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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

Immunohistochemistry

AADA Advocacy to EviCore Leads to Positive Changes on Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Policy ... In response to AADA advocacy, EviCore acknowledged that it has updated its IHC guidelines used by several health plans. The AADA continues to advocate to EviCore and changes to date include: ... It removed management of the

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.

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

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

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

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.  ...

For patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria the tide has come in

By Warren Heymann, MD May 12, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 19 Oct. 8, 2019, was an eventful day for patients with erythopoietic protoporphyria (EPP) in the United States, when the FDA announced its approval of afamelanotide (Scenesse). (1) The drug was first approved in Italy in 2010. (2) ... Patients

Memories of pneumocystis pneumonia and thoughts of prophylaxis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... Nov. 27, 2017 ... A chest x-ray examination demonstrated a ground-glass appearance throughout the bilateral mid lung zones with sparing of the apices (Fig. 1). ... Credit: ... JAAD My childhood friend Alan was a rotating surgical resident at Methodist Hospital in Houston

May 15

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 15, 2019 ... Why are psoriasis patients turning to complementary and alternative medicine? DW Insights and Inquiries : Coughing up a new warning for ustekinumab AAD adopts position statement on

August 8

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / August 8, 2018 ... August Access Hero: Cory Simpson, MD USP publishes proposed revisions to chapter on compounded sterile preparations CDC offers infection prevention guide as patient infection incidents increase Severity

May 8

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 8, 2019 ... Skin scratching and intestinal changes: What’s the link? DW Insights and Inquiries : Progress for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy Sunscreen study supports FDA call for additional data New

August 15

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / August 15, 2018 ... The good, the bad, and the unknown in CMS E/M proposals DataDerm™: Better your practice, better the specialty AAD Election call for nominations FDA approves new drug

New pitfalls in the diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 16, 2016 Human Herpes Virus-8 (HHV-8) is the common denominator in all forms of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) — classic, endemic, post-transplant/immunosuppressive, and epidemic/HIV. Virtually all cases will demonstrate HHV-8 by immunohistochemistry in all types. ... Manuraj et al present the instructive case of a

The H syndrome – Understanding Y

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

Cannabis arteritis: Getting higher on the differential diagnosis list of ulcerative lesions

DermWorld Insights and Inquiries ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, January 1, 2026 Vol. 8, No. 1 Marijuana use is on the rise. In 2022, nearly 22% of people had used the drug in the past year, with steep increases in the number of people 65 and older who

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

2023 DW Insights and Inquiries archive

Explore ... DermWorld Insights and Inquiries articles by publication date. ... December ... Dec. 20 - DWI&I Holiday Greeting 2023 Dec. 13 - Sparking the interest in Spark nevus Dec. 6 - Aquagenic pruritus and polycythemia vera: Still valid (and mysterious) after all these years November ... Nov. 29 -

Going retro: Reactivation of incontinentia pigmenti

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 11, 2016 The concept of reactivating incontinentia pigmenti (IP) has always fascinated me — I have only encountered cases in my readings. Of course you will recall the vesicular, verrucous, hyperpigmented, and hypopigmented (atrophic) phases of this X-linked dominant disease. Eighty percent of

Demand for “Brotox” grows, along with other minimally invasive cosmetic trends

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, July 1, 2024 More men are investing in non-invasive cosmetic procedures, according to new data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). 2022 survey data indicate that over 1.4 million male patients sought out minimally invasive cosmetic procedures —

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.  ...

Securing mobile devices

Today, we are accustomed to quick communication across a variety of platforms: chat, text, email, and more. The convenience of mobile technology in health care sells itself, but when we use electronic communications to send patient information, called Protected Health Information (PHI), federal law requires safeguards to protect patient privacy.

2021 DW Insights and Inquiries archive

Explore ... DermWorld Insights and Inquiries articles by publication date. ... December ... Dec. 29 - 2021: Best of DermWorld Insights and Inquiries Dec. 22 - DWI&I Holiday Greeting 2021 Dec. 15 - Speculating on spicules: Our incomplete knowledge of trichodysplasia spinulosa Dec. 8 - Propranolol and neutrophilic dermatoses: Can

April 15, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 15, 2020 ... Telehealth coding, documentation, and reimbursement during COVID-19: What you need to know. DW Insights and Inquiries : The H syndrome – Understanding Y Academy encourages participation in

July 8, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / July 8, 2020 ... Chilblains and COVID-19: Is there an association? DW Insights and Inquiries : Et tu, ibrutinib? How to treat nail lichen planus during the COVID-19 pandemic CMS publishes

April 15, 2026

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 15, 2026 ... Benefits, misconceptions, and risks of skin care supplements DermWorld What’s Hot: Using a RegiSCAR score to evaluate DRESS AAD seeks member comments for HS guidelines FDA approves

A nail-biting commentary

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 15, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 7 Reading advice columns has been a lifelong habit, having been enamored as a youth by the practical wisdom offered by "Dear Abby" (Pauline Esther Friedman Phillips) and her twin sister "Ann Landers" (Esther Pauline Friedman Lederer). Another

How can I get involved with Camp Discovery?

Asked and Answered ... December 1, 2025 There are several ways to support Camp Discovery, the Academy’s free summer camp for kids (ages 8-16) with moderate and severe skin conditions. ... Refer a camper: Camp Discovery needs participants to ensure its ongoing success. Dermatologists and parents can make referrals using

Where can I find updated guidance on teledermatology?

Asked and Answered ... May 1, 2022 The Academy has recently launched an updated teledermatology toolkit for AAD members, including more in-depth information on: ... Starting teledermatology ... Workflow advice for small practices ... How to prepare staff for offering teledermatology ... Up-to-date coding and reimbursement information ... Advice on

Sirolumus’s merit for the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 8, 2018 KHE patient after 15 months of sirolimus therapy. ... Credit: ... JAAD Thrombopenic purpura associated with benign hemangioma is rare. In fact, we have not been able to find a record of a combination of these two conditions in the medical literature.

Using mobile apps to reduce burdens

Mobile applications are taking medical practice into a new territory. They enable access to medical information in real time for dermatologists and patients alike. This has the potential to reduce clinical documentation and administrative burdens, but it can also present new challenges. ... Dermatologist benefits of using mobile apps ...

AADA keeps pressure on IPMG to fix iPLEDGE REMS program

Recently, leaders of the AADA’s iPLEDGE Workgroup again met with representatives from the Isotretinoin Product Manufacturers Group (IPMG) and the FDA to advocate for improvements to the iPLEDGE Program. ... The purpose of the meeting was to follow up on the status of the planned updates that were shared during

January 8, 2025

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / January 8, 2025 ... Topical finasteride with minoxidil vs. topical minoxidil alone for male-pattern androgenic alopecia DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : The treatment of systemic juvenile xanthogranulomas matures Academy mourns the

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,

Advocacy Update Jul 15, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / July 15, 2025 Congress passed 2026 Medicare physician payment increase in budget reconciliation legislation CMS clarifies updated CLIA lab director policy Cigna implementing new policy on E/M billing codes CMS announces new Medicare prior authorization model in select states AADA and DermCAC support subcutaneous immunotherapy for

November 8, 2023

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Nov. 8, 2023 ... Terbinafine for onychomycosis: Continuous- vs. pulse-dose DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : NSA (neutrophilic sebaceous adenitis) secrets revealed AAD releases updated guidelines for atopic dermatitis FDA approves secukinumab

Dupilumab’s growing pains

By Warren R. Heymann, MD January 8, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 1 Dupilumab has been a valuable addition to dermatologists’ therapeutic palette in managing atopic dermatitis (AD). The biologic agent was released in 2017, indicated for moderate to severe AD, and is now approved for patients who are at least

Implementing technology

After determining that telemedicine is right for your practice and selecting a vendor, consider these steps for integrating teledermatology into your practice. ... Decide how you will offer teledermatology ... Determine what kind of scheduling for teledermatology you will offer. Store-and-forward technology gives the dermatologist more flexibility. You can state

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

The profound dermatological manifestations of COVID-19: Part III

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 8, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 14 Disclaimers: This commentary was written on April 5, 2020 for a publication date of April 8, 2020. The issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic are changing by the millisecond. The content included in this commentary may no longer

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

March 8, 2023

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 8, 2023 ... Efficacy of various concentrations of retinol in middle-aged women DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : For the win! Championing the use of the term ‘reactive granulomatous dermatitis’ in

Propranolol and neutrophilic dermatoses: Can beta-blockade be better blockade?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD December 8, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 48 Ask any dermatology resident what the first-line treatment is for infantile hemangiomas (IH) and you will get a matter-of-fact response — "propranolol" — as if this has been an entrenched fact for decades. Barely more than a

May 15, 2024

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 15, 2024 ... Sexual dysfunction with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for androgenetic alopecia DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Acne necrotica — A real head-scratcher Benzoyl peroxide in acne: Risk of acute

Is ivermectin an old drug with new tricks?

By Temitayo Ogunleye, MD, FAAD Sept. 15, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 37 Most of us are familiar with the use of oral ivermectin in the setting of treating extensive or resistant scabetic or lice infestations, or more rarely (in the United States but very commonly globally) for conditions such as

Speculating on spicules: Our incomplete knowledge of trichodysplasia spinulosa

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD December 15, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 49 For inexplicable reasons, there are certain differential diagnoses that I find particularly satisfying, one being disorders responsible for facial follicular spicules: follicular mucinosis (1), pityriasis folliculorum ... (Demodex folliculorum) (2), follicular hyperkeratotic spicules (myeloma immunoglobulin or cryoglobulin)

Sweating over acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD June 8, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 23 As I am composing this commentary, I find myself daydreaming about the warmth that will envelop the Delaware Valley later this week — it has been a long, cold, lonely COVID-19 winter. Rising temperatures mean outdoor exercise

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

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

Et tu, Ibrutinib?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 8, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 27 When it comes to medications that I never prescribe, I learn from my patients who present with findings that compel me to do my homework. Such was the case of a middle-aged woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Incysting on understanding pilar cysts

By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 15, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 28 Chances are you will see patients with at least one pilar cyst today. You will reassure them of their benignity, stating that the risk of their becoming cancerous is infinitesimal, and perhaps you will excise some lesions. Inquisitive

Digging into data: Using DataDerm™ to report for MIPS

Answers in Practice ... By Victoria Houghton, managing editor, November 1, 2019 Dermatology World ... talks with AAD member James Schiro, MD, about using DataDerm™ — the Academy’s clinical data registry — to report measures for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). Dermatology World: How long have you been using

January 8, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / January 8, 2020 ... FDA’s biotin warning: Was it enough to educate physicians, patients about the risks? DW Insights and Inquiries : Dupilumab’s growing pains 2020 kicks off with revised ICR

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

By Ashley Decker, MD, FAAD, and Naomi Lawrence, MD, FAAD Feb. 8, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 6 Ashley Decker, MD, FAAD ... Naomi Lawrence, MD, FAAD ... A commonly held belief in dermatologic surgery is that second intention wounds have a lower risk of surgical site infection (SSI) than primary

Alarming but benign: The enigma of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 8, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 36 "The patient, a fat baby thriving on its mother’s milk, was suddenly attacked by purpura, urticaria and localized edema, lasting about ten days. There were only systemic symptoms from the result of pain. At first the bowels

January 15, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / January 15, 2020 ... Which cosmeceuticals have proven clinical efficacy? DW Insights and Inquiries: Thoughts on hyaluronidase and The House of God Cancer death rate falls by largest one-year drop on

