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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

Private equity ownership

Best for: Dermatologists looking to offload administrative burdens, access capital, and join larger practice groups with streamlined operations and stronger payer leverage. ... Quick summary: Join a private equity-backed dermatology group to gain financial incentives, reduce business management duties, and access better infrastructure. Ideal for those nearing retirement or seeking

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

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.

Examine the exam room for opportunities for efficiencies

The exam room often makes up for less than half of the medical office space, but the exam room is the primary place where physicians and patients develop their relationship. The design and set up of this space should be carefully considered to optimize efficiency, workflow, and patient engagement. ...

Speak up to protect patient access

Speak up to fight for Medicare Physician Payment Reform through our grassroots tools from home. Here are six ways to get involved and demand that Congress reforms Medicare physician payment: ... Contact Congress using the AAD Action Center Urge long-term Medicare payment reform. ... Educate your patients Resources to educate

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

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 ... Measure calculation example ... Dr. Taylor saw 221 adult patients during the reporting period. Three patients are excluded from the denominator because they have an active diagnosis of hypertension. After the exclusion, the denominator is 218. ...

Perianal dermatologic exams are looking up

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 14, 2016 Every dermatologist confronts how to ask a person to disrobe for a full body skin examination. Ultimately, I came up with the following line when asked what should be exposed: "The more of you I see, the better off you are —

AADA successfully advocates for new malignant neoplasm diagnostic code

The AADA advocated for you and got a new diagnostic code for reporting follow-up encounters for patients with malignant neoplasms. It can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The approved ICD-10-CM code Z08 allows dermatologists to report primary diagnosis and proper history of malignant neoplasm treated for

Keeping up

Dermatologists discuss the various methods for staying current with the latest medical research ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, contributing writer, August 1, 2021 With an estimated 33,000 peer-reviewed, English-language, scientific journals and more than 3 million articles published each year, it’s no wonder that staying current with the medical

Clinical Guidelines app

Providing up-to-date clinical guidelines is an important function of the AAD and one of the top benefits for AAD members, but it can be difficult to quickly refer to them during a patient encounter. ... Thanks to the new AAD Clinical Guidelines app, available as an AAD member benefit, you

Dialogues in Dermatology

We have exciting news about your favorite dermatology podcast! ... Your AAD membership includes access to Dialogues in Dermatology . Each 20-minute episode is a perfect way to keep up with the latest clinical pearls, research developments, and practice-changing trends. ... With ... Dialogues you can: ... Listen to new,

Dermatologic ergonomics: Straighten up and fly right

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD June 28, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 26 My posture has never been proper, having a proclivity to slouch. "Stand up straight, son!" my father would admonish. When I was young and supple, I would half-listen to the advice, usually reverting to my standard (incorrect)

Optimizing telehealth services

Cracking the code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, July 1, 2020 Take the quiz to see if you're up to date. ... You spend seven minutes doing

Cultivating a supportive work culture

Work culture is a collection of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that make up the regular atmosphere of your workplace. A healthy work culture is fundamental to good patient care and your own well-being. So what does it take to create a healthy, wellness-oriented, dynamic culture? ... To start, it takes

Get started as a practicing dermatologist

Starting your career as a dermatologist is exciting, but it’s also packed with many decisions. Should you join a group or go solo? What should you look for in a job offer? How do you even set up a practice? ... This guide provides AAD resources to help you get

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

What is Question of the Week and how do I sign up for it?

Asked and Answered ... October 30, 2018 Question of the Week is an opportunity to earn both CME and Self-Assessment credits, which can be used to fulfill Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements for AAD members who are enrolled in MOC through the American Board of Dermatology. ... By completing a

Self-care starts with skin care

Meena Reddy, BS, led the Boy Scouts in her community to open up and talk about their skin. Meena’s story ... Meena Reddy, BS, taught the Boy Scouts in her community to be comfortable talking about their skin. ... Serving as a mentor and a guide for the Boy Scouts

Member toolkit: Resources

Stay connected with the Academy ... Whether you are just getting started or a well-seasoned veteran, the Academy’s social media platforms are great resources for staying up to date with the specialty and educating the public. ... Follow @AADmember ( ... Facebook , ... Twitter , ... Instagram ) ...

Leadership Forum shines a light on next generation of dermatologists

AAD member Kristen Lo Sicco, MD, found common ground with fellow up and coming dermatologists at the Leadership Forum. Dr. Lo Sicco’s story ... Born and raised in New York, Kristen I. Lo Sicco, MD, FAAD, is happy to be providing care at NYU Langone Health. ... The AAD’s Leadership

AAD adds even more courses to robust Learning Center library

The AAD’s Learning Center frequently releases new content to ensure that Academy members always have the opportunity to receive high-quality, up-to-date education on a variety of important topics. ... Some of the new courses released in 2025 include: ... Navigating Clinical Trials: Essential Knowledge for Dermatologists Management of Acne Vulgaris:

Patient education licensing opportunities

Written and vetted by dermatologists, the AAD’s patient education content is accurate, up-to-date, and most importantly easy to understand. ... Doctors are always looking for reliable and accurate patient education resources for their patients. And now, with your support, your company can use this tool to provide the doctors in

