermatology World Insights and Inquiries articles by publication date. ... December ... December 18 - DWI&I holiday greeting 2020: Eyeing dermatology’s future December 11 - Topical retinoid therapy for acanthosis nigricans: In the thick of it December 4 - Beware: Discordance abounds among pathologists in the diagnosis of melanocytic
AADA advocacy win: CMS suspends CLIA lab director enforcement policy
As a direct result of advocacy by the AADA, CMS will not enforce provisions of its revised CLIA laboratory director policy that had excluded board-certified dermatologists from directing moderate- and high-complexity laboratories. ... Specifically, CMS will: ... Allow for individuals qualified as technical supervisors to qualify as high-complexity laboratory directors
Practice Management Corner: CMS Released Preliminary 2018 MIPS Participation Data
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Payment Program (QPP) which began in 2017, is in its third performance year. In July 2019, CMS published a blog and released an infographic with preliminary data on the 2018 QPP Merit-based Incentive Payment Program (MIPS) program participation which revealed the
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
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
June 25, 2025
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / June 25, 2025 ... Safety of low-dose oral minoxidil in older patients DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Metastatic uveal melanoma — Tebentafusp unobfuscated New focused atopic dermatitis guidelines update available FDA
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
From the editor
From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, July 1, 2019 Happy New Year! Those of us in academic medicine run on a somewhat different calendar than does the rest of the world. We fondly say our goodbyes to our
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
The medium is the message
From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, May 1, 2022 It probably wouldn’t surprise many of our younger members if I admit that prior to reading our feature article this month, I had never actually looked at a
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
ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding updates for 2025
Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Lead Coding and Reimbursement Strategist, October 1, 2024 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
Promoting interoperability (25%)
The Promoting Interoperability (PI) category focuses on interoperability and is worth 25% of the overall MIPS score. To participate, you must use a certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) listed at the ... Certified Health IT Product List (CHPL) . ... You cannot satisfy the PI category requirements without having an EHR or getting
Promoting interoperability (25%)
The Promoting Interoperability (PI) category focuses on interoperability and is worth 25% of the overall MIPS score. To participate, you must use a certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) listed at the ... Certified Health IT Product List (CHPL) . ... You cannot satisfy the PI category requirements without having an EHR or getting
From the editor
From the Editor ... Dr. Van Voorhees is the physician editor of ... Dermatology World . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Abby S. Van Voorhees, MD, February 1, 2018 I sit here this afternoon realizing that this is my last ... Dermatology World
March 29, 2023
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 29, 2023 ... Low-dose isotretinoin for severe seborrheic dermatitis? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Can we chat? Risk of melanoma in patients with BCC Is AD severity correlated with food
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
The AAD and the international arena
From the President ... Dr. Tomecki served as Academy president from March 2021 to March 2022. ... By Kenneth Tomecki, MD, FAAD, October 1, 2021 The Academy is clearly a national organization, but it has appreciable international reach and influence in other countries. The Academy has more than 16,000 U.S.
This month’s news from across the specialty
What’s hot ... November 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 I don’t see an important word — ‘teledermatology’ — in the title of a recent publication about 3D total-body
July 24
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... Wound care after dermatologic procedures lacks uniformity In a recently published study in ... Dermatologic Surgery , investigators performed an assessment of postoperative dermatology handouts that shows high variability in patient instructions for wound care.
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,
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
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
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,
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}} ...
Finding Zen in medicine
Balance in practice ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, May 1, 2020 "It’s something I would have never thought I’d do," recalls Adam Rotunda, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, Irvine and a Mohs surgeon in private practice, in Newport Beach, California. Several years prior,
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
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
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
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
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
What we have learned about E/M coding and reimbursement in 2021
Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, manager, coding & reimbursement, April 1, 2021 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in Derm Coding Consult. ... Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . On Jan. 1, 2021, changes were implemented to
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
ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding updates for 2023
Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Lead Coding and Reimbursement Strategist, October 1, 2022 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
Practicing with a purpose
Answers in Practice ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, September 1, 2021 DermWorld ... talks to Vinh Chung, MD, FAAD, from Vanguard Skin Specialists in Colorado Springs, Colorado, about the value of promoting meaning and purpose at work. DermWorld: Tell us about your practice. Dr. Chung: Vanguard started out with
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
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
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
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)
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%
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
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. ... {{
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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,
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
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
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
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
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. ...
The rhythm of RIME
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 2, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 9 Mucosal ulceration urgently gets everyone’s attention. How many times have you been asked to evaluate a patient for suspected Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)? It is not always an easy task to differentiate erythema multiforme (EM) from pemphigus vulgaris,
Your Dermatologist Knows continues strong social media performance
The social media element of the Your Dermatologist Knows strategy continued its success in the summer of 2024. ... The Academy’s social media team works with the ... social media correspondents and several social media ambassadors to generate and distribute paid and organic content on the AAD’s ... Instagram ,
Shining a light on the Sunshine Act
Legally Speaking ... Daniel F. Shay, Esq. is a health care attorney at Alice G. Gosfield and Associates, P.C. ... By Daniel F. Shay, Esq., July 2, 2018 The "Sunshine Act" as it has come to be known (stemming from Sen. Charles Grassley’s position that sunshine is the best disinfectant)
Viva ex vivo dermoscopy?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 12, 2017 Evaluation of dermoscopic features on a formalin-fixed specimen (ex vivo dermoscopy) using a smartphone attached to a dermoscope. ... Credit: ... JAAD It has been said that the best "special stain" is a deeper section — wise words indeed. While always gratifying
Evaluation and management (E/M) coding changes are coming in 2021 – Part 2
Recognizing the 2021 E/M code descriptor revisions ... Changes to E/M coding will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. This article follows up on ... part one of our series which introduced the reasoning for these coding changes. We will now focus on key changes for each of the
Intermediate and complex repair
Use the Academy’s intermediate and complex repair (ICR) tool to find the proper code and ease reimbursement. Coding guidance for two integumentary system repair procedures provides a clear distinction between intermediate and complex repair classifications. The guidelines require dermatologists to capture relevant distinctions within their documentation when performing intermediate and
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
The profound dermatological manifestations of COVID-19 Part VI: Going to the dogs
By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 29, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 30 Disclaimers: This commentary was written on July 12, 2020 for a publication date of July 29, 2020. The issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic are changing rapidly. The content included in this commentary may no longer be factual
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.