2026 AAD Innovation Academy: Social Media Toolkit

We're excited to see you in New York City this summer at the 2026 AAD Innovation Academy! The following toolkit includes tips and guidelines for your social media activities at the event. Download the graphics below and share them on your accounts to let your followers know you will be

April 8, 2026

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 8, 2026 ... Does oral spironolactone improve acne in women? DermWorld What’s Hot: mRNA COVID vaccine and immune checkpoint inhibitor response Herbal medicines for psoriasis Efficacy of PDT and fractional

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

December 8, 2021

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Dec. 8, 2021 ... Factors that may predict chronic spontaneous urticaria recurrence DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Propranolol and neutrophilic dermatoses — Can beta-blockade be better blockade? Feedback requested: Actinic keratosis

May 8, 2024

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 8, 2024 ... A review of topical treatments for AK field therapy DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Hard questions about subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn and hypercalcemia Derm Coding

September 8, 2021

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 8, 2021 ... A review of spironolactone for androgenetic alopecia DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Alarming but benign – The enigma of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy What are the

October 8, 2025

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 8, 2025 ... KOH vs. diclofenac for the treatment of actinic keratosis DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Injecting ideas (and therapies) in digital mucous cysts FDA approves remibrutinib for chronic

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

The treatment of systemic juvenile xanthogranulomas matures

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

October 15, 2025

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 15, 2025 ... Do new psoriasis biologics have better safety profiles than adalimumab? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Erectile dysfunction in dermatology — A silent epidemic AAD seeks member comments

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

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

A potential roadMAP for treating malignant atrophic papulosis

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

June 8, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / June 8, 2022 ... The administrative burden of prescribing isotretinoin DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Sweating over acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis AADA counters IPMG objections to iPLEDGE improvements Actinic keratosis guidelines

December 15, 2021

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Dec. 15, 2021 ... Female-pattern hair loss: Effect of bicalutamide on minoxidil-induced hypertrichosis DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Speculating on spicules — Our incomplete knowledge of trichodysplasia spinulosa DermWorld Young Physician

February 15, 2023

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 15, 2023 ... AADA addresses lidocaine shortage with manufacturers DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : A nail-biting commentary Risk of rebound psoriasis flare from systemic corticosteroids DermWorld Young Physician Focus :

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

March 15, 2023

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 8, 2023 ... Topical cetirizine with minoxidil vs. minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : A checkup on immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced subacute cutaneous lupus DermWorld Young Physician Focus

April 8, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 8, 2020 ... Employers’ legal responsibilities during COVID-19: What you need to know. DW Insights and Inquiries: The profound dermatologic manifestations of COVID-19: Part III ABD relaxes 2020 MOC requirements

June 15, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / June 15, 2022 ... FDA approves first systemic treatment for alopecia areata DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Aluminum can cause allergic contact dermatitis — Allergen of the Year 2022 DermWorld Young

January 15, 2025

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / January 15, 2025 ... Tretinoin vs. other topical therapies for photoaging DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Dupilumab treatment of bullous pemphigoid — Hoping for approval on the double DermWorld Coding Consult:

How can I get involved with this year’s Legislative Conference?

Asked and Answered ... July 1, 2024 The 2024 AADA Legislative Conference will take place Sept. 8-10, at the JW Marriot in Washington, D.C. ... Attending the conference is as easy as 1, 2, 3. You can expect: ... Two days of networking and learning from political experts about the

This month's news from across the specialty

What's hot ... December 1, 2019 In this monthly column, members of  ... Dermatology World 's Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... BRYAN CARROLL, MD, PhD X marks the spot — PRAME expression for marking melanoma. PRAME ( ... PR eferentially expressed ... A

For the win! Championing the use of the term “reactive granulomatous dermatitis” in clinical practice

By David A. Wetter, MD, FAAD March 8, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 10 Growing up in the 1980s in suburban St. Louis, Missouri, I spent many evenings listening to Cardinals’ baseball on the local AM radio station, KMOX 1120. After the final out of each Cardinals’ victory, the late Hall-of-Fame

The vexing verruciform xanthoma

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD February 23, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 8 Verruciform xanthomas (VX) were first described 50 years ago, and they are still a source of debate. Only the most astute dermatologists will make the diagnosis clinically, with the possible exception of recognizing such lesions in patients

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

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: Six decades of progress

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

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

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

Advocacy Update Apr. 8, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Apr. 8, 2025 AADA asks FDA to continue collaboration on AI-enabled medical devices guidance New Jersey expands children’s access to sunscreen Support the second-largest physician PAC and federal dermatology champions Regulatory Affairs AADA asks FDA to continue collaboration on AI-enabled medical devices guidance ... On April

The breathless complications of anti-MDA-5-positive dermatomyositis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 30, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 44 Dermatologists are familiar with the spectrum of dermatomyositis (DM) — classic DM, juvenile DM, amyopathic DM, and cancer-associated DM. Clinically, amyopathic DM is a form in which the patients typically develop characteristic cutaneous features of DM [heliotrope

British Journal of Dermatology

The pachydermoperiostosis prostaglandin paradigm Tofacitinib: A JAK inhibitor of all trades Focusing attention on X-linked ichthyosis We’ve gotta recognize GATA2 deficiency Sirolumus’s merit for the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon Aha! The iodide paradox now makes sense! Changing perceptions of pediatric mastocytosis A string of (clinical) pearls about drug-induced linear IgA disease Dupilumab’s

Advocacy Update Apr. 15, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Apr. 15, 2025 Leading medical societies call for action on Medicare physician payment reform AADA continues pressing CMS on CLIA Lab Director requirements CIGNA participating dermatologists: Check your specialty designations CMS declines Medicare Advantage AI guardrails in 2026 MA and Part D final rule AADA invites

The heartrending aspects of incontinentia pigmenti

By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 12, 2018 Incontinentia pigmenti (IP, aka Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome) provides lessons in genetics, immunology, and neuroectodermal development. Frankly, I have never given much (if any) thought about its cardiovascular manifestations. Albeit rare, they are part of the spectrum of IP. ... IP is a rare

Nailing the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis

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

Coughing up a new warning for ustekinumab

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

Members demand Medicare physician payment reform at AADA Legislative Conference

On Sept. 8, over 200 dermatologists and patient advocates gathered in Washington, D.C. to urge Congress to reform Medicare physician payment, AADA’s sole federal congressional priority. This was the largest Legislative Conference in the Academy’s history with over 190 advocates holding 217 meetings with their federal legislators. ... The conference

This month's news from across the specialty

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

Skin cancer fact sheet

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

2026 exemption reweighting

Exemption reweighting is unchanged in 2026. Below is the breakdown of the 2026 MIPS category weights and how the weights will be redistributed if various exemptions are applied. ... As a refresher, here are the baseline weights for 2026: ... Quality: 30% ... Cost: 30% ... Promoting Interoperability (PI): 25%

2025 exemption reweighting

Exemption reweighting is unchanged in 2025. Below is the breakdown of the 2025 MIPS category weights and how the weights will be redistributed if various exemptions are applied. ... As a refresher, here are the baseline weights for 2025: ... Quality: 30% ... Cost: 30% ... Promoting Interoperability (PI): 25%

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

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

Diagnosing pyoderma gangrenosum? Consider cocaine/levamisole as a potential culprit!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 1, 2016 The authors presented 8 patients with PG following exposure to levamisole-contaminated cocaine. All patients had lower extremity involvement, and 6 also had PG on the upper extremities. Retiform purpura was only observed in 3 patients. Most had elevated titers for p-ANCA and

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

Erectile dysfunction in dermatology: A silent epidemic

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 15, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 41 Editor’s Note: A modified version of this commentary appeared as "A Clinician’s Perspective" in JAAD ... . A privilege of being a physician is having intimate conversations with patients that would never occur in any other circumstances.

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

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

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

Living with trimethylaminuria: Research awaiting the smell of success

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 26, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 8 I was mesmerized watching (and listening to) the PBS episode of ... Great Performances devoted to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 80th anniversary. Rodgers’ melodious scores and Hammerstein’s poignant lyrics remain the ultimate standard of the musical theatre genre.

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

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

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

Psoriasis: 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

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

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

What’s up in Down syndrome?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD October 13, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 41 Being married to a geneticist has served me well as a dermatologist. Just as dermatologists can instantly diagnose many dermatoses based on pattern recognition, geneticists skilled in dysmorphology can identify many syndromes in a heartbeat. Physicians of

From a JAK to a king of Castleman disease

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 15, 2017 A 44-year-old Chinese woman with a 10-year history of asymptomatic cutaneous patches and plaques on her trunk (Fig 1, A) who reported intermittent fever and lymphadenopathy for 6 months. A skin biopsy specimen from a cutaneous plaque showed perivascular infiltration of plasma

A niche within NICH

By Warren R. Heymann, MD February 26, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 8 Just when I thought I grasped the concept of congenital hemangiomas, new data raises novel questions. ... Compared to infantile hemangiomas that grow rapidly after birth and then involute, congenital hemangiomas arise and proliferate in utero. Although two

Getting steamed over vaping

By Danielle DeHoratius, MD January 29, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 4 Danielle DeHoratius, MD ... To call vaping an epidemic is an understatement. As of Oct. 15, 2019, the CDC has confirmed 33 deaths among the 1,479 lung injuries associated with the use of e-cigarettes (1). Every state but Alaska

Diagnosing atypical hand, foot, and mouth disease by routine microscopy

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 15, 2016 Hand, foot, and mouth (HFM) disease is childhood exanthem usually caused by Coxsackie A16; enterovirus 71 has been implicated in cases of HFM complicated by encephalitis, flaccid paralysis, myocarditis and pulmonary edema. Coxsackie A6 has recently been associated with severe, atypical episodes

Long COVID has a lot of nerve

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

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

Granular C3 dermatosis in granular detail

DermWorld Insights and Inquiries ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, May 1, 2026 Vol. 8, No. 5 Except for straightforward cases of bullous pemphigoid, my ability to predict direct immunofluorescence (DIF) results in cases of presumed autoimmune blistering diseases leaves much to be desired. Recently, my humility in this

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

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

March 20, 2024

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 20, 2024 ... Combination imiquimod and 5-FU for treating AKs DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : San Diego AAD musings Talking points: Benzene found in acne care products Safety of dermatologic

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

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

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

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")

March 13, 2024

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 13, 2024 ... Men with androgenetic alopecia may benefit from platelet-rich plasma DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Coming clean on chlorhexidine-induced dermatoses Roflumilast for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis Potential

My diagnostic blind spot: Erythema elevatum diutinum

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Feb. 15, 2018 Erythema elevatum diutinum depicted by erythematous-to-violaceous papules and plaques affecting the extensor surfaces of the patient's arms, legs, and buttocks. ... Credit: ... JAAD I’m certain that every dermatologist — myself included — has a diagnostic blind spot. I came to this

Make no bones about it: Primary cutaneous ewing sarcoma is for real

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 15, 2016 Recently my partner biopsied a verrucous papule from the face of a young boy, without being confident of his clinical impression. Histologically, I knew I was looking at a malignant lesion, but could not identify it. I sent the slide for a

Anticipating Iceland: Ice-pack dermatosis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 10, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 15 Iceland beckons. Many of our plans were scuttled by COVID-19, including a long-planned tour of Iceland, which (as of this writing) is exactly two months away.* My wife and I eagerly await the other-worldly topography, unpronounceable waterfalls,

8 tips to help optimize financial efficiency in your practice

Answers in Practice ... By Faiza Wasif, MPH, manager, practice management, February 1, 2020 Financial efficiency is desirable to all practices no matter the size or practice model. There are several steps you can take to ensure that your practice is not only financially compliant, but also financially successful. ...