2025 AADA Legislative Conference: Program and agenda

Lace up your shoes and join us for Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! during the AAD Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. This energizing, community-driven event supports skin cancer prevention and early detection efforts led by the American Academy of Dermatology. The hike will take place on Monday morning of the

Member benefits — 2022 AAD Annual Meeting: Unparalleled educational experiences

More than 15,000 attended the 2022 AAD Annual Meeting in Boston, including more than 7,500 medical personnel, more than 3,000 members, and more than 2,000 residents/fellows, many of whom were experiencing their first AAD Meeting. There were also more than 1,900 non-medical personnel in attendance. The AAD had more than

Common soft tissue biopsy codes

Review this chart to make sure you are up to date with all of the most common soft tissue biopsy codes. ... Mohs micrographic surgery educational tool ... Download our educational tool on pathology consultations and paraffin sections during Mohs micrographic surgery. ... Download the PDF Mohs frozen specimen educational

Helping you navigate coding

The AAD maintains an extensive suite of resources to help you navigate the coding process. These resources are constantly updated whenever needed, ensuring that you always have access to the most up-to-date information available. ... New coding resources introduced in 2025 include: ... Revenue cycle best practices Diagnosis coding updates

Advocating for you — We prevented Medicare cuts in 2022

In 2021, the specialty was facing Medicare payment cuts of up to 10% due to the policy changes with the evaluation and management (E/M) codes, sequestration, and the budget rules associated with the Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. The AADA focused on averting the steep cuts — looking for long-term solutions

Everyone needs guidelines…on demand!

The AAD has published more high-yield, evidence-based guidelines on a variety of topics in the ... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology to help members ensure they’re providing the best and most up-to-date care for their patients. ... A recent ... DermWorld Academy Insider interview with Peggy A. Wu,

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

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

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

Advocacy Update Sept 9, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 9, 2025 Members speak up for Medicare physician payment reform at 2025 Legislative Conference AADA meets with CMS to advance Medicare payment reform and patient access Support SkinPAC Medicare physician payment reform Members speak up for Medicare physician payment reform at 2025 Legislative Conference ...

Importance of continuous professional development

Professional development is critical to success because it ensures staff is competent and current, contributing to efficiency and better patient care. Unlike required compliance training, professional development gives employees an opportunity to enhance and advance their career. Actively encouraging professional development helps employees bring innovations to the table and demonstrates

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

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

Doxycycline as prophylaxis for EGFR-induced folliculitis: Is a pound of cure worth an ounce of prevention?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 23, 2016 Epidermal Growth Factor Inhibitors (EGFRI) may cause acneiform eruptions that characteristically appear within a few weeks of their administration. These appear in > 50% of cases treated with EGFRI and in up to 100% of those cases treated with cetuximab. The appearance

The importance of cross-training and preparing for change

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

Review of systems (ROS)

Review Of Systems (ROS): In a nutshell ... Review of Systems (ROS) is an inventory of body systems that you get from asking patients about their symptoms. If you don’t code the ROS correctly, you can end up down-coding, which isn’t good for your patient’s outcome or your bottom line.

Are you part of our AAD Clinical Community?

Launched earlier this year, your new online ... AAD Clinical Community is living up to its name and growing into a large, vibrant community! This new member benefit provides AAD members a moderated space to collaborate on clinical cases, advance medical skills and knowledge, and participate in a forum to

Improving insomnia by increasing the diagnostic accuracy of desmoplastic melanomas

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 21, 2016 Desmoplastic melanomas (DM) may only represent up to 4% of melanomas, however, they are responsible for 50% my insomniac nights. It is easy to lose sleep worrying if that the slightly indurated lesion that I reassured the patient was a "scar," or

Following up on “A Trend I Cannot Endorse”

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 22, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 38 I admit defeat. ... For those of you who did not read " ... A Trend I Cannot Endorse ," which was published on Dermatology Insights and Inquiries (the forerunner of Dermatology World Insights and Inquiries), please

Addressing negative comments on social media

Social media can be a powerful tool for educating the public, connecting with colleagues, staying up to date on the specialty, and more. However, social networking sites also provide forums for patients and the public to express disagreement with your messages or dissatisfaction with your services. ... Allowing an open

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

Trial balloons of gene expression profiles of calloon cell melanoma predict the future

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 29, 2018 Satellite metastasis of balloon cell melanoma. Graft scar of melanoma and satellite bluish skin–colored indurated papules with pseudovesiculation (black arrow points to the papule examined with dermoscopy). ... Credit: ... JAAD The site of balloons is joyous; however, I am always nervous

Using documentation aids to reduce burdens

Dermatologists report endless frustration with medical documentation in the age of EHR. They spend several hours a day on average entering documentation into cumbersome EHR systems, which takes away from both patient and personal time. What was once a straightforward part of medicine now takes away many hours of precious

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

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

Yeast rising: Predicting the efficacy of candida antigen immunotherapy for warts

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 2, 2017 ... Numerous flat warts (verrucae plana) seen on upper extremities of patient with epidermodysplasia verruciformis. ... Credit: ... JAAD Perhaps I’m paranoid, but I always think that warts are laughing at me, or at least at whatever I throw at them —