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
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
How and when to report prolonged services
Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Lead Coding and Reimbursement Strategist, September 1, 2024 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Coding Consult articles . Prolonged services in dermatology are often necessary
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
Questions and answers: Evaluation and management (E/M) guidelines
Working with the AMA, the AAD’s coding experts are here to provide you with insightful solutions to your most common inquiries. In this informative question-and-answer article previously published in AMA CPT ... ® ... Assistant FAQ of August 2023, our coding team delves into the intricacies of coding for the
Teprotumumab: An eye-opening advance for pretibial myxedema?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 8, 2017 Histologic images of PME. (A, Hematoxylin-eosin stain; original magnification, ×40. B, Colloidal iron stain; original magnification, ×100.) ... Credit: ... JAAD Having just completed the chapter on the treatment of pretibial myxedema (PTM, also known as thyroid dermopathy) for the upcoming
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
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
What is the minimum I need to report to meet the MIPS threshold in 2019?
Asked and Answered ... February 1, 2019 If you or your practice must participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for 2019 and want to simply avoid the ... 7% penalty (penalty applied in 2021), the ... minimum score to avoid the penalty is 30 points — up from
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
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
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
Melanoma in situ: The power of one (centimeter)?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 10, 2016 I remember Marie. She was a delightful elderly woman whom I would see for routine follow-up following an excision of her melanoma in situ (MIS) from her right arm. I will never forget my astonishment upon feeling the large lymph node in
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,
CMS clarifies telehealth and telephone coding during COVID-19 public health emergency
On April 30, 2020 a second round of expansive changes to telehealth coding as well as regulatory revisions was announced by CMS. These changes were to ensure access to care and flexibility to the healthcare system during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). These recent changes and more can be
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
May 11, 2022
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 11, 2022 ... Sexual dysfunction associated with finasteride use in men with androgenetic alopecia DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Lagging ahead — LAG-3 checkpoint inhibition for advanced melanoma FDA grants
Payer advocacy: Prior authorization
The Academy advocates that prior authorization determinations should be standardized, and the speed of determination should be quantified and minimized. Unduly delays and poorly designed prior authorization protocols can cause irreparable harm to patients. ... Notable payer advocacy updates ... CMS issued new regulations on prior authorization that provide important
Time to reassess messing around with steroids and psoriasis
By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 3, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 9 You don't tug on Superman ’ ... s cape You don't spit into the wind You don't pull the mask off that old Lone Ranger And you don't mess around with Jim If the late Jim Croce was
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
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
Evaluation and management in 2021: Part 2
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, 2020 Test your knowledge: Evaluation and management in 2021: Part 2 ... Take the quiz to see
Maximizing knowledge about infantile hemangioma with minimal or arrested growth
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Feb. 3, 2017 Areas affected by segmental infantile hemangioma (IH) and IH with minimal or arrested growth (IH-MAG) of the arms (A to E) with correlating arterial supply areas. ... Credit: ... JAAD Knowledge about hemangiomas is proliferating at a rate the compares with the
FAQs: Interoperability and patient access
What is the information blocking rule? ... On April 5, 2021, HHS issued regulations through the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) that prohibit information blocking. Information blocking refers to actions by an "actor" that could interfere with the access, exchange, or use of electronic health
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,
Got milk? Got acne?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 30, 2016 I loved to drink milk as a kid — I would guzzle it. I was on the chunky side, so my mother encouraged me to have skim milk to cut down on the calories. I never really cared for it, but she
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.
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
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
Reporting Evaluation and Management (E/M) Codes by Time
Can time alone be used to select an E/M code? ... In certain circumstances, time can be used as the key or controlling factor for determining the correct E/M code. When counseling and/or coordination of care dominates (e.g., more than 50%) the physician/patient encounter (e.g., face-to-face time in the office
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,
February 23, 2022
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 23, 2022 ... Frontal fibrosing alopecia: The effects of sunscreens and moisturizers DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : The vexing verruciform xanthoma DermWorld Young Physician Focus : The patient experience —
Rounds on pityriasis rotunda
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 7, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 32 Science, medicine, and patient strife aside, sometimes I just admire the beauty of skin lesions in and of themselves. Round, annular, and targetoid lesions (fixed drug eruptions, granuloma annulare, tinea, subacute lupus, erythema multiforme, erythema migrans, and
This month’s news from across the specialty
What’s hot ... June 1, 2026 In this monthly column, members of the DermWorld ... Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. Emily Chu, MD, PhD, FAAD Genetic alterations underpinning melanoma have been increasingly well characterized over the last two decades — most notably point mutations
What's hot?
What's hot ... January 30, 2018 In this monthly column, members of ... Dermatology World 's Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC ... It seems like everywhere you turn, there is a new comorbidity associated with psoriasis. This is especially important
The Venetian antithesis: Treating median canaliform nail dystrophy
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 4, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 40 Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, but mine remains in Venice. ... (The editorial staff of DWI&I offer our sincerest condolences to the families of those who perished, and our prayers for recovery
Advocacy Update Jul 22, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / July 22, 2025 AADA nominates dermatologist for CDC Advisory Committee Aetna expanding E/M downcoding policy Dermatologists urge Massachusetts lawmakers to pass truth in advertising legislation Step therapy reform enacted in Alaska AADA submits comments to HHS on Medicare payment reform and drug shortages Contribute to SkinPAC
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,
Improvement activities (15%)
In this performance category, clinicians are rewarded for care focused on care coordination, beneficiary engagement, and patient safety. For 2026 MIPS reporting, this category is worth 15% of the MIPS score with a maximum of 40 points available. There are 67 dermatology-relevant practice improvement activities (IAs) to choose from. ...
Susan Boiko, MD, FAAD
Offering support and skills, from clinic to camp. ... Donor Spotlight ... By Dean Monti, Managing Editor, Special Publications, November 1, 2024 In this column, DermWorld ... highlights individual members who have gone above and beyond with their Academy contributions. Susan Boiko, MD, FAAD ... As you’re reading this, Susan
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
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
Methotrexate toxicity: What’s in a name?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 24, 2017 Methotrexate-induced skin toxicity: photographs of 4 illustrative cases. A, Erosions in psoriatic plaques over the torso (patient 1). B and C, Ulcerated and reticulated psoriatic plaques over the arms (patient 2). D, Small shallow cutaneous erosions (patient 4). E, Mucosal erosions over
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
May 25, 2022
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 25, 2022 ... Placebo regrowth rate in alopecia areata trials DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : The globalization of monkeypox AADA renews calls for iPLEDGE improvements with IPMG, FDA Seeking comments
June 2, 2021
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / June 2, 2021 ... Acne and enthesitis: Is there an association? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Touching on contact pemphigus and pemphigus-like eruptions due to imiquimod Derm Coding Consult : Applying
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
Coding for preventive skin examination in 2021 and beyond
To understand the new evaluation and management (E/M) coding guidance, the AAD/A recommends reviewing and applying the coding guidelines holistically. When coding is based on medical decision making (MDM), documentation for the encounter must meet or exceed two of the three elements as described in the ... E/M Office Visit
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
RAC audits: An overview
RAC audits: In a nutshell ... Recovery audit contractors (RACs) look for improper payments that have already been made and identify areas where payment errors are most likely. ... A RAC may perform an audit if they find that you billed for non-covered services or did not code correctly. ...