Best of DermWorld Insights and Inquiries

Dec. 31, 2025 We know how much you enjoy Dr. Heymann and the editorial board’s weekly analyses of dermatologic literature, so we’ve created a list of the top 10 most popular issues in 2025 — starting with the most popular issue of the year.  ... 1. Loss and legacy: A

Preventing hair loss in breast cancer patients is very cool

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Feb. 15, 2017 Dramatic change in physical appearance before (A) and 1 month after (B) treatment with paclitaxel and carboplatin. ... Credit: ... JAAD The loss of my late aunt Millie to breast cancer was devastating; it was even harder to bear after learning that

All awards, grants, and scholarships by American Academy of Dermatology

The Academy bestows a number of prestigious awards to recognize the contributions of individuals to the specialty as well as offering various grants and scholarships to assist recipients in furthering their areas of study and broadening knowledge in the field of dermatology. ... Awards ... Name ... Application opens ...

January 26, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Jan. 26, 2022 ... Allergens in hand sanitizers DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Eccrine syringofibroadenoma — Sweating over the details Derm Coding Consult : Applying 2021 E/M coding concepts in everyday

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

Digital media kit: DermWorld editorial calendar

Download a PDF of the 2026 DermWorld editorial calendar . ... JANUARY ... FEBRUARY ... MARCH ... Preparing derms to use ... GLP-1 RA Coding: Soft tissue excision ... Managing declining morale in health care ... Close: 11/25/25 ... Materials due: 12/3/25 ... Mail date: 1/2/26 ... Update on ...

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

Multiple pilomatricomas by the numbers

By Warren R. Heymann, MD February 24, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 8 I have always been beguiled by pilomatricomas (PM). From the time I first heard the term "calcifying epithelioma of Mahlerbe" or pondering "is it pilomaticoma or pilomatrixoma?" this benign lesion has been a source of wonder. There is

When assessing morbilliform eruptions think about morbilli (measles)!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 1, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 8 ... I’m confident you’ve seen the headlines about measles (rubeola, morbillii): ... "Measles Outbreak: The Spread in New York" ( ... New York Times , March 28, 2019) ... "Fourth Measles Case Reported in Maryland Outbreak" ( ...

Deeper thoughts about acne keloidalis nuchae

DermWorld Insights and Inquiries ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, February 1, 2026 Vol. 8, No. 2 Wallace Clark taught me the truism that thinking often ceases when a diagnosis is rendered. The clinical diagnosis of acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is straightforward. Embarrassingly, I had not given much thought

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

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

2018: Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)

Eligibility: Physicians, PAs, NPs, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Certified Nurse Anesthetists who billed ≥ $90,000 in Medicare Part B allowed charges and saw more than 200 Medicare Part B patients ... Reporting year: January 1st, 2018 – December 31st, 2018 ... Data completeness: At least 60% of All Payer Data

Early recognition of Rituximab-induced late onset neutropenia is essential

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 13, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 15 Rituximab is an anti-CD20 chimeric antibody directed against a surface transmembrane protein marker (CD20) expressed on B-cells during differentiation from pre B-cell until the plasma cell stage, involved in the maturation and activation of B cells. Approved

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

Juvenile lichen sclerosus: A loss of innocence

By Warren R. Heymann, MD August 19, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 33 Juvenile lichen sclerosus (LS) is a difficult disorder — symptomatically, emotionally, diagnostically, and therapeutically. During my residency it was "common knowledge" that juvenile LS would abate by adolescence. I am always curious how such perceptions become dogma, only

Acne necrotica: A real head-scratcher

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 15, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 20 I sympathize with new residents in dermatology coming to grips with difficult terms and concepts that are essential in practice. As a novice, I recall struggling with the concept of acne necrotica (AN), dreading that I would

Hard questions about subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn and hypercalcemia

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 8, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 19 Neonatal dermatoses are anxiety-provoking for both physicians and parents because of crucial questions — Are there associated systemic problems? What are long-term sequelae? How should the infant be followed? One of the most striking neonatal disorders is

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)

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

Step 2: Learn the MIPS categories

Report with DataDerm ... The Academy’s Qualified Clinical Data Registry DataDerm allows streamlined reporting on MIPS categories, including dermatology-specific measures available nowhere else. ... Learn more about DataDerm . ... Learn more about the MIPS reporting categories before you determine your level of participation. The weights and requirements of the

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),

September 18, 2024

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / September 18, 2024 ... Spironolactone for alopecia: Blood pressure changes DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : The appropriate dermatologic response when considering the capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome — Fast flow to referral

2025 AADA Legislative Conference: Travel, hotel, and meals

The 2026 AADA Legislative Conference takes place Sunday, Sept. 13 through Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at the J.W. Marriott. The program is set to begin on Sunday no earlier than 4:00pm ET and will adjourn by 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, depending on individual Capitol Hill meeting schedules. The AADA

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

Cocaine-associated plasma cell orificial mucositis: Anything goes

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

Board of Directors meeting minutes

Below are the approved minutes from the AAD and AAD Association Board of Directors meetings for the past year. Please email Kim N. Andersen, DipESG, at ... knoelleandersen@aad.org with any questions or if you would like to request the minutes from a particular past Board meeting. ... Board of Directors

Get your KICS on Route IL-6

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

What's hot?

What's hot ... August 23, 2018 In this monthly column, members of the ... Dermatology World Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Mallory Abate, MD ... Are you over-checking labs for your acne patients on isotretinoin? An article from the ... JAAD’ s Best of

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

Application deadlines to direct a meeting session

All AAD members are invited to submit a new session application for consideration for the Academy’s Annual Meeting or Innovation Academy. ... The application to direct a session at the meetings opens about 15 months prior to the meeting and closes shortly after the previous year's meeting. Application timelines are

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

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

February

Issue ... February January February March April May June July August September October November December View digital flipbook In this issue ... From the Editor ... It’s a leap year! What's hot ... This month's news from across the specialty Clinical Applications ... Do polygenic risk scores have potential utility

2025 AADA Legislative Conference: FAQs

When and where will the conference take place? ... The 2026 AADA Legislative Conference will take place Sept. 13-15, 2026, at the ... J.W. Marriott Hotel , in Washington, D.C. ... What is the AADA Legislative Conference? ... The AADA Legislative Conference is the specialty’s foremost meeting focused on policy

Progress for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 8, 2019 Vol. 1, No.9 Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a nightmare. For any dermatologist seeing patients with autoimmune diseases, HIV, lymphoproliferative disorders, or who are on immunosuppressive medications (azathioprine, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, glucocorticoids methotrexate, TNF inhibitors, and rituximab), PML is a "sword of Damocles,"

Academic Dermatology Leadership Program (mentee)

The Academic Dermatology Leadership Program (ADLP) is a comprehensive program that requires a full-year commitment. ... Applications for the 2027 Academic Dermatology Leadership Program will open July 2026 ... Please send me an email reminder when the application opens . ... By applying for this program, you are agreeing to

There’s a “new frontier” of alopecia for you to explore

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) recently published a new CME supplement, ... "Alopecia: A New Frontier," that can help you differentiate between the various types of alopecia and identify correct treatments and best options so you can feel confident that you’re providing patients with the best

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

Advocacy Update Aug 19, 2025

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

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

Rheumatoid vasculitis? Rule-out methotrexate-associated EBV

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 19, 2016 Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causing high morbidity and mortality, despite aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. The incidence appears to be decreasing, possibly due to the recognition of smoking as the most important contributory factor. Male patients with

Community outreach toolkit: Good Skin Knowledge

What is this program? ... Good Skin Knowledge is the American Academy of Dermatology’s youth education program. The goal is to teach school-age and young teens, ages 8-13, the facts about common skin, hair, and nail conditions. Misunderstanding can lead to teasing and bullying, which is associated with anxiety and

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.

AADA members and patients advocate on Capitol Hill at the Legislative Conference

The AADA Legislative Conference once again returned to Capitol Hill this past September, bringing critical dermatologic issues before members of Congress. ... Over 160 attendees came together to learn about policy issues affecting dermatology patients and their practices, culminating in a visit to Capitol Hill in which AADA members participated

The “rope” sign is knot pathognomonic: Autoimmunity ties the etiologies together

By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 8, 2016 The "rope" sign is a dramatic finding presenting as a linear to curvilinear cords ("cordonifom") on the lateral chest. It was originally described as an uncommon, but specific feature of Interstitial Granulomatous Dermatitis with Arthritis (IGDA), and has been considered pathognomonic for

Advocacy Update Jul 1, 2025

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

Academy response to benzene petition on benzoyl peroxide products

ROSEMONT (March 8, 2024) — The American Academy of Dermatology Association is aware of a recent petition filed with the FDA describing formation of benzene in products containing benzoyl peroxide that are exposed to elevated temperatures. The American Academy of Dermatology Association and its members are committed to the health

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

AAD Leadership Institute teaches skills, provides knowledge

AAD member Sandra M. Johnson, MD, learned a lot at the AAD Leadership Institute. Dr. Johnson’s story ... Sandra M. Johnson, MD, FAAD ... I love the American Academy of Dermatology and all that the AAD does for us as dermatologists. I was fortunate to attend the first-ever AAD Leadership

Prior authorization’s growing footprint

Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, June 1, 2020 While prior authorization requirements have existed since the 1980s, the policy’s impact on physicians, patients, and the larger health care system has evolved considerably over the past four decades. "Physicians expect challenges when prescribing newer specialty drugs,

Academy brings Hair Loss Awareness Month to the forefront

August was Hair Loss Awareness Month in 2024. The Academy uses awareness months as an opportunity to help spread information about skin, hair, and nail conditions to the public all while positioning board-certified dermatologists as the go-to experts. ... The AAD’s ... Hair Loss Resource Center was a top stop

Can oral ivermectin cure pediatric periorificial dermatitis? It mite!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 5, 2017 A 13-year-old boy with severe rosacea before (A) and 1 month (B) and 4 months (C) after receiving oral therapy with a single dose of 250 μg/kg ivermectin (case 3). Note the facial desquamation after the first weeks of therapy, not attributable

Our clinical education benefits continue to grow

We offer you the updated resources you need to stay current on clinical and quality advances that optimize patient care. ... AAD Clinical Community ... Last year, we launched the AAD Clinical Community — a free, secure forum by dermatologists for dermatologists to discuss clinical issues and more. The forum

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:

Out of office

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, December 1, 2024 Physician burnout is on the rise. While the Academy offers ... many tools to alleviate administrative burdens and ... promote physician wellness , new survey data suggest that uninterrupted vacation time may play a key role in

Contact the Academy

We’re here for you — real people, ready to help ... When you contact the AAD’s Member Resource Center (MRC), you’ll connect with a friendly, knowledgeable AAD team member who’s here to support you. Whether you have a quick question or need assistance from an AAD staff expert, we’ve got

AAD letter to the Atlantic in response to “Against Sunscreen Absolutism”

American Academy of Dermatology President Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD Letter to the editor originally submitted to the Atlantic ... on May 17, 2024 ROSEMONT, Ill. (Nov. 8, 2024) — On behalf of the American Academy of Dermatology and its 21,000 members, I am writing to express serious concerns about

Alaskapox: The beat goes on

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 21, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 8 Disclaimer: This commentary was written on Feb. 14, 2024, for a publication date of Feb. 21, 2024. The issues related to Alaskapox are currently under investigation. Some content included in this commentary may no longer be factual

EHR use cases: Streamline operations and improve practice efficiency

Are you thinking about transitioning your paper-based practice to start using an electronic health record (EHR)? Or have you recently implemented an EHR and feeling overwhelmed with all the features? According to the American Academy of Dermatology 2020 Practice Profile Survey, 8 in 10 practices have adopted EHRs and while

Support Good Skin Knowledge

Misunderstanding about skin conditions common to children ages 8-13, such as acne, can lead to teasing and bullying. ... Good Skin Knowledge helps combat this by providing free resources to educators. These fun, easy-to-use lesson plans teach children important lessons about skin health and help build self-confidence about their skin.