Shade Structure Program

The AAD Shade Structure Grant Program awards grants of up to $8,000 to public schools and non-profit organizations for installing permanent shade structures for outdoor locations that are not protected from the sun, such as playgrounds, pools, or recreation spaces. In addition to the grant, the AAD also provides a permanent sign

December 7, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Dec. 7, 2022 ... Recommendations for follow-up of patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Xylazine ("Tranq") — The potential for loss of life and limb Using apremilast

Resident Quality Improvement Award

The AAD is offering financial support to residents engaged in quality improvement projects that help meet requirements for ACGME accreditation. ... Receive up to $2,000 and recognition for the valuable work that is a required part of today’s training. Funds can help cover expenses of data collection, materials and supplies,

Webinar & additional resources

Use these resources to better educate yourself and your team on proper coding and claim submission to reduce the likelihood of future denials. ... Please download these resources that accompany the webinar. ... Break-up Best Practices Tool (PDF) ... Setting up to Succeed Payer Contracting Tool Kit (XLS) ... Sample

Unlimited access to Dialogues for members!

Among the member benefits we talk about in this issue, this one is extra special. Your membership now unlocks access to our popular ... Dialogues in Dermatology podcast — at no cost. No subscription is required — just an active membership. ... Each 20-minute episode is a perfect way to

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

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

How can I use DataDerm to report for MIPS?

Asked and Answered ... November 29, 2018 DataDerm™ can help you report for all three MIPS categories in 2018: ... Quality Promoting interoperability (PI) Improvement activities (IA) Here’s how to get started: ... 1. Step one: Sign up. ... Complete the sign-up portal at ... https://dataderm.aad.org/signup/Login.aspx by ... Dec. 7,

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

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp must no longer be dermatology’s secret

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 30, 2017 As dermatologists, we get used to discussing disorders that are foreign to other physicians. A typical story would be someone with classic notalgia paresthetica whose primary care physician does not believe that cervical arthritis is responsible for the maddening scapular pruritus. "My

skin healthy magazine is committed to patient education

The biannual magazine featured over two dozen articles in 2022. The Academy provided U.S. members with more than 50 copies each of the two complimentary issues of ... skin healthy magazine — which provides expert editorial content on common conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails and the most up-to-date

“It wasn’t a choice. It was a responsibility.”

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ...  DW Weekly  talked to Rishi Chopra, MD, a second-year dermatology resident at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, about his experiences working on the front lines of one of three hospitals designated by Gov. Cuomo as

AADA successfully advocates for new diagnostic code

Moving the needle ... January 1, 2024 DermWorld ... breaks down the latest highlights of AADA advocacy activities at the federal and state legislative and regulatory level. The AADA advocated for you and got a new diagnostic code for reporting follow-up encounters for patients with malignant neoplasms. The approved ICD-10-CM

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

Behind the lens

In Practice ... Alan Gardner, MD, is a dermatologist in Marietta, Georgia. ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, February 1, 2019 Picking up photography was a natural fit for a dermatologist, says Alan Gardner, MD, of Marietta, Georgia. "I like beauty; I like seeing things," he explains. "It’s what I

Impact Report — Winter 2022

With the support of members like you, we are stepping up to meet the challenges of the specialty together. Even COVID-19 has not stopped us from raising the bar on our efforts to keep the specialty strong and your patients healthy and informed. This is the first anniversary of our

AAD disaster relief loan application

If you are a licensed dermatologist or dermatology resident who was impacted by the wildfires in and around Los Angeles, the Academy is offering assistance in the form of low interest loans to help in recovery. ... Eligible dermatologists can apply for up to $25,000 and graduate members (residents and

Focus on Mohs surgery

Cracking the code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, August 1, 2020 Take the quiz to see if you're up to date. ... You receive a CBR report

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

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

Optimizing prior authorization documentation

Answers in Practice ... By Swapna Bhatia, MPH, December 1, 2020 Each month DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month Swapna Bhatia, MPH, the Academy’s health technology and informatics manager, explains prior authorization optimization. Do you know everything that prior authorizations entail? Have prior authorization requirements increased

Key Contacts

AADA Key Contacts are grassroots advocates who develop and maintain personal relationships with their elected officials. Key Contacts receive training and support from AADA staff and have opportunities to network with others in the program. They are a trusted resource to their elected officials on policy issues affecting dermatologists and

The Academy goes live with its meetings in 2022

In 2022, the AAD’s Annual Meeting returned as a live event in Boston. The ... 2022 AAD Annual Meeting in Boston was attended by more than ... 15,000 attendees, who took in the Academy’s rich and varied offerings, including more than 7,500 medical personnel, more than 3,000 members, and more

Melanoma in situ: The power of one (centimeter)?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 10, 2016 I remember Marie. She was a delightful elderly woman whom I would see for routine follow-up following an excision of her melanoma in situ (MIS) from her right arm. I will never forget my astonishment upon feeling the large lymph node in

Dermatologists team up to provide shade in Florida

When Florida Academy of Dermatology (FAD) members, led by Cyndi J. Yag-Howard, MD, FAAD, learned of an available matching grant from AAD and Neutrogena to build shade structures, they jumped at the chance to provide shade at a local aquatic center in Naples, Florida. Dr. Yag-Howard's story ... On Feb.