Turning our attention to melanoma risk in Turner syndrome
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 2, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 26 "…at the endocrine clinic and in private practice, I had seen a few young girls who had not matured, and they were short in stature and they had short necks with a low hair line and increased
Probing pityriasis rosea in pregnancy
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD January 19, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 3 I have always been captivated by pityriasis rosea (PR). As a second-year medical student, my late brother Andrew (presumably) developed it. I was clueless when he showed me his rash. He immediately told my father that money
October 30, 2019
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / October 30, 2019 ... Potential treatment for chronic urticaria may offer complete control DW Insights and Inquiries: Can chowing down improve pseudoxanthoma elasticum? Advances in medical technology: friend or foe? Do
Injecting ideas (and therapies) in digital mucous cysts
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 8, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 40 I am almost embarrassed to admit it, but I go on clinical autopilot when it comes to digital mucous (myxoid) cysts (DMCs). I offer a brief explanation, reassure the patient that the lesion is benign, refer the
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. ...
This month’s news from across the specialty
What’s hot ... August 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 SARMs is a growing and dangerous social media trend. ... The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Predicting malignancies in Sweet syndrome has become sweeter
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Feb. 8, 2018 Histiocytoid Sweet syndrome. A, Multiple round erythematous papules and plaques on trunk and upper limbs. B, Multiple erythematous papules and plaques grouped in figurate pattern on the right thigh of a pediatric patient. C, Erythematous figurate annular plaques with erythematous elevated borders
DermCatalyst: Accelerating Access and Innovation in Dermatology
Register for the 2026 DermCatalyst ... Register today for a unique opportunity to discuss outreach programs and initiatives, exchange ideas, and share success stories. ... Register now for free 2026 DermCatalyst July 16, 2026 (concurrent with 2026 Innovation Academy ) 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (reception to follow) New York
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,
September 19
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / September 19, 2018 ... More than 25% of Americans surveyed think psoriasis is contagious Atopic dermatitis associated with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation Have you joined the JAAD Journal Club yet?
Dupilumab: The first year
By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... Jan. 8, 2018 A patient with severe atopic dermatitis has benefited from dupilumab. ... Credit: Warren R Heymann ... When introduced as dermatologist to a new acquaintance, I’m sure you have heard: "Dermatology is a great field — you don’t cure anybody, so
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
August 21
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / August 21, 2019 ... FDA grants breakthrough therapy designation to advanced melanoma treatment DW Insights and Inquiries : Rejecting preconceived notions of squamous cell carcinomas in patients experiencing transplant rejections Quality
January 6, 2021
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Jan. 6, 2021 ... Managing pain in hidradenitis suppurativa patients: A proposed algorithm DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Itching to see if polymerase chain reaction mite be the future of diagnosing
September 15, 2021
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 15, 2021 ... Worsening psoriasis after COVID-19 vaccination DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Is ivermectin an old drug with new tricks? Frontal fibrosing alopecia and facial care products Biden administration
April 30, 2025
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 30, 2025 Efficacy of spironolactone in treating patients with acne DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : A tale of two disorders of hypopigmentation — The potential role of Cutibacterium acnes dysbiosis
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).
Keeping an eye on melanoma
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 7, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 14 If your practice bears any resemblance to mine, a significant portion of your schedule is devoted to patients following up because of their history of melanoma. Prior to seeing the patient, our medical assistant runs through a focused
MIPS Highlights for 2021
CMS announces automatic exemption for MIPS 2020 performance period & extended deadline for COVID relief ... In response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, CMS recently announced that it will apply an automatic extreme and uncontrollable circumstance (EUC) policy for all eligible clinicians for the MIPS program for the
Humbled again: Alopecic and aseptic nodules of the scalp
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD November 3, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 44 "To confess ignorance is often wiser than to beat about the bush with a hypothetical diagnosis." - Sir William Osler I confess. I had never heard of alopecic and aseptic nodules of the scalp (AANS) and have
E/M codes: Change is here
What dermatologists need to know about the restructured evaluation and management codes to ensure correct reimbursement ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, assistant managing editor, January 1, 2021 Evaluation and management (E/M) visit codes are by far the most heavily used codes across all specialties. They accounted for about 15%
December 18, 2019
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / December 18, 2019 ... Which physicians were sued most in 2019? DW Insights and Inquiries: Holiday greeting 2020 — eyeing dermatology’s future New DW Academy Insider coming in 2020 Does teledermatology
July 15, 2020
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / July 15, 2020 ... JAAD study demonstrates link between chilblains and COVID-19 DW Insights and Inquiries: Incysting on understanding pilar cysts Derm Coding Consult : Practical applications of 2021 E/M coding
Educating the public – Choose a derm
Choose A Dermatologist campaign increases public awareness of dermatology ... Every month, our public education social posts are seen by 1.75 million people on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook! Through the Choose A Dermatologist campaign, we empower you to communicate the value of choosing a dermatologist on your individual channels so
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
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
Skin Cancer Awareness Month a public success
This May was Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As one of the most important public education campaigns we undertake, the Academy was dedicated to ensuring that patients across the country stayed well informed about the dangers of skin cancer and the variety of steps they could take to help reduce their
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)
2025 AADA Legislative Conference: Program and agenda
Conference schedule ... The conference will take place on Sunday, September 7 through Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, D.C. The program will contain policy-focused sessions, designed to offer an in-depth understanding of how to translate the issues that affect the specialty into effective lobbying of
2026 AADA Legislative Conference: Program and agenda
Conference schedule ... The conference will take place on Sunday, September 13 through Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, D.C. The program will contain policy-focused sessions, designed to offer an in-depth understanding of how to translate the issues that affect the specialty into effective lobbying of
What's hot?