Jane Grant-Kels, MD, FAAD, elected American Academy of Dermatology president for 2028

ROSEMONT, Ill. (April 8, 2026) — Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Jane Grant-Kels, MD, FAAD, has been elected to lead the American Academy of Dermatology. She will be installed as president-elect in March 2027 and will hold the office of president for one year beginning in March 2028. ... As president, Dr.

Plantar melanoma and mechanical stress

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

This month’s news from across the specialty

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

Midsize group practice (6-15 practitioners)

Best for: Early-career dermatologists, or those seeking support, structure, and teamwork. ... Quick summary: You join a team of dermatologists in a shared business structure — administration is centralized, and referrals are built-in. ... Midsize group practice overview ... Group practices consist of multiple dermatologists working together within a shared

Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, assumes presidency of the American Academy of Dermatology

SAN DIEGO (March 8, 2024 )  ... — Dallas-based board-certified dermatologist Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, will begin his one-year term as president of the American Academy of Dermatology at the close of the AAD’s Annual Meeting. ... Dr. Desai will lead the world’s largest dermatologic society that represents nearly

Dermatology is a taxing specialty

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

Fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy may be wearing more than one DRESS

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 24, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 7 As a dermatology resident, I was mesmerized by the concept of "angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia" (AILD) after seeing a patient presented at our weekly conference at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I was perplexed as to how

Eruptive nevi: Trying to connect the dots

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 15, 2016 Eruptive nevi are striking — they may appear after a variety of disorders, including Stevens-Johnson/toxic epidermal necrolysis, primary blistering diseases, trauma, immunosuppression (from disease or iatrogenically-induced), PUVA therapy, or idiopathically. There are also several reports in the literature for eruptive Spitz nevi

AAD | Prior Authorization’s Impact on Dermatologists

The Academy surveyed dermatology practices on prior authorization in 2020, breaking out those working at a solo practice, dermatology group, academic medical center, or a multi-specialty group. The findings show that prior authorizations are a significant burden. ... The Academy surveyed dermatology practices in 2020. Did you know? ... Dermatologists

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

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:

Learning to be bold

Twelve-year-old Silas DeHaven, from DeWitt, Iowa, enjoyed his fourth year at Camp Discovery. Silas's story ... Since he was 8 years old, Silas has enjoyed attending Camp Discovery every year. ... My name is Silas, and I like going to Camp Discovery. It’s nice to see other kids like me,

Support Good Skin Knowledge

Good Skin Knowledge provides free resources to educators to teach children ages 8-13 important lessons about skin health and help build self-confidence about their skin. ... Learn more about the impact of this youth education campaign by reading the stories below. ... Using passion about dermatology to impact community Therese

Atopic dermatitis: Up in smoke!

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

Refocusing on rosacea

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Experts reexamine the disease's classification ... Experts reexamine the disease's classification ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor ‘Tis the season for rosy cheeks. However, for patients with rosacea, a St. Nicholas-worthy flush can be a major source of

Advocacy Update Jan 20, 2026

IN THIS ISSUE / Jan. 20, 2026 Dr. Bridges selected for Medicare Clinical Lab Diagnostic Laboratory Test Panel AADA asked CMS to ensure Medicare Part D coverage for alopecia areata treatment Dermatology presence strong at AMA State Advocacy Summit Contribute to SkinPAC AADA News Dr. Bridges selected for Medicare Clinical

When to Use (or Not Use) Antibiotics on Your Skin

Tips from board-certified dermatologists ROSEMONT, Ill. (Feb. 15, 2022) — Cold weather can be hard on your skin. When your skin becomes dry, as often happens in the winter, it can easily crack and bleed. When caring for a cut or other wound, it might seem logical to apply an

Is your margarita giving you a rash?

Dermatologist shines a light on the latest research in photocontact dermatitis SAN DIEGO (March 8, 2024) — Sun sensitivity and related skin conditions are often misunderstood. Foods, medications, and skincare products can trigger symptoms like itching, redness, blistering, or burning. One of the most common conditions is photocontact dermatitis, a

Military members more at risk for melanoma

Board-certified dermatologist discusses occupational risks of skin cancer for those who serve SAN DIEGO (March 8, 2024) — U.S. veterans are at a higher risk of developing melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, likely due in part to the occupational hazards associated with active duty in countries

From the editor

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, June 1, 2018 There's a horse in the waiting room and your patient is convinced the blisters on his arm resulted from a run-in with a 15-foot weed. It must be summer.

Advocacy Update Oct 21, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 21, 2025 ICYMI: CMS reverses decision to hold Medicare payments Dermatology and others opposed dental hygienist Botox use in Oregon AADA supports Administration’s sunscreen initiative; explores innovative promotion efforts AADA addressed key payment issues with Aetna Support SkinPAC Government Shutdown ICYMI: CMS reverses decision to

Small group practice (6-15 practitioners)

Best for: Dermatologists seeking clinical autonomy, peer collaboration, and work-life balance without solo ownership responsibilities. ... Quick summary: Join a privately owned dermatology group with a small number of physician partners. It offers more control than you’ll find in large settings, but also more help than a solo practice. A

Advocacy Update Apr. 1, 2025

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

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

New treatments for HIV and other STIs provide hope for better quality of life

Dermatologist discusses emerging treatments in LGBTQ+ healthcare SAN DIEGO (March 8, 2024) — LGBTQ+ individuals have unique skin care needs, including concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STI), like HIV, as well as acne and hair growth and removal, especially relating to hormone replacement therapy. With over 14 million U.S. adults

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

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%

February 6

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / February 6, 2019 ... Nearly half of U.S. physicians are burned out AAD/A CEO announces departure this spring Anthem to institute new modifier 25 payment policy Researchers create new protein that

Electronic consultations

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, 2019 Test your knowledge: Electronic consultations ... Take the quiz to see if you're up to date.

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Nov. 15, 2023 ... Platelet-rich plasma vs. minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia treatment DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : The woolly culprit — Lanolin revealed as an uncommon cause of dermatitis on normal

American Academy of Dermatology installs new officers, board members

SAN DIEGO (March 8, 2024 )  ... — Two new officers and five new board members will be installed immediately upon conclusion of the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. The officers and board members are all board-certified dermatologists and members of the AAD, the world’s largest

Why does COVID-19 result in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in some children and adolescents?

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, December 1, 2020 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, talks with Adrienne Randolph, MD, MS, about

History and current status

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

American Academy of Dermatology elects new officers, board members

ROSEMONT, Ill. (April 8, 2026) — The American Academy of Dermatology has announced the results of its annual election. The Academy’s new officers and board members will lead the world’s largest dermatologic society, representing more than 21,500 physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of

Dermatology Match Day: The ecstasy and the agony

By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 15, 2018 In February, 1979, one month prior to matching in internal medicine at NYU/Bellevue Hospital, I took a dermatology elective under the tutelage of Dr. Michael Fisher at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. What an epiphany — a fascinating discipline that

Psoriatic alopecia and sebaceous glands: An unfinished symphony

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 15, 2017 Psoriasis and alopecia after initiation of TNFi. A, Diffuse erythematous pustules on the upper back of patient 1. B, Severe alopecia with mild papules on scalp of patient 4. ... Credit: ... JAAD Every so often, patients with psoriasis would ask me

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

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

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

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

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

A look at the Academy’s fight for fair payment

Moving the needle ... By Apoorva Stull, Senior Manager, Advocacy Communications, October 1, 2024 DermWorld ... breaks down the latest highlights of AADA advocacy activities at the federal and state legislative and regulatory level. The Academy’s sole 2024 federal congressional advocacy priority is Medicare physician payment reform, which includes establishing

Promising therapeutic developments for cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Interfering with interferon

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

The newest frontier for biologics and psoriasis may be adherence

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

Loss and legacy: A tribute to Robert F. Duffy, MD

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 28, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 21 On Thursday, May 15, 2025, while seeing patients with my residents, I received a text from one of my partners requesting that I call her ASAP. I assumed it was an urgent practice-related problem, but I was

This month's news from across the specialty

What's hot ... June 1, 2020 In this monthly column, members of  ... Dermatology World 's Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... BRYAN CARROLL, MD, PhD We may need to channel Carl Sagan to appreciate the vastness of the recently released billions upon billions

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

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

I’ll have a necrobiotic xanthogranuloma to go – with mustard!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 11, 2016 Mechlorethamine has been used for decades to treat cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Rodriguez et al utilized 0.01% topical nitrogen mustard to treat a 60+ year-old man with biopsy-proven NXG with paraproteinemia (IgG-κ), without myeloma. He had 20% body surface area involvement, including

Widening the circle

AAD’s Camp Discovery is looking to make this meaningful opportunity accessible to even more kids and volunteers in the years to come ... Feature ... By Amy Freed Stalzer, Contributing Writer, November 1, 2022 For nearly 30 years, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has offered a camp program for

Tackling itch

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

Digital media kit: DermWorld classified rates

Reach over 16,000 U.S. dermatologists with your recruitment ad. Classified advertising is restricted to professional opportunities available, professional opportunities wanted, practices for sale, office space available, and equipment available. ... Download a PDF of the 2026 DermWorld classified advertising rate card. Line ads (cost per line) ... 1x ... 2x

Say “Cheese!” Three reasons why EMR photography makes me smile

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 15, 2018 It is difficult to recall medical photography (or life itself) in the pre-smartphone/pre-electronic medical record (EMR) era, even though it has only been 10 years since the inception of the iPhone, and just four years since our practice transitioned to an EMR.

Aquagenic pruritus and polycythemia vera: Still valid (and mysterious) after all these years

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Dec. 6, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 48 It was thrilling to deliver the introductory dermatology lecture to our first-year medical students this year because most of the class was ... in person and fully engaged with the material. I am approaching the half-century mark

Despite economic uncertainty, demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures rises among Gen X and Millennials

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Senior Editor, September 1, 2025 New data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) show a consistent demand for cosmetic procedures, with a growing preference for minimally invasive options. ... 2023 ASPS data highlight a 5% increase from 2022 in

New Skin Biopsy Codes: It’s All About the Technique!

For 2019, the American Medical Association (AMA) CPT® Editorial Panel will introduce six new codes for primary skin biopsy—three base codes and three add-on codes codes—all of which will be effective January 1, 2019. These three new codes will replace existing codes 11100 and 11101 (skin biopsy), which will be deleted. These new codes have

What is the Academy’s preferred vendor program?

Asked and Answered ... June 1, 2026 Made possible through partnerships with some of the most prestigious and well-respected companies in their respective industries, the AAD is pleased to bring you this carefully crafted collection of programs and services that have been specially negotiated with our members in mind. ...

Spotlight on Sub-Saharan dermatology

U.S. dermatologists share lessons learned from across the globe ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, January 1, 2021 While the U.S. health care system is far from perfect, many dermatologists and their patients are not struck by the financial burden of a simple biopsy — or even access

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

August 8, 2023

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / August 9, 2023 ... Emerging treatments for itch in atopic dermatitis DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Prior authorization audits and innovations — Are we finally reducing the (PA)in? Adverse events in

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

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. ...