Dermatology benign, premalignant, and malignant destruction code utilization

The AADA coding team continues to educate dermatologists on the code utilization indicators for services provided in a dermatology setting. As a follow-up to the first in the series, ... How does your benign and malignant excision code utilization compare to the average in dermatology , the coding team has

Eyeing 2019 with resolve

From the President ... Dr. Olbricht served as Academy president from March 2018 to March 2019. ... By Suzanne Olbricht, MD, January 1, 2019 January often calls us to make a fresh start. This doesn’t just apply to people looking to lose weight, organize their closets, or volunteer more. The

Congenital juvenile xanthogranulomas: Born to be wild (but ultimately mild)

Positivity for CD68 stain is limited in center of specimen, where changes of juvenile xanthogranuloma exist. ... Credit: JAAD ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 17, 2018 "Lost to follow-up" has implications that go beyond the obvious. Following up with patients is an essential part of learning for physicians

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. ...

Sun exposure taking a toll: new AAD survey shows sharp increase in sun damage across the U.S.

Practice safe sun ahead of Melanoma Monday (May 5) ROSEMONT, Ill. (April 29, 2025) — A recent survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults showed that nearly all Americans believe sun protection is important, with 1 in 4 citing the influence of a dermatologist as the reason. However, Americans have

PD1 blockade: The next step for aggressive basal cell carcinomas?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 19, 2017 I was about to start the weekend, relishing that delightful TGIF feeling, with one final task — go through lab reports in my bin. My mood became morose when I read the follow-up letter about Sue (not her real name). She

Up in the air

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... With the country embroiled in a public health crisis, how much will the 2020 elections inform health care policy? ... With the country embroiled in a public health crisis, how much will the 2020 elections inform health care

Glow up

How can dermatologists counsel teens, tweens, and their parents on safe skin care practices? ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, February 1, 2025 With the growing popularity of beauty influencers and viral skin care routines, social media is playing an integral role in shaping how people care for

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

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

Adult Immunization Status — Measure 493

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

Adult Immunization Status — Measure 493

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

Stepping up

Academy’s leadership programs position dermatologists for success ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, Contributing Writer, June 1, 2022 Are you unsure of the direction you want your career to go? Could you use help navigating the world of academia? Do you want to hone your leadership and communication skills? If

Member benefits — Remote control: Teledermatology just got easier

Your ... Academy Teledermatology Toolkit is filled with all the resources you’ve asked for to handle remote consultations efficiently. ... A new downloadable flowchart helps you distinguish between and code these visits, augmented by an updated coding guide. The Academy’s new teledermatology guidance also includes the recently approved ... Teledermatology

Learning module: Morphology

Goals and objectives for module ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students learn how to best describe skin lesions. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Develop a systematic approach to describing skin eruptions ... Use the descriptors and definitions 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

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

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

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

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

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

Academy of Dermatology mobile apps

Learning Center app Access your favorite AAD educational activities easily from your mobile device. ... Clinical guidelines app Quickly look up the data you need in an easy-to-use-interface that puts information at your fingertips. ... Academy Meetings app Navigate the AAD Annual and Innovation Academy meetings from your mobile device.

Advocacy Update Dec 9, 2025

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

Advocacy Update Feb. 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

Find a member

Use this page to select between our Member directory and Find a Dermatologist. The Member directory is available only to AAD members, while Find a Dermatologist is designed for the public. ... Member directory Make sure your contact info is up to date in our new directory. This listing is

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

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

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

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

Tying up loose ends

Answers in Practice ... By Swapna Bhatia, MPH, December 1, 2019 Shutting down a dermatology practice can be stressful, whether it be planned or unplanned circumstances — especially if you are not familiar with the protocols of what to do with your patients’ electronic health records (EHRs). Do not make

2026 AAD Innovation Academy: Resource Center

Your one stop for all things AAD! ... Come to the AAD Resource Center during the 2026 AAD Innovation Academy and get exclusive meeting discounts on products for the entire practice and talk one-on-one with expert staff about the wealth of resources and perks available to you ... . Don’t

Learning module: Benign skin lesions

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students recognize and manage some of the most common benign skin lesions. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Recognize some of the most common benign skin lesions ... Educate patients about

More publications

DermWorld Weekly DermWorld Weekly is a brief digest of the latest news, hand-picked by Dermatology World’s editorial team with analysis of why it matters to dermatologists. ... DermWorld Academy Insider DermWorld Academy Insider is a weekly email newsletter that keeps members up to date on Academy programs, actions, and news,

Learning module: The skin exam

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a systematic approach to the skin exam and highlight the importance of examining the entire cutaneous surface. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Discuss the key questions that make

2021 E/M Coding Tool

Patient Status ... Elements of Medical Decision Making ... Time ... If you wish to look up multiple codes, be sure to select "Exit" at the end to reset the tool. Related Academy resources ... Return to current E/M coding pages Return to the tabbed current E/M coding pages for

Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions in children

Objective ... The purpose of this module is to develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions in children. ... By completing this module, the learner will be able to: ... Identify key features of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, work-up, and management ... Identify the

Learning module: Newborn skin disease: rashes

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help learners develop a clinical approach for rashes in newborns. ... By completing this module, the learner will be able to: ... Identify the morphology, distribution, and characteristic timing of erythema toxicum, transient neonatal pustular melanosis, miliaria, seborrheic dermatitis,

Up and down.