What's hot ... March 27, 2018 In this monthly column, members of ... Dermatology World 's Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Edward W. Cowen, MD, MHSc ... Alopecia areata is frustrating to patients, parents, and practitioners, all of whom may be left with unsatisfactory
Adjusting the screen door: Developing a rational approach to assessing for thyroid disease in patients with alopecia areata
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 11, 2018 Loss of the sideburns and marked frontal-temporal scarring alopecia with lonely hairs. ... Credit: ... JAAD Since my residency, I have been perplexed about how to screen patients with alopecia areata (or vitiligo) for thyroid disease. What tests should (or should not)
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
A shot in the dark
By Danielle M. DeHoratius, MD March 10, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 10 Danielle DeHoratius, MD ... For the past few Mondays, I have been asked to see the following "emergency" patients who called in with the diagnosis of cellulitis after the COVID-19 vaccination. Typically, these patients were seen in urgent
Dermatomyositis oddities: Could one be responsible for the other?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 19, 2016 So much about dermatomyositis (DM) has intrigued me since medical school. Over the years, I have probably read more about this disease than any other malady. I am always amazed how I much more there is to learn. ... There were two
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
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
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 ... ® ...
Telemedicine coding basics: What you need to know now
Teledermatology visits ... Teledermatology services are used in lieu of an in-person visit when medically appropriate to address the care of the patient and when the patient and/or family/caregiver agree to this format of care. Teledermatology services are performed using virtual technology in one of the two ways: ... Live-interactive
August 28, 2024
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / August 28, 2024 ... Is the oral contraceptive pill associated with frontal fibrosing alopecia? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Advances in therapy for the Cronkhite-Canada syndrome have increased survival — And
January 24, 2024
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Jan. 24, 2024 ... Micrographic vs. conventional excision: Reducing rates of BCC, SCC DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Senile gluteal dermatosis — The term ‘senile’ is getting old and should be
December 18, 2024
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / December 18, 2024 ... Combined topical 5-FU and calcipotriene for superficial keratinocyte carcinomas DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Holiday greeting 2025 FDA approves tapinarof cream for atopic dermatitis Upadacitinib vs. dupilumab
A medal-worthy diagnosis: Medallion-like dermal dendrocyte hamartoma
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 30, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 35 A personal joy of dermatology is rendering a diagnosis in a lesion or rash that I have only read about but never previously encountered in practice. Beyond being intellectually satisfying, having a precise diagnosis is reassuring, as
Oncolytic virotherapy and the dermatologist
By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 8, 2018 My late British cousin Tim, a brilliant, kind, benevolent husband, father, gastroenterologist, and MBA, lost his battle with glioblastoma in 2016 at age 55.* I was hoping that he might be able to get into a trial using an oncolytic virus (OV),
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
Standard postoperative wound care practice may be all wet
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 9, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 27 Dermatologists perform procedures throughout the day, including straightforward skin biopsies, electrodesiccation, curettage, cryosurgery, laser treatments, etc. Postoperatively, many of these wounds are dressed, and patients are given instructions for caring for them. ... The following, entitled "After
2026 AAD Innovation Academy: Keynote and speaker preview
Presidential Update ... Thursday, July 16 | 5:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. ... Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD ... Hear an update from our President on the work the Academy is doing. ... Keynote ... Thursday, July 16 | 5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. ... Lisa Bodell – Global
March 17, 2021
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 17, 2021 ... COVID-19 in melanoma patients DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Hoops and happiness — Having the courage to take a shot DermWorld Young Physician Focus : Forging ahead
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
Optimizing telehealth services
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, 2020 Take the quiz to see if you're up to date. ... You spend seven minutes doing
Streamlining the claim denial process in your practice
Claim denials are a reality for every dermatology practice. It is wise to be proactive and understand what you need to do when you receive a claim denial. Streamlining your claim denial process requires understanding the meaning behind each denial on the explanation of benefits (EOB) and the appropriate action
A checkup on immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced subacute cutaneous lupus
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 15, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 11 Keeping up with the expanding indications and adverse reactions to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can be a full-time job. These drugs are anti-neoplastic because of cytotoxic T-cell activation. ICIs include the anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) agent ipilimumab,
April 23, 2025
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 23, 2025 ... Recommendations for the use of topical, oral minoxidil DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Adding protothecosis to the protocol FDA approves dupilumab for chronic spontaneous urticaria Long-term effectiveness
CMS prior authorization final regulation incorporates AADA’s recommendations
Moving the needle ... By Apoorva Stull, Senior Manager, Advocacy Communications, July 1, 2024 DermWorld ... breaks down the latest highlights of AADA advocacy activities at the federal and state legislative and regulatory level. The AADA advocated tirelessly for prior authorization reform. As a result, several policy changes will take
Digital media kit: E-newsletter rates and specs
Click image to enlarge ... Reach the full AAD membership weekly (of those who haven’t opted out, approximately more than 16,000 globally) with two e-newsletters. ... DermWorld Academy Insider 30.3%* open rate Delivered each Thursday, ... DermWorld Academy Insider includes the Academy’s most popular education content, Question of the Week.