From "slugging" to snail mucin

Dermatologists discuss popular social media trends impacting the skin. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, October 1, 2023 Social media and the skin have a long history together. For over 15 years, social media has been an ever-growing presence in nearly all facets of life: politics, commerce —

Recent health care enforcement trends and risk areas for physicians and their practices

Legally Speaking ... Alexandra Volpe, JD, and John Kelly, JD, are health care attorneys with Barnes & Thornburg LLP. ... By Alexandra Volpe, JD, and John Kelly, JD, September 1, 2025 DermWorld ... covers legal issues in "Legally Speaking." This month’s authors are health care attorneys with Barnes & Thornburg

Resorcinol’s resourcefulness in hidradenitis suppurativa

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 22, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 12 Management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is challenging, including medical and surgical approaches, which are often combined for best outcomes. Lifestyle changes, pain management, and emotional/psychiatric issues must be addressed. Therapeutic approaches include the use of topical therapies

Digital media kit: DermWorld rate card

DermWorld print rates ... Download a PDF of the 2026 DermWorld print rate card. Download a PDF of the DermWorld print specifications . ... BW ... 1x ... 6x ... 12x ... 24x ... 36x ... Full page ... $3,185 ... $3,015 ... $2,760 ... $2,440 ... $2,350 ... Full

Senile gluteal dermatosis: The term “senile” is getting old and should be retired

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Jan. 24, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 4 As my patients and I get older, inevitably I think more about geriatric dermatology. (1) There is a disorder I have seen on the gluteal region in mostly thin, older, sedentary patients — my recommendations of off-loading

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,

Key messages for social media about nails and nail health

Key messages ... Our nails often reflect our general state of health. Changes such as discoloration or thickening can signal health problems, including liver and kidney disease, heart and lung conditions, anemia, and diabetes. ... Changes in color, shape, and/or thickness, swelling of the skin around the nails, bleeding or

How can I get involved with this year’s Legislative Conference?

Asked and Answered ... July 1, 2023 The 2023 AADA Legislative Conference will take place Sept. 10-12, at the Conrad Hotel, in Washington, D.C. ... Attending the conference is as easy as 1, 2, 3. You can expect: ... Two days of networking and learning from political experts about the

Advocacy Update Sept 16, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 16, 2025 Over 200 members demand physician practice payment reform Dermatology warns proposed policies further erode physician payment stability MAHA commission highlights reforms for sunscreen approvals AADA meets with GAO on iPLEDGE changes Massachusetts dermatologists oppose dental hygienists administering Botox and fillers SkinPAC Legislative Conference

Reduce Drug Code Denials Related to Incomplete Claims Data

Claim denials for drug supplies are often the result of improper national drug codes (NDC) format or missing information related to the drug provided—vital information that is needed by the payer to appropriately adjudicate the claim. ... Physician claims for drugs supplied in the office must include the 11-character NDC

Are we there yet?

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Experts discuss the status of EHR interoperability initiatives ... Experts discuss the status of EHR interoperability initiatives ... By Ruth Carol, contributing writer In an ideal world, physicians could access their patients’ health information from other physicians with

Wolf’s isotopic response: Where and when

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 18, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 42 Wolf’s isotopic response (WIR) has been a mysterious and controversial dermatological sign for almost 40 years. In 1984, the Doctors Wolf (Ronni and Danny) described two cases — a 52-year-old man and a 12-year-old girl — both

Netherton syndrome: From apex to nether

By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 31, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 13 If you are a dermatologist preparing for your board exam, I’ll wager that you can rattle off the classical features of Netherton syndrome (NS, aka Comel-Netherton syndrome) in a heartbeat. The more important question — would you recognize

Switching EHRs: Planning ahead

Legally Speaking ... Daniel F. Shay, Esq. is a health care attorney at Alice G. Gosfield and Associates, P.C. ... By Daniel F. Shay, Esq. , March 1, 2020 Physician use of electronic health records (EHRs) is a modern fact of life; so is physicians switching from one EHR to

Human resources: To outsource or not, that is the question

Human resource (HR) activities typically include staffing, compensation and benefits, training and development, safety and health, and employee management. Given these vast domains, a small dermatology practice may struggle to balance what can be done in-house and what should be outsourced. HR itself can often be outsourced but consider your

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

Topical isotretinoin for ichthyoses: Striving for an “A” grade

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 20, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 47 Two meaningful events changed my life in 1982 — my marriage and the introduction of isotretinoin. Forty-two years later, both remain front and center. Attending the focus session "Think like an expert about ichthyosis" at the AAD

Making a pitch for the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 12, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 6 Studying the PhanaVision jumbotron at Citizens Bank Park on a warm Friday evening in June, I realized that when analyzing baseball data, I am "old school." In my youth, the critical measure of a pitcher’s success was

Vasculitis on the run

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 10, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 28 I am not a runner, but I live vicariously through my residents who are. This weekend, our first-year resident, Erika Tvedten, will run the Philadelphia marathon for the first time. I have been intrigued (and impressed!) by

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.

AAD | Best Practices for Prior Authorization

Top strategies for prior authorization ... 1. The process of prior authorizations can be painful. Accept that it will take time. ... 2. Assign a dedicated staff member (such as a medical assistant) to handle prior authorization requests, so as a dermatologist, you have more time with patients and more

Everett C. Fox, MD, Memorial Lectureship

The Everett C. Fox, MD, Lectureship was formed through a bequest from the estate of Everett C. Fox, MD. Dr. Fox had been a practicing clinician in Texas and was vice president of the American Academy of Dermatology in 1946.  ... Award:  The selected lecturer will receive a cash award

AAD's DataDerm Recognized EHRs

Thousands of dermatologists have joined AAD’s DataDerm to help them assess and optimize care, avoid MIPS penalties and advance the specialty by facilitating research and fueling clinical development. ... Reliable and complete data from electronic health record (EHR) systems assures that the information driving DataDerm is robust, meaningful, and comprehensive.

Making your voice heard: Medicare payment reform, cultivating legislators, and the AADA Legislative Conference

From the President ... Dr. Alam is the Academy’s current president. ... By Murad Alam, MD, FAAD, June 1, 2026 Dear members, ... There is some positive news on Medicare payment reform. The U.S. House of Representatives recently introduced legislation that addresses budget neutrality requirements by raising the amount that

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

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

Selecting an EHR

If you are part of a paper-based practice that has not adopted an electronic health record (EHR), it is time to adopt one. CMS has made it difficult to participate in the ... Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) program without an EHR. ... Dermatologists can still report quality data through

Teatime for radiation dermatitis (and beyond)

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD June 14, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 24 I am biased — as a coffee lover, I only believe articles demonstrating coffee’s benefits, while finding flaws in any study deriding its use. I can be more objective about tea — especially green tea — a

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.

Reflections on infantile perianal pyramidal protrusion and Hippocrates

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 29, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 22 Patient safety and quality improvement have been at the forefront of medical care since the publication of "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System" by the Institute of Medicine, which estimated that as many as

The profound dermatological manifestations of COVID-19: Part V – Pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 13, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 19 Disclaimers: This commentary was written on May 7, 2020 for a publication date of May 13, 2020. The issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic are changing by the millisecond. The content included in this commentary may no longer

Shocking news: Heat shock protein inhibition finally enters the realm of dermatologic therapy

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 23, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 43 Heat shock proteins (HSP) were serendipitously discovered by the brilliant Professor Ferruccio Ritossa in 1962 while studying nucleic acid synthesis in chromosomal puffs of ... Drosophila salivary glands. De Maio states, "Ritossa noticed something unexpected when cells

Short anagen syndrome: The long and short of it

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 7, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 6 Have you ever encountered a patient who says that their hair does not grow very much and that they rarely need to cut their hair? I have, and I suppose you have, too. Although considered uncommon, short

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

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

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

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

Lipodystrophia semicircularis: A lipoatrophy not to get depressed about

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 2, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 44 A colleague asked me if I could evaluate his 26-year-old daughter while she was briefly on break from her graduate studies in Barcelona. He was concerned that she had developed lipodystrophy. Of course, I agreed, without his

Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME)

By Jason B. Lee, MD, FAAD May 10, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 19 In 1980, the discovery of S100 protein expression in cultured metastatic melanoma cell lines (1) stirred excitement in the pathology community for its potential role as a diagnostic marker for melanoma. The excitement was short-lived once it

Switching EHRs: Common issues and lessons learned

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 1, 2022 Every month, DermWorld ... covers legal issues in Legally Speaking. This month’s author, Daniel F. Shay, Esq. is a health care attorney

Sun safety

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

Palmar Pagetoid dyskeratosis: A sheep in wolf’s clothing

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 30, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 47 Furrows are fine, ridges are risky. I learned that phrase in a stellar lecture given by Jennifer A. Stein, MD, PhD, FAAD, discussing the use of dermoscopy for acral pigmented lesions. It has served me in good

Reassuring patients with sclerosing lymphangitis of the penis that they will not get shafted

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 17, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 29 Over the past decade of using our electronic medical record, I must have clicked on the word "reassurance" thousands of times for anxious patients with lesions of no biological concern. Today you will calm patients who are

MIPS reporting in 2018

In Practice ... Rachna Chaudhari is the AAD's practice management manager. Her column offers tips in response to common member questions. ... By Rachna Chaudhari, MPH, director of practice management, February 1, 2018 After requiring dermatologists to report one measure one time in 2017 to avoid a 4% penalty in

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

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

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

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,

Is your EHR high maintenance?

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Now that electronic health records (EHRs) are a staple in nearly all dermatologists' offices, what is involved in maintaining them? ... Now that electronic health records (EHRs) are a staple in nearly all dermatologists' offices, what is involved

Taking it on the shin: Part two

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD June 7, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 23 Last week ... pretibial pruritic papular dermatitis was reviewed as an underrecognized entity on the shins. Today the focus is on obesity-associated lymphedematous mucinosis (OALM), another disorder that you have likely seen, but perhaps did not recognize.

The great resignation

Dermatologists and practice management experts share strategies for minimizing staff turnover. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, April 1, 2023 In 2021, 20% of health care workers left their jobs — more than doubling the pre-pandemic rate. According to a survey conducted by the American Medical Association,

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

Progress in pemphigus: Solidifying rituximab’s role

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 7, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 27 "Now what do I do?" ... That question, asked by dermatologists every day about patients who are not responding to therapy, was posed in the preface of the first (and every subsequent) edition of ... Treatment of

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

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

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

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

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

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

A new wrinkle in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 23, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 12 Sir, - I have observed that the skin of children with cystic fibrosis wrinkles excessively early when soaked with tap water. The physical sign is highly reliable irrespective of the degree of nutrition of the patient…It is

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 ... ® ...

The ironclad promise of ferroptosis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Jan. 25, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 4 As checkpoint inhibition of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) has become standard oncologic therapy, it is easy to forget that this revolutionary therapy is barely a decade old. Until 1972, cell death was considered passive and

The profound dermatological manifestations of COVID-19: Part IV – Cutaneous features

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 22, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 16 Disclaimers: This commentary was written on April 17, 2020 for a publication date of April 22, 2020. The issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic are changing by the millisecond. The content included in this commentary may no longer

New Medicare cards

In Practice ... Rachna Chaudhari is the AAD's practice management manager. Her column offers tips in response to common member questions. ... By Rachna Chaudhari, MPH, director of practice management, April 2, 2018 ... The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that it would be changing your

Vitamin D and UV exposure

Key messages ... The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that healthy adults should obtain an adequate amount of Vitamin D from a diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D and/or foods/beverages fortified with vitamin D. (1) ... Because ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds can cause

JAKne is on the horizon

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 27, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 30 If you are like me, you have read much more about JAK inhibitors (JAKi) than have prescribed them. We are all on a learning curve. The rapid introduction of topical ruxolitinib (Opzelura), oral upadacitinib (Rinvoq), and abrocitinib

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

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

Advocacy Update Dec 9, 2025

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

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

June

Issue ... June January February March April May June View digital flipbook In this issue ... From the Editor ... Dermatology is bustin’ out all over What’s hot ... This month’s news from across the specialty DermWorld Insights and Inquiries ... A potential roadMAP for treating malignant atrophic papulosis Feature

Teledermatology

Use our resources to help you implement or streamline teledermatology. We offer guidance on workflows, staffing, reimbursement, and choosing the right platform. Use our online form to ... contact practice management staff with questions or concerns. ... Starting teledermatology Review the basics, learn about compliance, or see how Academy members

Working up pernio: How far should you dip your toe in the water?