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, December 1, 2023 Such has been the tenor of 2023. We have seen deeply troubling events in the past 12 months, with a growing distrust of "others" at the heart of

Start the presses!

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Experts offer advice on how to successfully manage media relations ... Experts offer advice on how to successfully manage media relations ... By Victoria Houghton, assistant managing editor When Anne Chapas, MD, arrived in New York City and

Dermatologist in disguise

In Practice ... In this month's Balance in Practice, ... Dermatology World talks with M. Alan Menter, MD, about how holiday traditions can build community with colleagues and forge patient bonds. ... By Emily Margosian, content specialist, February 1, 2018 Most people just want to see their dermatologist as soon

Webinars

Timely, relevant coding information — anytime, anywhere. ... Maximize your training budget while staying current on trending coding topics without leaving the office. Our experts cover the most pressing coding, reimbursement, and documentation topics affecting dermatology. ... How it works: ... Purchasers will receive reminders and login instructions prior to

May 30

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / MAY 30, 2018 ... FDA issues warning on unapproved sunscreen pills May Access Hero: Karen Edison, MD Study: AI detects skin cancer better than dermatologists BCBS Michigan rescinds modifier 25 reimbursement

Learning module: Basic science of the skin

Goals and objectives ... The goal of this module is to introduce medical students to some of the important basic science principles necessary to an understanding of dermatologic disease. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Understand skin functions and how relevant dysfunction contributes to

Learning module: Blisters

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of patients who present with blisters. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... List common causes of blisters by location ...

Learning module: Hair loss

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help learners develop a clinical approach to the evaluation of hair loss. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... List common causes of hair loss ... Differentiate sudden and gradual hair loss, and common

May 4, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 4, 2022 ... Plantar warts: Local hyperthermia vs. cryotherapy DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Eruptive pseudoangiomatosis is real Intralesional methotrexate vs. triamcinolone acetonide for nail matrix psoriasis Report shows physician

Empower your nurses by rethinking and reorganizing their 'station'

Nurses are a critical component of the care team responsible for important clinical tasks and helping to improve the patient experience and outcomes. They also serve as advocates and educators for patients. ... The nurse station is a central hub where nurses or medical assistants (MAs) go between patient exams

What is an AAD Expert Resource Group (ERG)? Do I need to be an expert to join?

Asked and Answered ... December 1, 2023 The Academy’s Expert Resource Groups (ERGs) are made up of individuals who come together to share information and knowledge about a particular topic, usually specific diseases or issues relevant to dermatology. ... You do not need to be an expert on an ERG’s

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

What is an Academy Expert Resource Group, and do I need to be an expert to join?

Asked and Answered ... December 1, 2019 Great question! The Academy’s Expert Resource Groups (ERGs) are made up of individuals who come together to share information and knowledge about a particular topic, usually specific diseases or issues relevant to dermatology. ... You do not need to be an expert on

Two new skin healthy issues put information directly into patients’ hands

Winter, summer editions were full of useful tips. ... Since the last update, the Academy published two new issues of ... skin healthy magazine. ... skin healthy provides expert editorial content on common conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, and up-to-date recommendations on keeping skin healthy year-round. ... skin

Common coding questions: Answered

Cracking the code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, April 1, 2020 Test your knowledge: Common coding questions ... Take the quiz to see if you're up to

More than just avocado toast

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... How to recruit and retain millennial doctors ... How to recruit and retain millennial doctors ... By Emily Margosian, content specialist Rose gold iPhones aside, millennials are making waves in health care. Currently the largest living generation —

Technology-based encounters in dermatology

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

June 28, 2023

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE/ June 28, 2023 ... A beneficial botanical extract for actinic keratosis? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Dermatologic ergonomics — Straighten up and fly right FDA approves alopecia areata treatment in adults and

Helping kids be carefree

Tatyana Fonseca is a longtime volunteer who keeps coming back. Tatyana’s story ... My name is Tatyana and I got involved with Camp Discovery in 2015. I was initially intended to be a camper in 2014, but as a teenager who underestimated the importance of deadlines, I ended up joining

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

September 5

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / September 5, 2018 ... CMS values virtual appointments AMA House of Delegates votes on critical health policy resolutions High drug costs send patients seeking foreign medications FDA approves tretinoin lotion for

Learning module: Urticaria

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a clinical approach to the initial evaluation and treatment of patients with urticaria. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Describe the morphology of urticaria ... Distinguish between acute and

Learning module: Blotches: Dark rashes

Goals and objectives for module ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of patients presenting with hyperpigmented rashes. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Identify and describe the morphology of

Learning module: Erythroderma

Goals and objectives for module ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of patients presenting with erythroderma. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Identify and describe the morphology of erythroderma

Learning module: Viral exanthems

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of patients who present with typical viral exanthems. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Recognize morbilliform eruption as a prototype

Learning module: Warts

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of patients who present with warts. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Identify and describe the morphology of various types

Thoughts about genital melanosis on Melanoma Monday

By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 1, 2017 Vulvar genital melanosis. The lesions on the posterior fourchette are dark brown to black in color while other superior macules in the labia minora and vagina are lighter brown. Additively, the lesions are more than 2 cm in diameter. The lesions are