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
February 5, 2025
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / February 5, 2025 ... PRP, microneedling, and topical minoxidil for refractory severe androgenetic alopecia DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Clinical and therapeutic judgment regarding confluent and reticulated papillomatosis of Gougerot and
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
May 12, 2021
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 12, 2021 ... Telogen effluvium diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : For patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria the tide has come in Derm Coding Consult : How
Deep penetrating thoughts about deep penetrating nevi
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 14, 2019 Histopathological features of deep penetrating nevus (DPN). A, At low power, the punch biopsy specimen demonstrates a well-circumscribed, wedge-shaped, pigmented dermal lesion, tapering toward the subcutaneous fat. B, DPN typically track along adnexal structures and neurovascular bundles, as shown on this high-power
August 13, 2025
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Aug. 13, 2025 ... Effects of GLP-1RA on inflammatory skin diseases DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Sweating over sweat gland carcinomas: Part 1 — Squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma Beta-HPV virus can
A novel sebum inhibitor for acne vulgaris: A slick maneuver
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 11, 2017 Illustrative photos of severe inflammatory acne vulgaris, largely without nodules (A). B, Very severe acne with cysts. ... Credit: ... JAAD What a pleasure it is to think about a novel treatment for acne! Honestly, have you gotten excited learning that the
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
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
June 5, 2024
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / June 5, 2024 ... Oral minoxidil vs. topical minoxidil for male androgenetic alopecia DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Nailing the diagnosis of the BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome Clotrimazole-betamethasone dipropionate for nonfungal
September 22, 2021
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 22, 2021 ... What treatment is most effective for refractory spontaneous urticaria? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Following up on "A Trend I Cannot Endorse" DermWorld Young Physician Focus :
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
This month’s news from across the specialty
What’s hot ... April 1, 2024 In this monthly column, members of the ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Mallory Abate,MD, FAAD Melasma is a phenotype of photodamage with a complex and multifaceted etiology involving UV radiation, visible light, hormones, and genetics,
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
March 26, 2025
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 26, 2025 ... What’s the best way to dissolve fillers with hyaluronidase? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Propranolol for infantile hemangiomas — Start to finish 2025 Allergen of the Year
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
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,
April 27, 2022
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 27, 2022 ... A novel treatment for molluscum contagiosum? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Eye-opening news about oxymetazoline Trends in prescribing spironolactone for acne, HS in adolescents Racial biases in
October 14, 2020
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / October 14, 2020 ... OTC scar treatments: What does the evidence say about efficacy? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Studying skin aging never gets old — The potential role of oxytocin
Taking a hard look at eosinophilic fasciitis on its golden anniversary
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 14, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 33 In 1974, Dr. Lawrence E. Shulman identified two male patients (aged 53 and 19 years old) with a scleroderma-like illness that he subsequently published as "Diffuse fasciitis with hyperglobulinemia and eosinophilia: A new syndrome?" Both had a
Voriconazole prophylaxis mandates cutaneous prophylaxis – and communication
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 28, 2017 The utilization of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been increasing dramatically. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, 92,784 procedures were performed between 2010 and 2014. ... Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation HSCT remain
November 11, 2020
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / November 11, 2020 ... How effective are steroid-sparing agents in treating chronic alopecia areata? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Raising a toast to advances in treating alcohol-induced flushing Derm Coding Consult
Keeping abreast of drug-induced cutaneous lupus
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 4, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 31 Tom Hanks, as Commander Jim Lovell in the movie ... Apollo 13, lamented that the world was not watching their onboard video, compared to Neil Armstrong’s moon landing a year earlier. Reality dictates that the seminal breakthroughs
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
Hairdressers’ dermatologic odyssey: From dye to death prevention
... By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 18, 2017 My younger daughter Deborah was destined to be a hair stylist. When she was a camper in the Poconos, I received an urgent call from the staff about her. Assuming the worst, my heart palpitating in fear, all I could
Dermatological Care MIPS Value Pathway (MVP)
2026 MVP registration is open ... Register for the 2026 MVP for Dermatological Care through the ... QPP website . Refer to the ... QPP Access User Guide (ZIP, 5 MB) for detailed information. Register by Nov. 30, 2026! ... The Dermatological Care MIPS Value Pathway (MVP) is a streamlined
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
Do not take a pass on the PAS stain
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 7, 2016 My threshold for obtaining a Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) on inflammatory lesions rivals the opinion of most Americans’ opinion of tomorrow’s election as reported in the New York Times — very low. ... When I read the article by Elbendary et al I
JAAD-related media receives over half-a-billion views
The ... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology is having another strong year in the media, helping to positively position the specialty with the public. Articles published within ... JAAD had over ... 1,100 placements in media outlets across the country, which were ... seen more than 627 million
July 6, 2022
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / July 6, 2022 ... Long-term recurrence rates of actinic keratoses DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Isotretinoin and diabetes — Of familiarity and surprise What physicians should know about monkeypox Anti-PD-1 therapy
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
The many uses of microneedling
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... How it works, potential applications, and what patients should know ... How it works, potential applications, and what patients should know ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor Once an experimental treatment pioneered through the use of tattoo pistols
MIPS 2020 is here. Here are the highlights
Answers 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, April 1, 2020 Each month Dermatology World ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month Faiza Wasif,
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
MUE, MAI, and you
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, June 3, 2019 Test your knowledge: MUE, MAI, and you ... Take the quiz to see if you're up
September 6, 2023
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 6, 2023 ... Chemoprevention of keratinocyte carcinoma with imiquimod, 5-FU, and tretinoin DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Paraneoplastic Merkel cell carcinoma: Searchin' for my lost shaker of salt Vitiligo patients
2023 MIPS and telehealth highlights
Eligibility criteria ... The low volume threshold remains the same as 2022 and includes 3 aspects of covered professional services: ... Allowed charges ... Number of Medicare patients who receive services ... Number of services provided ... You must participate in MIPS (unless otherwise exempt) if, in both 12-month segments of
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
IL-36 and generalized pustular psoriasis: L’chaim!
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 9, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 10 In 1910, Leo Ritter von Zumbusch meticulously detailed the clinical course of "psoriasis pustulosa generalisata" (referred to herein as generalized pustular psoriasis, GPP) in a brother and sister, pondering if this was a variant of psoriasis or
AAD advertising policies
Download a PDF of the AAD advertising policies . ... Advertising acceptance ... All advertising must comply with the Academy’s Advertising Standards. Acceptance of all advertising is subject to ad review and approval by the Academy. Ads which have not previously appeared in any Academy publications must be submitted for
Vaccines, maintenance, and PEP
The information below is provided for informational purposes only and does not represent treatment or vaccine guidelines from the AAD. Please refer to your local, state, or national guidelines for treatment and vaccine guidelines. ... 1. What are the guidelines for routine MMR vaccination? ... 1,2 ... The routine vaccination
Turning a blind eye on second opinions
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD June 21, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 25 Whenever I encounter patients who ask for, or are being seen for, second opinions, I silently chuckle at Henny Youngman’s timeless one-liner about the subject (you can Google it). The fact is that second opinions are no
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)
Thoughts on hyaluronidase and The House of God
By Warren R. Heymann, MD January 15, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 2 I was reminiscing about my internship at Bellevue-NYU forty years ago after reading Stephen Bergman’s (pseudonym Samuel Shem) reflections on the fortieth anniversary of his irreverent, but hilariously accurate, ... The House of God — a portrayal of
Emerging diseases resource center
Welcome to the American Academy of Dermatology’s hub for emerging diseases. The Academy’s Emerging Diseases Task Force has curated and developed these scientific resources to assist members in the recognition, management, and reporting of emerging threats. Please check back regularly for disease alerts and new resources. ... Emerging diseases registry
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
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
Additional Reasons Payers Request Records
Dermatology practices are often inundated with medical- record requests from multiple payers looking to gather data for a plethora of reasons. Sometimes, the information within the record is needed to substantiate the level of the E/M or procedural service reported, to accomplish target-probe education reviews (TPE), or to perform recovery
October 24
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / October 24, 2018 ... Drug shortages affecting your patients? Tell the FDA. When dealing with payers, the data can speak for itself Are you smarter than DataDerm™? Adalimumab biosimilar launches in
What are the updated guidelines of care for the management of primary cutaneous melanoma?