By David A. Wetter, MD May 6, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 18 Dermatologists are rapidly becoming reacquainted with pernio (chilblains), given the increasing reports of pernio-like acral eruptions (and other dermatologic manifestations) occurring in association with COVID-19. (1, 2) This raises an important clinical question: under normal (non-COVID-19) circumstances, what

April 22, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 22, 2020 ... Are you exempt from the COVID-19 FMLA and paid sick leave provisions? DW Insights and Inquiries: The profound dermatological manifestations of COVID-19: Part IV - Cutaneous features

Monthly Archives

Issue ... June January February March April May June View digital flipbook In this issue ... From the Editor ... Dermatology is bustin’ out all over What’s hot ... This month’s news from across the specialty DermWorld Insights and Inquiries ... A potential roadMAP for treating malignant atrophic papulosis Feature

Like the tumor itself, knowledge about DFSP is expanding wider and deeper

By Warren Heymann, MD June 16, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 24 Dermatofibosarcoma (DFSP) is a mystifying lesion. Although considered rare, I have encountered several cases over the years. Some recent literature offers potential insights into its pathogenesis and management. ... DFSP is a low-to-intermediate grade sarcoma with a reported incidence

Teledermatology after COVID-19

Answers in Practice ... By Swapna Pachauri, MPH, Manager, Health Technology & Informatics, April 1, 2022 Each month, DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month, practice management staff offer tips on clinical photography in dermatology. Since the public health emergency (PHE) began two years ago, telemedicine has

How to participate in AAD’s DataDerm™ clinical data registry

Legally Speaking ... By Allyn Rosenberger, JD, MPH, Ben Tesdahl, JD, LL.M, and Robert M. Portman, JD, MPP, September 1, 2023 Every month, ... DermWorld covers legal issues in "Legally Speaking." This month’s authors are health care attorneys with Allyn Rosenberger, JD, MPH, Ben Tesdahl, JD, LL.M, and Robert M.

AAD Event Advertising: Annual Meeting

The Academy's Annual scientific meeting offers unprecedented access to thousands of dermatologists attending high-profile continuing medical education events. ... For exhibitors looking to promote their products and services, build booth traffic, and facilitate face-to-face discussions, the Academy offers a wide selection of high-impact advertising opportunities. Look here for advertising opportunities

A Frank discussion about earlobe creases

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Dec. 14, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 49 A half-century has transpired since Sanders T. Frank reported: "All patients 60 years of age or younger who had a positive ear-lobe sign [characterized by a prominent crease in the lobule portion of the auricle] were studied

EHR optimization 101

What should you be doing to make the most out of your electronic health record (EHR) system? ... Answers in Practice ... By Swapna Bhatia, MPH, manager, Health Technology & Informatics , August 1, 2020 Each month Dermatology World ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month Swapna Bhatia,

“Black dot” alopecia areata

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 16, 2016 This week I had a 35 year old man present with a one month history of a round patch of alopecia. He was told by his PMD that he had tinea and was started on oral terbinafine (which he had been on

Securing privacy

Physicians and other clinicians must also secure electronic protected health information (ePHI). Federal law requires that clinicians prevent unauthorized access to ePHI, but you must also maintain copies of ePHI in case of disaster. Securing ePHI depends upon both policy and technical measures. ... Basic requirements for securing ePHI include:

Getting started resources

Telemedicine allows dermatologists to deliver care to patients remotely using technology. For years, dermatologists have used telemedicine to evaluate patients in remote areas, where a trip to the practice may have taken hours. Now, dermatologists and patients alike are discovering the benefits of teledermatology, even for those with easy access

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

DermWorld

Optimizing financial efficiency: Part 2 Experts offer advice on best practices for documentation and filing claims. ... Tackling TEN/SJS: Part 2 Controversies and management. ... Healthcare consolidation As health entities combine, what is the impact on dermatology? ... Coding Consult Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month. ...

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,

Periocular hypopigmentation of the elderly: A new POTUS dermatosis?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 4, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 36 Editorial Note: DermWorld Insights and Inquiries provides commentaries on issues in dermatology. This editorial was composed before the assassination attempt of former President Trump, President Biden’s decision not to seek a second term, and the nomination of

AAD Teledermatology Standards

Download a PDF version ... These ... AAD Teledermatology Standards are also available as a PDF. ... The standards below were developed by the Academy’s Teledermatology Committee at the direction of the Board of Directors. These standards expand upon the appropriate use of telemedicine and create a core set of

Forward thinking for the front office

First impressions matter. The front desk of a dermatology practice is a busy place, and it is the patient’s first interaction — and therefore first impression — with the office space. It is important to prioritize both the set-up of the front desk and the training of the staff that

Indoor tanning fact sheet

Indoor tanning use  ... The global prevalence of indoor tanning in adolescents for 2013-2018 was 6.5%, and 10.4% in adults. (1) ... Though the numbers have been decreasing in recent years, approximately 7.8 million adults in the U.S. still engage in indoor tanning. (2,3) ... Among high school students in

Striving for hard facts about water softening in atopic dermatitis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 18, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 33 With the success of dupilumab in managing atopic dermatitis (AD), and new agents on the horizon (IL-13 inhibitors lebrikizumab and tralokinumab; the IL-31 inhibitor nemolizumab; targeted anti IL-17, IL-22, and TSLP inhibitors; JAK inhibitors; and the PDE4

Olmsted syndrome patients can finally put their foot down

By Warren R. Heymann, MD January 20, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 3 Reading Olmsted’s seminal paper entitled "Keratodermia Palmaris et Plantaris Congenitalis" is captivating reading on multiple levels. In that era of descriptive dermatology, there is an allure in how he differentiates his patient from keratodermas described by the giants

New melanoma cases projected to increase in 2026

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Megan Bennett, Staff Writer, June 1, 2026 New American Cancer Society (ACS) data predicts a growing rate of melanoma incidence and a slight increase in deaths in the United States this year. ... According to the report, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed

Dermatologists cannot be lax about acquired cutis laxa

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 28, 2019 Acral localized acquired cutis laxa. Loose, redundant skin on the volar finger pads bilaterally that gave them a flat, rounded appearance. ... Credit: ... JAAD From the time I was a medical student, I have always been fascinated by the "little old

iPLEDGE advocacy updates

The statements to members below track the Academy’s ongoing advocacy efforts for the dermatology specialty on the iPLEDGE Program. ... Feb. 10, 2026 iPLEDGE Win: FDA finally confirms iPLEDGE changes long advocated for by AADA ... AADA advocacy culminates in changes reducing physician, patient burden Following relentless and sustained advocacy

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans recurrence: Size matters

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

Necrotizing infundibular crystalline folliculitis: Not yet crystal clear

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Jan. 29, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 4 Time and exposure to several articles are necessary to crystallize a novel clinicopathological correlation in my mind. Such is the case with necrotizing infundibular crystalline folliculitis (NICF). I suspect that I have seen this condition but have

International Fellow and International Associate membership

Apply for membership now! ... Apply International Fellow membership ... The International Fellow membership is for dermatologists  who were trained outside the United States and Canada and have obtained board certification by a foreign dermatology board with educational and professional requirements that are approximately equivalent to  the requirements for certification

Applying the 2021 E/M coding concepts in everyday practice – Part 8

Part eight of the AADA’s clinical vignettes focuses on the application of coding concepts related to E/M encounters. These clinical vignettes continue those of part 7 in this series, demonstrating how a common dermatologic condition, actinic keratosis, can be classified under different categories of problem addressed during the encounter depending

Clinical photography in dermatology

Answers in Practice ... By Swapna Pachauri, MPH, Manager, Health Technology & Informatics, February 1, 2022 Each month, DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month, practice management staff offer tips on clinical photography in dermatology. Photography plays an increasingly significant role in dermatology, particularly in the way

iPLEDGE win included in year-end package

The AADA’s 2022 advocacy efforts were successful in securing provisions on the iPLEDGE Program within the omnibus spending package that was signed into law in December 2022. ... Language that the AADA championed will ... require the FDA to provide a public comment period regarding patient access and provider administration

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

An old dog with a new trick: High dose intralesional steroids in hidradenitis suppurativa

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD February 2, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 5 Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is hitting its stride academically — deservedly so. In 2000 there were 2 publications about HS in the ... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ; in 2010, 9 manuscripts; and, in 2020,

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

Sweating over sweat gland carcinomas: Part 1 — Squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 13, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 32 A highlight of my week is leisurely reading the ... Philadelphia Inquirer on quiet Sunday mornings, skimming over the troubling headlines, and concentrating on positive happenings in the Delaware Valley. My bliss was rudely interrupted by a

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

2026 CPT coding updates

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

Appropriate use of modifier 59

Modifier 59: In a nutshell ... Modifier 59 is used when you perform two or more distinct procedures in one visit. ... It is one of the most misused modifiers and can result in not getting paid for your services. ... You should only use modifier 59 if no other

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

Tag, you’re it!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 28, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 39 Chances are you will see a patient with skin tags today. ... Patients will likely ask you two questions: Why do I get them? What do you mean my insurance won’t cover their removal (for asymptomatic lesions)?

From Down Under to all over: Kava-induced cutaneous adverse reactions

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD June 11, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 23 Firmly ensconced in my bucket-list travel time, I eagerly anticipate our trip to New Zealand, Tasmania, and mainland Australia in January 2025. ... (Editor’s note: This piece was written prior to the trip.) As a dermatologist, I

Does HPV vaccination change the burden of disease in patients with actinic keratosis?