Learning module: Basal cell carcinoma

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of patients who present with suspicious lesions. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Identify and describe the morphology of basal

Learning module: Molluscum contagiosum

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of patients who present with molluscum contagiosum. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Identify and describe the morphology of molluscum

October 3

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / October 3, 2018 ... Budget bill includes wins for dermatology AAD updates "Find a Dermatologist" tool — have you updated your profile? Are you smarter than DataDerm™? Did CMS miscalculate your

Learning module: Melanoma

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of patients with lesions suspicious for melanoma. ... After completing this module, the learner should be able to: ... Identify and describe the morphology of melanoma

June 24, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / June 24, 2020 ... Derm Coding Consult : Are you ready for E/M coding changes? DW Insights and Inquiries : Phacing the future — When patients with PHACE syndrome grow up

Using DataDerm™ to seamlessly report for MIPS

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... Dermatology World talks with John Albertini, MD, at The Skin Surgery Center in North Carolina and Chris DeGeorge, director of integration and practice operations at QualDerm Partners, about how DataDerm™ has helped ease the burden

Clinical information

1. How contagious is measles? ... Measles is a highly contagious virus, much more contagious than the common cold and even more contagious than other outbreaks like smallpox or Ebola. ... 1 ... Measles is potentially transmissible even after brief exposures and at distances up to 30 meters. ... 2

JAAD enjoys another JIF! Journal takes top honors for third straight year!

JAAD  achieved the number one  ... Journal Impact Factor (JIF) again in 2021 and that’s a big deal! It means that ... JAAD is being cited more than any other dermatology journal, which may also mean your research is being cited a lot more. ... Here are all the impressive

Impact Report — Vol 3, Issue 2

Seen, heard, valued. It all adds up. Whether it’s advocating for you on the Hill, supplementing our coding resources, positioning the specialty, or enhancing and adding to your member benefits, it all builds something bigger and stronger for dermatology. ... Read about our most current advocacy efforts, specialty positioning initiatives,

Resident Quality Improvement Award project presentations 2021

The recipients of the 2021 Resident Quality Improvement Award present their quality improvement projects. ... Reliable Sample Tracking: QI project to prevent pathway sample loss ... Sungat K. Grewel, MD ... Ensuring follow-up for patients who cancel or "no-show" skin cancer excision appointments ... Connie Shi, MD ... Post-visit informational

Learning module: Sun protection

Goals and objectives ... Upon completion of this module, the learner will be able to: ... Explain the short and long-term risks of sun exposure ... Screen for risky sun-seeking behaviors in adolescents ... Counsel patients on effective sun safety and protection ... Identify patients with photosensitivity disorders that may

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

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

Giving thanks

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

Technology solutions to improve efficiency in your dermatology practice

Managing a dermatology practice involves maintaining high-quality patient care while ensuring operational efficiency and financial sustainability. As regulatory requirements and patient expectations evolve, adopting the right technology helps your practice keep up. Technology streamlines workflows, reduces administrative burdens, and enhances patient care. ... This guide offers an overview of essential

Advanced pediatric bacterial skin infections

Goals and objectives ... The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of pediatric patients who present with bacterial skin infections. ... Develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of select pediatric bacterial infections ...

Get ready for MIPS in 2019

In Practice ... Faiza Wasif, MPH, is the AAD's practice management manager. Her column offers tips on an area she commonly receives questions about from members. ... By Faiza Wasif, MPH, February 1, 2019 CMS has made several changes to the 2019 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). While CMS did

7 Rosacea skin care tips

Board-certified dermatologist weighs in ROSEMONT, Ill. (Apr. 9, 2024)  — Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects at least 14 million U.S. adults and commonly appears as a tendency to blush or flush more easily than others. While treatable, symptoms, such as skin thickening and eye problems, can often

Incident to, revisited

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, 2018 Test your knowledge: Incident to, revisited ... Take the quiz to see if you're up to

Talking Points: Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Please use the following key messages when you’re educating the public about skin cancer prevention and detection for Skin Cancer Awareness Month. ... Skin cancer can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. ... Everyone is at risk for skin cancer. In fact, at least one in five

This month's news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... January 1, 2024 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Mallory Abate, MD, FAAD Payer denials are an ever-increasing problem, leading to an increased burden of administrative tasks, and more and more physicians

Preparing for a successful HIPAA audit

In Practice ... Faiza Wasif, MPH, is the AAD's practice management manager. Her column offers tips on an area she commonly receives questions about from members. ... By Faiza Wasif, MPH, April 1, 2019 Typically, when the word audit’ comes up, it brings feelings of anxiety and fear. However, it

We live and work within a broad, intertwined community

From the President ... Dr. Olbricht served as Academy president from March 2018 to March 2019. ... By Suzanne Olbricht, MD, August 1, 2018 It’s August, which means summer vacations, cookouts, and sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen. While the dog days of summer can be a great time to relax and catch

Five new employee onboarding best practices

One common mistake many businesses make is not formally training or onboarding new hires. Often employers believe that employees will acquire knowledge on the job, as they go. They do! But not everything can be learned on the job. Formally training and retraining employees provides an underestimated return on investment

Practice impact of prior authorizations

Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, October 1, 2020 Prior authorizations pose significant administrative burdens on dermatology practices, with the process often involving great expense and labor. According to the AAD 2020 Prior Authorization Survey, dermatology offices have spent on average over $40,000 on additional staff

Bank of America - Practice Solutions

When you need financing for your dermatology practice, you want to work with someone who understands your industry. For over 25 years, Bank of America Practice Solutions has helped dermatologists across the nation reach their goals through smart financial solutions ... 1 ... and expert guidance. Whether you own a

I am interested in teledermatology. Can the Academy offer any guidance?