Acta Eruditorum ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, December 3, 2018 In this month’s Acta Eruditorum column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, talks with Susan M. Swetter, MD, and
Can steroids extinguish the fire of erythromelalgia?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 7, 2017 Red, hot, and painful feet of patient with erythromelalgia. ... Credit: ... JAAD The burning sensation of erythromelalgia is matched by a burning desire to help these patients. According to Tang et al: "This rare and debilitating disorder was first reported and
Educating the public – Videos of the month
And…action! AAD Videos of the Month reach the public wherever they are ... Every month we debut a new Video of the Month on our YouTube channel to help subscribers/viewers manage skin, hair, and nail conditions at home — positioning dermatologists as the skin, hair, and nail experts and providing
Negotiating tips
How to negotiate a contract like a pro ... You’ve made it through the hard parts. You have the knowledge, skills, and now the official opportunity to treat patients. But there’s one little thing standing in your way: The contract. ... Actually, it’s not so little. ... A contract does
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
January 22, 2020
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / January 22, 2020 ... Academy comments on FDA sunscreen study DW Insights and Inquiries : Paradoxical biological reactions and Grandma Dora’s waterbed 2020 revised codes: Intermediate and complex repair Participate in
Virtual credit card payments
Electronic funds transfer (EFT) is a secure and efficient payment method used by health care organizations. EFTs enable direct deposits of funds from insurance companies into bank accounts, reducing administrative hassles. In contrast, virtual credit card (VCC) payments are made by insurance companies issuing single-use credit card numbers to physicians.
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
Reopening the dermatologic surgery office in the COVID-19 era
By Ashley Decker, MD, Henry Heaton, MD, and Naomi Lawrence, MD May 20, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 20 Authors Ashley Decker, MD, Naomi Lawrence, MD, and Henry Heaton, MD, wearing PPE. ... The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents extraordinary challenges to the health care community, including dermatology and dermatologic surgery.
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).
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
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.
Extending medicine's reach
DermWorld takes a look at the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. ... Feature ... By Andrea Niermeier, Contributing Writer, January 1, 2023 In 1925, inventor and publisher Hugo Gernsback wrote in ... Science and Invention magazine of a "teledactyl," a device that would allow doctors to not only see their patients
Dermatopathology’s taste of honey
By Warren R. Heymann, MD September 2, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 35 Recently, on our consult service, my resident and I were assessing a patient with a potential autoimmune bullous disease; we concurred that a skin biopsy for routine microscopy and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) was warranted. "I’ll have to come
Advocating for you — Moving the needle on skin cancer research funding
Every year, we advocate to secure funding for skin cancer prevention and melanoma research efforts through the federal appropriations process. ... In March, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (HR 2471) which supports medical research that builds on past innovations, fosters momentum in scientific research, and advances medical knowledge
July 5, 2023
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / July 5, 2023 ... Petroleum jelly: Safety, myths, and misconceptions DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Reflections on reflectance confocal microscopy for diagnosing benign lichenoid keratoses Managing CLE with JAK inhibitors Homelessness
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
April 5, 2023
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 5, 2023 ... What’s the effect of probiotics on skin photoaging? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : An appealing step closer to targeted topical therapies Does nicotinamide prevent keratinocyte cancers in
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
Become a Corporate Partner of the AAD
Partner with the trusted voice in dermatology ... With a membership of more than 20,500 physicians worldwide, the AAD is the largest, most influential, and representative dermatology group in the United States. Founded in 1938, the AAD is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting leadership in dermatology and excellence
August 14, 2024
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / August 14, 2024 ... Potassium monitoring among female acne patients treated with spironolactone DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Taking a hard look at eosinophilic fasciitis on its golden anniversary Allergic contact
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.
Stepping back from the abyss: A kinder, gentler variant of calciphylaxis
By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 16, 2017 My reaction to the diagnosis of calciphylaxis is Pavlovian — I automatically think about an end-stage renal insufficiency patient with an abysmal prognosis. Increasingly there are reports of nonuremic forms of the disease, where the prognosis may not be as bleak (*although
June 24, 2020
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / June 24, 2020 ... Derm Coding Consult : Are you ready for E/M coding changes? DW Insights and Inquiries : Phacing the future — When patients with PHACE syndrome grow up
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
The rosy reality of coffee
Ronnie and me enjoying our rosacea prevention tour of Madrid in 2012 ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 5, 2018 To paraphrase Justice Kavanaugh, I loved coffee. I still love coffee. I have probably been drinking coffee since my time in utero. My mother was a coffee addict; she
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
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
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
Yom Kippur and the physician payment Sunshine Act
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 9, 2016 Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement, is upon us. It is Judaism’s most sacred holiday. It is a day of fasting and prayer to atone for sins of the past year. According to traditional teachings, a person’s fate is written in
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
Debridements
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, January 1, 2020 Test your knowledge: Debridements ... Take the quiz to see if you're up to date. ...