Clinical Applications ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, September 1, 2025 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, talks with Emily Wenande, MD, PhD, about her JAMA Dermatology ... paper, ‘ Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Actinic Keratosis Burden: The VAXAK Randomized Clinical Trial .’ DermWorld:

Cycling back to doxycycline’s roots as therapy for bullous pemphigoid

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 26, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 30 Patients with moderate to severe bullous pemphigoid are usually treated with systemic corticosteroids. Four patients were treated with tetracycline hydrochloride and niacinamide because of the steroid-sparing anti-inflammatory properties of these agents. An excellent clinical response free of

Here’s looking at you, KID

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 7, 2017 Late skin findings in lethal keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome. Intertriginous hyperkeratosis and denudation in a patient with GJB2 p.A88V mutation. ... Credit: ... JAAD Keratitis, ichthyosis, and deafness (KID) syndrome is a rare genodermatosis associated with mutations in the GJB2 gene, which encodes connexin

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

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

Xylazine (“Tranq”): The potential for loss of life and limb

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Dec. 7, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 48 The U.S. overdose crisis continues its exponential growth, although the landscape of responsible substances has changed over the past two decades — cocaine (2000-2006) to prescription opioids (2007-2013), heroin (2014-2015), and illicitly-manufactured fentanyl (2016-present). (1) ... Xylazine

Coding for surface radiation therapy in dermatology: A practical guide

Surface radiation therapy (SRT), previously referred to as superficial radiation therapy, has become an increasingly employed modality for treating cutaneous tumors such as nonmelanoma skin cancers and select benign lesions in dermatology. With the 2026 CPT ... ® ... changes, the SRT code set has been modified and streamlined, and

April 4

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / APRIL 4, 2018 ... Deadline approaching: Review your Sunshine Act info New Medicare card transition to begin this month FDA seeks methods to improve biosimilar pathway iPLEDGE REMS program website experiencing

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

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

Determining the appropriate lesion destruction code — benign or premalignant

Derm Coding Consult ... By Tiffany McFarland, RHIT, Analyst, Coding & Reimbursement, April 1, 2024 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . The distinctions of code choice for lesion destruction — either benign, premalignant, or malignant

iPLEDGE win included in year-end package

Moving the needle ... By Victoria Houghton, Managing Editor, May 1, 2023 DermWorld ... breaks down the latest highlights of AADA advocacy activities at the federal and state legislative and regulatory level. The AADA’s 2022 advocacy efforts were successful in securing provisions on the iPLEDGE Program within the omnibus spending

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

Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei: A Simon and Garfunkel playlist

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 1, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 39 William Tilbury Fox (1836-1879) was a brilliant dermatologist, the first in the United Kingdom to have a post in a teaching hospital. With Erasmus Wilson, he resurrected the prominence of British dermatology nearly half a century after

Could wart immunotherapy open a therapeutic window for congenital nevi at risk for melanoma?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... June 13, 2017 ... Dermatoscopic image of congenital melanocytic nevus. Arrows point to reticular network (left), perifollicular hypopigmentation (center), and globules contained within empty spaces in the network ("target globules," right), features that are reportedly suggestive of congenital melanocytic nevi. ... Credit: ...

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis joins the pantheon of erythema nodosum-associated disorders

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Dec. 11, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 49 Patients often ask me, "Doctor, is my disease rare?" I’m never quite sure how to respond — while most patients are relieved to know that they are not alone ("misery loves company"), some relish the experience of

2025 DW Insights and Inquiries archive

Explore ... DermWorld Insights and Inquiries articles by publication date. ... December ... Dec. 24 - DWI&I Holiday greeting 2025 Dec. 17 - Long COVID has a lot of nerve Dec. 10 - The illusions of IgG4-related skin disease Dec. 3 - Pityriasis rosea and pityriasis rosea-like eruptions: A Christmas

Your Academy: Adapting with the times

From the President ... Dr. Thiers served as Academy president from March 2020 to March 2021. ... By Bruce Thiers, MD, August 1, 2020 I know what you’re thinking: "But, Bruce, didn’t you write about the Academy’s ability to be nimble in your last column?" You’re not wrong. Last month,

Nonepidemic Kaposi sarcoma: The fifth dimension

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

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

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

The pregnant pause in cutaneous lymphoma

By Jennifer Villasenor-Park, MD, FAAD Oct. 2, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 40 I first met Anne when she was 30 years old and was experiencing a significant flare of her mycosis fungoides. She had already lived with the disease for 18 years having been diagnosed at the age of 12

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

Lagging ahead: LAG-3 checkpoint inhibition for advanced melanoma

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 11, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 19 Checkpoint inhibition has revolutionized the treatment of advanced melanoma over the past decade, beginning with the release of the anti-CTLA4 checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab (Yervoy). This was followed by the development of the anti-PD-1 inhibitors pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and

Unrestricted fascination with restrictive dermopathy

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 16, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 46 Barely a week into our fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania in 1984, my wife (a geneticist) asked her favorite dermatologist (me) if I had any thoughts about a neonate with skin that was thin, taut, and

Adding protothecosis to the protocol

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 23, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 16 As a dermatology resident at the outset of the AIDS epidemic, I quickly learned that all bets are off when diagnosing infectious diseases in immunocompromised hosts. That experience taught me to culture broadly for bacterial, atypical mycobacterial,

Teledermatology workflow for small practices

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

Cost (30%)

Unlike the other MIPS categories, dermatologists and other eligible clinicians do not have to actively report data for the cost category. Instead, CMS automatically calculates the clinician’s performance score using information from claims data. ... If dermatologists have at least 10 melanoma resection episodes that meet the eligibility criteria for

Scarred by dogma: Revising recommendations for surgery and isotretinoin use

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 22, 2017 Severe acne. ... Credit: American Academy of Dermatology teaching slide ... I have had the privilege of prescribing isotretinoin since its release in 1982. Is there any other dermatologic medication that has benefited our patients so greatly? I’ve weathered every isotretinoin controversy

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,

Dyeing for a “new” topical agent for psoriasis? Think indigo

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 9, 2018 Despite the magnificent revolution of biologics for psoriasis, topical agents remain the cornerstone of treatment, either alone, or in combination with phototherapy or systemic treatments. Patients clamor for "natural" products and are increasingly steroid phobic (please see "Countering Corticophobia with Assistance from

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

2026 AAD Innovation Academy: Policies and cancellations

Hotel guarantee, cancellation, and change policies ... Hotel reservation guarantee policy ... Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. The credit card expiration date must be later than July 31, 2026. The card provided will be charged a one (1) night’s room and current sales tax deposit on or

No longer flailing with Flegel disease

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 19, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 16 I was a toddler in 1958 when Heinz Flegel described ... hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (HLP) a 50-year-old man with persistent lesions on his dorsal feet and lower extremities. (1) In the ensuing decades, other than the clinical

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

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

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).

Cyber hacking in health care

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... What do you need to know to keep your practice safe? ... What do you need to know to keep your practice safe? ... By Emily Margosian, content specialist Target, Anthem, Equifax, and...your practice? As headlines continue to

Everyday practice compliance made easier

Answers in Practice ... By Olivia Barry, Manager, Practice Management, June 1, 2026 Each month, DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month, practice management staff discuss practical compliance tips for day-to-day dermatology operations. Compliance should not be an afterthought or something your practice only thinks about when

Cost (30%)

Cost field test on non-pressure ulcers ... CMS will conduct field testing from Jan. 29 to Feb. 27, 2026, for a new episode-based cost measure on non-pressure ulcers. Field testing does not impact Medicare payments, but CMS encourages recipients to review their report in the Quality Payment Program (QPP) portal

Can tocilizumab deep six recalcitrant morphea?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 20, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 38 Glenda’s middle-aged ankles still hurt badly. I have been treating morphea enveloping her ankles for several years. With therapies including methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, clobetasol, calcipotriene, and physical therapy, her tenderness has improved from exquisite to barely tolerable.

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

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

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

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

Parabens — A common allergen with lots of hype and no real harm

By Christen M. Mowad, MD Sept. 4, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 26 Every year for the past 20 years, the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) has highlighted an allergen. Most often the particular allergen is selected because it is new and emerging, such as methylisothiazolinone in 2013. (1) Sometimes, it

2026 quality measures for MIPS reporting

2026 QCDR measure specifications ... Access a spreadsheet of ... 2026 QCDR measure specifications . ... Access 2026 MIPS quality measures by selecting below. ... MIPS 47 Advance Care Plan ... MIPS 130 Documentation of Current Medications in the Medical Record ... MIPS 176 Tuberculosis Screening Prior to First Course

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

Propranolol for infantile hemangiomas: Start to finish

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 26, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 12 "We have observed that propranolol can inhibit the growth of these [infantile capillary] hemangiomas." (1) In my career, I cannot think of any statement that led to such a swift, dramatic paradigm shift in management more than

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

Sniffing out the meaning of perialar intertrigo

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Jan. 4, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 1 The first sentence in the abstract by Sanchez et al intrigued me: "We observed isolated cases of perialar intertrigo in children and teenagers that did not appear to correspond to any known clinical entity." They further state:

2025 quality measures for MIPS reporting

2026 QCDR measure specifications ... Access a spreadsheet of ... 2026 QCDR measure specifications . ... Access 2025 MIPS quality measures by selecting below. ... MIPS 47 Advance Care Plan ... MIPS 130 Documentation of Current Medications in the Medical Record ... MIPS 176 Tuberculosis Screening Prior to First Course

The globalization of monkeypox

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 25, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 21 Disclaimers: This commentary was written on May 22 for a publication date of May 25, 2022. The issues related to the increasing number of reported monkeypox cases are changing rapidly. The content included in this commentary may

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)

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

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

Preparing for 2025 MIPS and the new dermatological care MVP

Answers in Practice ... By Oliva Barry, Manager, Practice Management, April 1, 2025 Each month, DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month, practice management staff discuss what to expect for MIPS 2025. MIPS program timeline ... In November, CMS released the ... final rule for the Quality

AAD and OM1 collaboration

Together, advancing medical research and improving outcomes with the largest dermatology network in the U.S. ... From evidence to insights ... Our collaboration connects aggregate, de-identified data from the AAD’s DataDerm Clinical Data Registry with the OM1 Real-World Data Cloud and artificial intelligence/predictive medicine abilities. Our unparalleled network is rich

Dermatology is bustin’ out all over

From the Editor ... Dr. Heymann is the physician editor of ... DermWorld . ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, June 1, 2026 " ... June is Bustin’ Out All Over ", the spirited ensemble song embracing summer’s onset from Rogers and Hammerstein’s ... Carousel , is an appropriate

Stepping up to set up the private doctor’s office

Running a busy dermatology practice is hard work, and it requires a lot of thoughtful decision-making. It can be hard to do that with the background noise of phones ringing, colorful nurse call lights going off, and what can seem like constant clinical demands. You need a space where you

Key messages about rosacea for social media

Key messages ... Rosacea is a common skin condition that mainly affects the face. You may see flushing, lasting color (red, violet, or brown), acne-like breakouts, or visible blood vessels. Some people develop irritated eyes or thickening skin. (1,2) ... Although there is no cure for rosacea, proper treatment can

March 30, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 30, 2022 ... The rankings are in: Minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for male androgenetic alopecia DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Bowel-associated dermatosis-arthritis syndrome (BADAS) — The story behind the acronym

Ultraviolet light, adipose tissue, and fantasies of summer

 ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 2, 2018 As I am preparing this commentary, the second Nor’easter within a week is in its frenzy. (Since that time there have been two more and it’s snowing today!) My longing for summer, enjoying the warm breezes enveloping our shore home

Mpox: Caring for skin

The mpox (monkeypox) virus causes lesions to form on the body. While these can be located anywhere, many individuals during the current outbreak have experienced lesions in the anogenital region, though involvement of other areas including the face, extremities, and mucosal areas such as the mouth have also occurred. ...

Clawing to understand lichen nitidus

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 5, 2018 Lichen nitidus: dermoscopic images. A, In the first patient, dermoscopic findings of the left plantar lesions revealed that linear scales in parallel (thick arrows) were discontinued by oval, well-defined depressions surrounded by ring-shaped, silvery white scales (thin arrows). Long axis of the

Hot coding topics to keep you cool this summer

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, manager, coding & reimbursement, June 1, 2021 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in Derm Coding Consult. ... Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . Think back to the world a year ago:

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

Three’s company: JAAD Reviews joins our two other open access, online journals

What if ... JAAD took an even deeper dive and gave you a journal with more information about the ... JAAD articles that are meaningful to you? Now you have one. What’s more, now you have three. The recently launched, newest addition to the ... JAAD family of journals, ...

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

A metabolic pathway that may allow dermatologists to run rings around porokeratoses

By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 31, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 21 "I know the variants of porokeratoses and can recite them as though I am the very model of a modern major general — Mibelli, linear, punctate, palmoplantar, DSAP [disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis], superficial disseminated, immunosuppression-related, and porokeratosis ptychotropica.

No advocacy experience? No problem!