Asked and Answered ... June 1, 2020 Yes. The AAD believes that teledermatology is a powerful tool for increasing patient access to needed dermatologic care. Members can access an online teledermatology toolkit with up-to-date resources on: ... Access the ... AAD teledermatology toolkit . ... Looking for More Answers? ...

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 was simpler back then. What’s hot ... This month’s news from across the specialty Clinical Applications ... What can be done to reduce

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

December

Issue ... December January February March April May June July August September October November December View digital flipbook In this issue ... From the Editor ... Up and down. What’s hot ... This month’s news from across the specialty Clinical Applications ... What features in psoriasis patients indicate that the

Sharing Good Skin Knowledge

Medical student Charissa Obeng-Nyarko, MS, knows the importance of educating youth. Charissa’s story ... Charissa Obeng-Nyarko, MS, first-year medical student at Florida State University College of Medicine. ... Growing up, I was rarely exposed to education about my skin health. Access to this information was limited and also not a

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

We have a front-row seat

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, September 1, 2025 Just as the skin offers a window into the health of an individual patient, the pattern of diseases we see in our patients can tell us a lot

I always knew firefighting was a dangerous occupation

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

New skin healthy touts your expertise

The Academy published a new issue of ... skin healthy this summer. Members receive 50 free issues of ... skin healthy and can place them in their waiting rooms and around their offices. ... Each issue of ... skin healthy features articles that directly quote members, so your patients receive

How can I access Dialogues in Dermatology?

Asked and Answered ... January 1, 2025 Your member benefits have never sounded so good! Your 2025 AAD membership now unlocks access to our popular ... Dialogues in Dermatology podcast. No subscription is required, just an active membership. ... Visit ... Your Account page to start listening, learning, and earning

AAD Licensing program

High quality content that can't be found elsewhere ... An unbiased source of scientifically accurate, reliable and up-to-date content from respected experts in the dermatology field, as well as clinical and market data representing 93% of all U.S. dermatologists. ... Need the AAD's expertise? No problem. ... Launch your dermatological

Negotiating tips

How to negotiate a contract like a pro ... You’ve made it through the hard parts. You have the knowledge, skills, and now the official opportunity to treat patients. But there’s one little thing standing in your way: The contract. ... Actually, it’s not so little. ... A contract does

February 28

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / FEBRUARY 28, 2018 ... Anthem rescinds proposed modifier 25 policy Vote in the AAD election by March 3 FDA grants rituximab priority review for pemphigus vulgaris CMS eases up on value-based

Empowering physician well-being

Answers in Practice ... By Faiza Wasif, Associate Director, Practice Management, December 1, 2023 Each month, DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month, practice management staff explains how to navigate burnout in dermatology. Navigating burnout in dermatology ... Burnout is a term that has become familiar to

Resident Quality Innovation Award and the Innovations in Quality Improvement Award

Awards ... Resident Quality Improvement Award ... The Academy offers financial support to residents engaged in quality improvement projects that help meet requirements for ACGME accreditation. Residents can receive up to $2,000 in financial support for quality improvement projects. Faculty mentors may also have the opportunity to claim American Board

Your membership offers more benefits than ever!

The benefits included in your AAD membership at no additional cost continue to expand! ... In 2025, ... Dialogues in Dermatology became a member benefit. Each episode of the Academy’s popular podcast is a quick, easy way to keep up with developments and trends. New episodes are released weekly on

Reflections from a dermatologist on a COVID-19 medical ward

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... DW Weekly talked to John G. Zampella, MD, from the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine, about his experiences on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental health cases in pediatric dermatology

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Experts discuss the cutaneous manifestations of Munchausen by proxy, child abuse, and eating disorders ... Experts discuss the cutaneous manifestations of Munchausen by proxy, child abuse, and eating disorders ... By Barbara Boughton, contributing writer While most dermatologists

Applying the 2021 E/M coding concepts in everyday practice – Part 5

Part five of the AADA’s clinical vignettes focuses on the application of coding concepts related to E/M encounters. These clinical vignettes demonstrate how data ordered outside or between encounters contributes to the Data to be Reviewed or Analyzed MDM element in the next encounter. Missed the previous articles? Review them

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

March 11, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 11, 2020 ... A guide to managing coronavirus in dermatology clinics DW Insights and Inquiries : The 2020 vision for nemolizumab in atopic dermatitis Feedback requested: AAD/NPF draft guidelines for

How do I handle an OSHA inspection?