Cover your assets
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Experts offer tips on getting the most out of malpractice insurance ... Experts offer tips on getting the most out of malpractice insurance ... By Ruth Carol, contributing writer You may not be paying for your medical malpractice
How to read a balance sheet: A beginner’s guide
Understanding financial statements doesn’t have to be intimidating. Your practice’s balance sheet tells a clear story about its financial health: what you own, what you owe, and what’s left over. By learning how to read it, you’ll gain valuable insight into your ability to cover expenses, manage risks, and plan
Granulomatous pigmented purpuric dermatosis revisited: Lessons learned from a rejected manuscript
By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 14, 2018 ... Nonpalpable pigmented purpuric eruption seen on lower aspect of right leg. ... Credit: ... JAAD In 1982, I was a second-year dermatology resident fascinated by a woman with a history of hyperlipidemia who developed a pigmented purpuric dermatosis (PPD) on her
Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophila and kimura disease: Dupilumab beckons
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 10, 2017 Histopathologic features of Kimura's disease. A, Scanning view shows prominent germinal center formation. B, Higher magnification of a germinal center with abundant number of eosinophils. C, Focally, blood vessels may show prominent endothelial cells with vacuolated cytoplasm. (A-C, Hematoxylin-eosin stain; original magnifications:
February 5, 2020
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 5, 2020 ... Legislators aim to prevent sunscreen bans DW Insights and Inquiries : Prurigo pigmentosa as the "keto rash": I’m a believer Correction issued to pediatric psoriasis treatment guidelines
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
Bringing pigmented lupus to light
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 7, 2017 ... Cutaneous lupus. Biopsy of the left distal thigh shows interface dermatitis, dyskeratosis, superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate, focal red blood cell extravasation, and pigment incontinence. ... Credit: ... JAAD Lettie (not her real name) was an elderly, charming, courtly, soft-spoken African-American woman
Sézary syndrome and Shakespeare: What’s in a name?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... March 24, 2017 ... Initial clinical presentations of Sézary syndrome without erythroderma. Normal-appearing skin with moderate pigmentation on back of patient 2 (A), several seborrheic keratoses and a hematoma secondary to skin biopsy for patient 3 (B), no apparent lesion on back of
Taking psoriasis by the throat
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 2, 2016 Once the transient satisfaction of explaining the association of streptococcal infections with psoriasis (guttate, vulgaris, or pustulosis palmaris et plantaris) passes, the reality of treatment must be addressed. Of course we’ll prescribe the usual regimens — topical steroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, etc.,
March 25, 2026
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 25, 2026 ... Finasteride and dutasteride: Depression, suicidal ideation DermWorld What’s Hot: Need for expanded patch testing FDA approves icotrokinra for plaque psoriasis Cutaneous malignancy after biologic therapy Adverse events
The illusions of IgG4-related skin disease
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Dec. 10, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 48 "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge." – Stephen Hawking Prior to researching this commentary, I had illusions that I grasped the fundamental concepts of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD); after writing
Patients (or customers?) welcome
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Can physicians enhance patient satisfaction without sacrificing care? ... Can physicians enhance patient satisfaction without sacrificing care? ... By Ruth Carol, contributing writer Whether or not you view patients as customers, there has been a growing emphasis on
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
Dermatologists, patients unite to battle 2024 Medicare physician payment cuts
In late 2023, CMS released the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule with significant changes to fee-for-service payments and the Quality Payment Program. As a result of the AADA’s advocacy efforts, the final rule included several significant wins, including ... maintaining the 2024 MIPS performance threshold at 75 points, and ...
CXCR4 antagonist therapy based on a WHIM syndrome
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD June 12, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 24 Emelio* had a delightfully whimsical personality that matched his syndrome’s acronym — WHIM ( ... W arts, ... H ypogammaglobulinemia, ... I nfections, and ... M yelokathexis). His smile was as infectious as his verrucae, and he
Filling in
In Practice ... Thomas Kruse, MD, is a dermatologist from Salem, Oregon. ... By Victoria Houghton, assistant managing editor, May 1, 2018 Dermatology World talks with Thomas Kruse, MD, from Salem, Oregon about locum tenens opportunities. ... Dermatology World: Why did you decide to switch from your full-time practice to
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
What role can dermatologists play in diagnosing a cancer syndrome like BAP1?
Acta Eruditorum ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, March 1, 2018 In this month's Acta Eruditorum column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, talks with Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD, and
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
Mea culpa: The truth about Grover Cleveland’s cancer!
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 17, 2016 The authors briefly note conditions from Lincoln’s presumed bout with smallpox to Ronald Reagan’s BCCs. You might think I’m bringing this up because she omitted George W Bush’s BCC (for that story please visit our office), but no. The real reason I’m
Saving face: The importance of recognizing facial discoid dermatosis
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 22, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 8 I get excited when astute dermatologists describe and label dermatoses that I have seen but could not adequately diagnose. Two recent examples include acute inflammatory edema and alpha-gal syndrome. I (and presumably you too) have encountered patients
Shedding light on tumoral melanosis
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 9, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 41 Tumoral melanosis (TM) is a worrisome and confounding lesion for dermatologists and dermatopathologists alike. TM presents as darkly pigmented macules, papules, or nodules mimicking the appearance of a melanoma. Most cases are associated with either partial or
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,
July 27, 2022
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / July 27, 2022 ... Facial hyperhidrosis: Botulinum toxin A injection vs. topical glycopyrrolate DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : JAKne is on the horizon Dupilumab for chronic prurigo, chronic idiopathic pruritus Safety
2026 Final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
CMS finalized a nominal increase in physician payment rates in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Final Rule. While this update helps avert another payment reduction, the adjustment remains inadequate to keep pace with escalating practice costs and inflation. The AADA continues to advocate for comprehensive Medicare payment reform
MIPS 2022 program highlights
Eligible clinicians ... Revised the definition of a MIPS eligible clinician to include: ... Clinical social workers ... Certified nurse mid-wives ... Eligibility criteria ... The low volume threshold remains the same as 2021 and includes three aspects of covered professional services: ... Allowed charges ... Number of Medicare patients
Pityriasis rosea and pityriasis rosea-like eruptions: A Christmas tale
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Dec. 3, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 47 Santa Claus waving from his sleigh on Central Park West on Black Friday traditionally commenced the Christmas holiday season. That "official" start now occurs after the last trick-or-treater devours their Hershey bar on Halloween. Realistically, it is
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
Oy, another “Oid” to worry about: Cryptococcoid lesions
By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 3, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 17 The suffix "oid" m ... eans "resembling." There is a plethora of "oids" in dermatology — lichenoid, Pagetoid, rupioid, targetoid, to name a few. (My favorite is "oid-oid" disease, aka Sulzberger-Garbe disease, or exudative discoid and lichenoid chronic
Medical research and skin cancer funding
Moving the needle ... By Victoria Houghton, Managing Editor, July 1, 2022 DermWorld ... breaks down the latest highlights of AADA advocacy activities at the federal and state legislative and regulatory level. Every year, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) advocates to secure funding for skin cancer prevention and
Private equity ownership
Best for: Dermatologists looking to offload administrative burdens, access capital, and join larger practice groups with streamlined operations and stronger payer leverage. ... Quick summary: Join a private equity-backed dermatology group to gain financial incentives, reduce business management duties, and access better infrastructure. Ideal for those nearing retirement or seeking
RVUs explained for dermatologists
Relative Value Units (RVUs) are a core part of how dermatologists’ work is measured and compensated. RVUs assign standardized value to every service, procedure, and patient encounter. This helps practices and insurers quantify effort, complexity, and cost. Understanding RVUs is essential for making informed decisions about contracts, productivity, and career
Truth in advertising
... Alabama Licensure identification Board certification (BC) Derm-specific BC Misleading advertising Licensees are prohibited from using a title in which in any way represents such person as engaged in the practice of any branch of the healing arts for which such person holds no license. ... n/a ... n/a
Clinical and therapeutic judgment regarding confluent and reticulated papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 5, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 5 Congratulations to Aaron Judge for setting the American League seasonal record in 2023 for the most home runs — 62 — a remarkable feat. I was only six years old when Roger Maris* slammed his 61st home
(Un)Equal care for all?