Ask the Expert ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, August 1, 2023 In this exclusive DermWorld Academy Insider ... interview, Afton Cobb, MD, FAAD, and Virginia Tracey, MD, FAAD, first-time attendees of the 2022 AADA Legislative Conference, talk about their experiences and why it’s important that dermatologists attend regardless

Using scribes to reduce burdens

Documentation burdens consistently rank near the top of dermatologist concerns. One way physicians are winning back their time is with use of scribes. Scribes can work in the exam room during the patient encounter, or they can work remotely, transcribing the note through an audio connection. Scribes who work remotely

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

Perspectives on peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 28, 2016 Peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum (PPG) is a challenging problem, both physically and emotionally. The diagnosis may be delayed, often being mistaken for an irritant dermatitis or an infection. Barbosa et al have performed an extensive review of their experience in 44 patients

Minutes from the AADA's May 15, 2021 Board of Directors meeting.

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

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

Telangiectasias: When is it TEMPI time?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 19, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 42 For the medical dermatologist, telangiectasis requires a thoughtful approach to diagnosis. Where are the lesions distributed (generalized, mucosal, periungual)? Are they linear or mat-like? Are they associated with other lesions (pigmented macules, spider angiomas)? Is the patient

Something from nothing: The role of random skin biopsies

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 22, 2017 There are a few reports suggesting the usefulness of the random or blind skin biopsy from normal-appearing skin for diagnosis of intravascular lymphoma. Punch biopsy results from the abdomen. A, Intravascular large lymphoid cells. B, CD20+ tumor cells. (A, Hematoxylin-eosin stain; B,

Keeping an eye on retinoids as treatment for the ectropion of lamellar ichthyosis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 9, 2017 ... Clinical examples of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis: harlequin ichthyosis (HI) at birth (A); HI evolves into generalized exfoliating erythrodermic ichthyosis (B and C) (reprinted from "Menschen mit Ichthyose - ein Bildband 2003" courtesy of Selbsthilfe Ichthyose e. V.); collodion membrane with

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

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 ...

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.

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,

Aha! The iodide paradox now makes sense!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 1, 2018 Dermatitis herpetiformis. Grouped papulovesicles with excoriations on the extensor surface of the shoulder. ... Credit: ... JAAD In the pre-direct immunofluorescence days of yore (before my time in dermatology), the exacerbation of dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) by oral or topical iodides could be

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

September

Issue ... September January February March April May June July August September October November December View digital flipbook In this issue ... From the Editor ... We have a front-row seat What’s hot ... This month’s news from across the specialty Clinical Applications ... Does HPV vaccination change the burden

Digital media kit: Contacts

DermWorld - Print & digital ... Bridget Blaney ... Ascend Media ... National Account Manager ... Phone: (773) 259-2825 ... Email: ... bblaney@ascendmedia.com JAAD - Print & digital ... Bill Hipple ... Formedics ... Email: ... bill.hipple@formedics.com Joe Skey ... Formedics ... Phone: (856) 278-8654 ... Email: ... joe.skey@formedics.com AAD.org

Shades of Shelley: Azithromycin therapy for erythema annulare centrifugum

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 12, 2018 The front (A1) and back (A2) portions of his upper thigh show signs of severe Erythema Annulare Centrifugum. ... Credit: ... JAAD When I first arrived in Philadelphia in 1984 for my dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, the most exciting

Mpox: Treating severe lesions

Wound care ... Accurate diagnosis of lesions is crucial and should start with an assessment of the patient and potential risk factors for mpox (monkeypox), disease severity, and complications. Risk factors for mpox include history of known or possible exposure, relevant travel and sexual behaviors (e.g., sex associated with commercial

Dermatology World Weekly

DermWorld Weekly  is a brief, concise digest of the latest news, hand-picked by  ... DW’s  editorial team with analysis of why it matters to dermatologists. ... Each week editors review the landscape of health care news in  ... DermWorld's  core areas of practice management, policy, and patient care, and highlight

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

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

High-dose vitamin D may be a ray of sunshine for treating sunburn

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD June 4, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 22 Rightly or wrongly, I attribute my melanoma to a blistering sunburn at the Sahara Hotel in Miami Beach in 1958. I recall my mother shmearing Noxzema on my back — the distinctive smell of Noxzema (from eucalyptus,

Does your dermatopathologist recommend treatment suggestions for melanocytic lesions? My two cents (and sense)

My dermatopathology fellowship photo from 1985 at the University of Pennsylvania: Standing Left to Right: Myself, Wallace H. Clark, Jr, and Margaret Freeman (co-fellow); Seated: Bernett Johnson, Jr and Margaret Gray Wood. I learned from the best! While they (the professors) are no longer with us, somehow I hope they

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

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

The malignant risk in circumscribed palmar or plantar hypokeratosis: Summoning Charles Dickens and Freddie Mercury

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 14, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 19 Smitten by the seminal article in 2002 by Pérez et al. describing circumscribed palmar or plantar hypokeratosis (CPPH), I have diagnosed the disorder several times, reassuring patients that this oddity is of no concern. More than 100

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

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).

Metastatic uveal melanoma: Tebentafusp unobfuscated

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD June 25, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 25 Oncodermatology is a full-time occupation comprised of two major components — novel therapies for cutaneous malignancies and adverse reactions to treatments for diverse cancers. A novel class of anticancer agents is termed ImmTACs — immune mobilizing monoclonal

Hidden in plain sight: Satoyoshi syndrome

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Feb. 19, 2018 I was inspired by the conclusion of a report detailing an 11 year-old boy from India diagnosed Satoyoshi syndrome: "We present this case to emphasize the importance of recognizing Satoyoshi syndrome, which could go unnoticed if not suspected." (1) ... I have

The nerve of Zika!

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

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

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

Pregnant with possibility: Rituximab prophylaxis for pemphigoid gestationis

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

Prurigo pigmentosa as the “keto rash”: I’m a believer

By Warren R. Heymann, MD February 5, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 5 Patients are attuned to their diets — healthy, unhealthy, or trendy. Unquestionably, certain foods exacerbate specific dermatoses — just ask any dermatitis herpetiformis patient how they fare with a slice of Sicilian pizza. More often the situation is

April 6, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 6, 2022 ... A comprehensive review of rosacea treatments DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : "Stepping up" to off-label dosing of biologics Improving itch in prurigo nodularis patients What acne treatments

Hoops and happiness: Having the courage to take a shot

By David A. Wetter, MD March 17, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 11 In dermatology our daily routine is dominated by caring for patients, many of whom have complex diseases that are difficult to manage. Our dedication to help our patients initially drew many of us to the medical profession (and

Protecting Electronic Health Information During Disasters

Dermatology practices must protect all of the patient health information they store through their electronic health record (EHR), even if there is a disaster or emergency. Make sure that your staff and patients are compliant with the HIPAA Security Rule, as it requires medical practices to develop a contingency plan

Useful apps for dermatologists

Mobile apps are a growing part of how dermatologists access information and run their practices. Surveys show that three-quarters of doctors use their smartphones as part of their practice, while a little more than half use tablets. Patients now use their mobile devices to make and confirm appointments, access medical

Large group practice (16+ practitioners)

Best for: Dermatologists seeking stability, administrative support, and predicable income. ... Quick summary: Work as an employed physician within a large, multi-site dermatology organization. Focus on clinical care while administrative tasks are handled centrally. Ideal for those who want a structured environment with lower financial and operational risk. ... Large

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

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

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

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

Risk factors for herpes zoster: Age, immunosuppression, and…statins?

... By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 25, 2017 When I started my residency 37 years ago, I never would have imagined that nearly four decades later, I would be baffled by patients and their rashes every day. When I’m stumped diagnostically, I admit it (to myself and the

Obituaries

Obituaries ... By Jerry Graff, MD, June 3, 2019 The Academy recently learned with sorrow of the passing of the following members of the dermatologic community. ... JON GARRY BEIDLER, MD, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Dec. 30, 2018, at age 82. Trained in dermatology at University of Pennsylvania and practiced in

Vitiligo, autoimmunity, and cancer?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 3, 2017 Disorders associated with autoimmune thyroid disease: systemic lupus erythematosus (A), progressive systemic sclerosis (B), bullous pemphigoid (C), pemphigus vulgaris (D), urticaria (E), and vitiligo (F). ... Credit: ... JAAD While attending the pre-AAD pediatric dermatology seminar in Orlando, I received a call

PDT for erosive pustular dermatitis of the scalp: Seeing the light (but reaching a different conclusion)

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 9, 2016 Erosive Pustular Dermatitis of the Scalp (EPDS) is a relative common condition, typically seen on the actinically damaged scalps of the elderly men. Lesions characteristically present as hyperkeratotic, crusted erosions with varying degrees of pustulation. Lesions may become secondarily infected. The etiology

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

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

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

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

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

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,

April 29, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 29, 2020 ... Derm Coding Consult answers COVID-19 telehealth coding FAQs DW Insights and Inquiries: Here comes summer (and sunscreen conversations)! Congress passes legislation to provide further COVID-19 relief funding

Disaster relief preparedness

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

Augmented intelligence in dermatology

Answers in Practice ... By Swapna Pachauri, MPH, manager, Health Technology & Informatics, August 1, 2021 Each month DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month Swapna Pachauri, MPH, the Academy’s Health Technology & Informatics manager, discusses the potential role of augmented intelligence in dermatology. How does augmented

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: Tapinarof is taking off

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

iPLEDGE update: Changes ahead

Strong advocacy efforts have prompted new changes to the program. What do they mean for you and your patients? ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, August 1, 2024 Since 2005, isotretinoin has only been available through an FDA-mandated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) program implemented to monitor

2022 DW Insights and Inquiries archive

Explore ... DermWorld Insights and Inquiries articles by publication date. ... December ... Dec. 28 - 2022: Best of DermWorld Insights and Inquiries Dec. 21 - Holiday Greeting 2022 Dec. 14 - A Frank discussion about earlobe creases Dec. 7 - Xylazine ("Tranq"): The potential for loss of life and

How to relieve itchy psoriasis

Board-certified dermatologist shares four tips to ease the itch ROSEMONT, Ill. (March 23, 2023) — Skin issues can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. For the 7.5 million Americans1 living with psoriasis, itch can be the most bothersome part of their condition because it can make it

Coming to terms with Louis Brocq and his diagram: Pityriasis lichenoides 2018

By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 16, 2018 ... A and B, Pityriasis lichenoides chronica–like drug eruption. The lower legs show several, 3- to 4-mm, red-brown, thin papules with centrally adherent micaceous scale and intermixed erosions. ... Credit: ... JAAD As a first-year dermatology resident in 1980, I struggled with

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... August 1, 2022 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Craig Burkhart, MD, MPH, MSBS, FAAD You have likely noticed an increase in online reviews of yourself and your practice over the last

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

Antihypertensive agents and eczema: New data for older patients

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 12, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 10 "Anyone who recalls the 1971 Loving Care commercial exclaiming, ‘You’re not getting older. You’re getting better!’ is getting older. America is graying — in 2019, people older than 65 years accounted for 16% of the population; in

This month’s news from across the specialty

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

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

August 30, 2023

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / August 30, 2023 ... Does low-dose oral minoxidil improve hair density in traction alopecia? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : A medal-worthy diagnosis: Medallion-like dermal dendrocyte hamartoma Methotrexate: Drug survival and predicative

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:

Become an Academy Social Media Correspondent

Want insider access to social media content ideas, plus unique opportunities to amplify your voice and position the specialty of dermatology? ... This is your invitation to step behind the scenes and become a key voice in the Academy’s Your Dermatologist Knows consumer positioning strategy. Designed to position dermatologists as

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