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... As physician bias creates care disparities, what can dermatologists do to balance the scales? ... As physician bias creates care disparities, what can dermatologists do to balance the scales? ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor "Of all forms
Step 3: Small and large practice reporting options
Access the PDF ... See a PDF version of the Academy ... ’ s ... practice reporting options . ... Review these reporting options for small practices (15 providers or fewer) and large practices (16 providers or more) to help achieve the minimum and maximum points needed to either avoid
Step 3: Small and large practice reporting options
Access the PDF ... See a PDF version of the Academy ... ’ s ... practice reporting options . ... Review these reporting options for small practices (15 providers or fewer) and large practices (16 providers or more) to help achieve the minimum and maximum points needed to either avoid
The expanding horizon of anti-IL-36 therapy
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 25, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 39 An abridged version of this commentary was published in "A Clinician’s Perspective" in the April 2024 issue of the JAAD ... . We last explored the relationship between IL-36 and generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) and the use
Crystallizing thoughts about crystalglobulinemia
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 14, 2017 ... A, Necrotic purpuric lesions on the dorsum of the foot in a patient with crystalglobulinemia. The thumb had been previously amputated because of necrotic gangrene secondary to occluded vessels. B, Histopathologic features in cutaneous lesions of crystalglobulinemia. Scanning power showing a
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
February 8, 2023
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 8, 2023 ... A review of newer agents for alopecia areata DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : A surgeon’s primary intention is to reduce secondary infection CDC investigating possibility of treatment-resistant
Intellectual property issues for dermatology practices
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, LL.M, Fernando Montoya, JD, and Robert M. Portman, JD, MPP, January 1, 2023 DermWorld ... covers legal issues in "Legally Speaking." This month’s
Advances in therapy for the Cronkhite-Canada syndrome have increased survival: And that’s the way it is
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 28, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 35 Part of the folklore at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine when I rotated as a fourth-year medical student in dermatology was that a prior resident made the correct diagnosis of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS). The constellation of
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
CLIA in 2025: What dermatology practices need to know now about the updated laboratory requirements
Answers in Practice ... By Faiza Wasif, MPH, Associate Director, Practice Management, August 1, 2025 Each month, DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month, practice management staff discuss what dermatology practices need to know about the updated laboratory requirements. Whether your office does potassium hydroxide (KOH) preps,
This month’s news from across the specialty
What’s hot ... February 1, 2025 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 Nation’s Health by the American Public Health Association published a ... special report on improving health
This month’s news from across the specialty
What’s hot ... April 1, 2026 In this monthly column, members of the DermWorld ... Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. Ken Katz, MD, MSc, MSCE, FAAD Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically improved prognosis for melanoma and other cancers. Once nearly always fatal, advanced
November 6, 2024
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / November 6, 2024 ... Do UV nail lamps increase cancer risk? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Lipoid proteinosis’ weak, hoarse cry is crying for targeted therapeutic intervention FDA warns against use or
November 6, 2019
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / November 6, 2019 ... SPF 50+ vs. 100+ — is there a difference? DW Insights and Inquiries : Getting the gist of GIST cutaneous hyperpigmentation disease Academy announces new Executive Director
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
Telemedicine in the time of COVID-19...and beyond
How a novel virus disrupted and transformed health care delivery ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, assistant managing editor, July 1, 2021 Since its beginnings in the late 1960s, telemedicine has been relegated to the periphery of the health care system. Rigid rules around patient location and eligible services, interstate
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,
Darier disease is rough clinically and therapeutically. MEK inhibition may offer a smoother future
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Dec. 4, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 48 Consultative medical dermatology is stressful because challenging patients come with high hopes. Usually, the referring dermatologist is thorough, thoughtful, and on-target diagnostically and therapeutically. The key is setting expectations — if the dermatosis is easily manageable, they
What's hot?
What's hot ... January 2, 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 still check baseline labs prior to prescribing oral terbinafine or griseofulvin for adults and children with dermatophyte
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
Coming together to raise awareness and funds for skin cancer prevention programs
AAD member Sarah Jackson, MD, FAAD, loved getting her high school daughter and their community involved with the AAD’s Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ Dr. Jackson’s story ... Sarah Jackson, MD, FAAD, and daughter Adelaide Jackson brought their community together to promote sun safety. ... When my daughter Adelaide, a
OIG Report Finds MA Claim Denials Are Rarely Appealed
A common complaint we hear from our members concerns Medicare Advantage (MA) claim denials, with or without a preauthorization. This same issue has been addressed in a recent report "Medicare Advantage Appeal Outcomes and Audit Findings Raise Concerns about Service and Payment Denials" from the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG’s),
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%
Win back time with AAD’s top-rated prior authorization tool
Answers in Practice ... By Olivia Barry, Manager, Practice Management, October 1, 2025 Each month, DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month, practice management staff discuss what dermatology practices need to know about the Academy’s prior authorization tool. For busy dermatology practices, navigating prior authorizations can feel
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
What can be done to reduce misplaced waste in regulated medical waste containers?
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, February 1, 2025 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, DermWorld ... Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, talks with Jenny
Educating the public — 2020 snapshot
In 2020, we pivoted our communications efforts to better respond to the real-time needs of the public brought on by the pandemic. While we shifted our efforts, our goal of positioning dermatologists as the experts — even during unprecedented times — never changed. By adapting our traditional messaging to resonate
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
How to survive and thrive with the 2021 E/M coding changes
Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, manager, coding & reimbursement, May 1, 2021 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in Derm Coding Consult. ... Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . Dermatology practices have by now implemented the 2021
Accolades pile up for Academy publications
2025 was another strong year for Academy publications, which won a litany of professional awards and continued to lead the field in terms of impact and citations. ... The July 2024 issue of ... DermWorld won the APEX Award in the highly competitive "Magazines, Journals, & Tabloids" category. The APEX
August 31, 2022
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Aug. 31, 2022 ... Isotretinoin lab monitoring in acne treatment DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Metformin mania — Is it an adequate chemopreventive agent for skin cancer? Monkeypox: A dermatologic primer