Member experience: When fighting OSHA, documentation is best defense ...  William G. Patrick, MD, a private practice dermatologist in Fayetteville, New York, shares his experience battling an OSHA fine. In early 2014, one of my employees quit after being reprimanded for poor performance. I suspect that this disgruntled employee then

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

Coding Resource Center

Code like a pro with AADA 2026 resources ... Ensure correct code selection, reduce denials, and get appropriately reimbursed. ... Order now Schedule your State Society Presentation Now! The presentation calendar is filling up quickly. ... Reserve your preferred date by completing the State Society Coding Presentation Form ... Access

Dermatologic FOMO and suggested remedies

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 10, 2016 "The main problem of the future will be deciding what to do with your newly found leisure time that these inventions will allow." I heard (and believed) this as a 9-year-old boy visiting the General Electric Pavillion exhibiting Disney’s "Carousel of Progress"

Remembering your “why”

From the President ... Dr. Kaufmann served as Academy president from March 2022 to March 2023. ... By Mark Kaufmann, MD, FAAD, April 1, 2022 After having just returned from the 2022 AAD Annual Meeting, I am reflecting on how refreshing it was to hear about the latest research in

Staff integration and engagement tips

Has your staff mastered the practice’s electronic health record (EHR)? Do you have a team who can fully implement and use the EHR? Creating an effective EHR team is vital to staying up-to-date with the EHR. This team will be critical in helping you implement the EHR, but they should

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

Biopsy coding in 2019: 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, December 3, 2018 Test your knowledge: Biopsy coding in 2019 — Part 2 ... Take the quiz to see

What are AAD Expert Resource Groups (ERGs) and how can I get involved?

Asked and Answered ... January 1, 2022 The Academy’s Expert Resource Groups (ERGs) are made up of individuals who come together to share information and knowledge about a particular topic, usually specific diseases or issues relevant to dermatology. ... You do not need to be an expert on an ERG’s

Believe in the joy of dermatology

From the President ... Dr. Hruza served as Academy president from March 2019 to March 2020. ... By George Hruza, MD, MBA, May 1, 2019 From AI offering a promising approach to diagnosing skin disease, to groundbreaking treatments for your patients’ chronic conditions and telemedicine technology helping us reach previously

A plasma cell dyscrasia fable: AESOP and POEMS presenting concurrently

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 7, 2016 There is a moral to every fable. In this commentary, it is that VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) may have multiple cutaneous manifestations, even in the same patient. ... Rongioletti et al presented the case of a 70 year-old man with an

Basic Dermatology Curriculum

The American Academy of Dermatology has a long history of involvement in medical student education. This curriculum was created by a work group of experienced dermatology educators and is based on the best available evidence. ... Note ... If this is the first time you are accessing the Academy's online

Side gig

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... What can physicians do in addition to clinical services, and how do you get started? ... What can physicians do in addition to clinical services, and how do you get started? ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor While

Dermatologic surgery

Transplantation dermatology: Race matters Breaking up (with habits) is hard to do: The role of platelet transfusions when performing skin biopsies on profoundly thrombocytopenic patients Angiosarcomas and morbid obesity: An enormous problem Nom de plume: Affaire risquée A surgical pearl (in waiting) for the medical dermatologist Patients’ (mis)understanding of their

Keyboard courage fuels cyberbullies

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Experts discuss cyberbullying, its prevalence in medicine, and the impact on physicians ... Experts discuss cyberbullying, its prevalence in medicine, and the impact on physicians ... By Ruth Carol, contributing writer Remember the bully on the playground? Well,

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

September 22, 2021

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 22, 2021 ... What treatment is most effective for refractory spontaneous urticaria? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Following up on "A Trend I Cannot Endorse" DermWorld Young Physician Focus :

I have several practice management questions about coding, MIPS, and DataDerm. How can I get help?

Asked and Answered ... August 1, 2020 The Academy offers up-to-date, practical guidance from staff experts in the following areas: ... Coding ... Visit the ... Coding Resource Center at www.aad.org/member/practice/coding for practical tips, tools, quizzes, and videos about common dermatologic coding issues. Members can access guidance on: ... Biopsies

Support the AAD Teledermatology Program

Throughout the U.S., there are many underserved areas where primary care physicians do not have easy access to dermatologists. Through the ... AAD Teledermatology Program , these physicians can easily consult with volunteer dermatologists and better serve patients in need. As more clinics sign up and physicians become trained to

November

Issue ... November January February March April May June July August September October November December View digital flipbook In this issue ... From the Editor ... From the editor Asked and Answered ... What is Question of the Week and how do I sign up for it? What's hot ...

Members Making a Difference Award

The Academy’s Council on Member Services reviews all completed nominations and selects one winner for each quarter in the year. The award is distributed quarterly to an AAD member, chosen based on the significance of the work he/she has done and the uniqueness of the volunteer activity. All nominees will remain

The doctor will see you...soon?

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

Drain, pare, snip

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

Modifier 25, revisited

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, March 1, 2018 Test your knowledge: Modifier 25, revisited ... Take the quiz to see if you're up to

Two long years

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, February 1, 2022 Some days, it does not seem possible that almost two years have elapsed since we first heard about this worrisome new virus. Other days, it is hard to

The skin-mind connection

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, March 1, 2020 There is rarely a day when I am not reminded of the fascinating and intimate relationship of the skin and the mind. Psychological factors are estimated to play a

The fundamentals of recruiting, hiring, and retaining high-quality staff

All workplaces face challenges when it comes to human resources (HR). Medical offices are no different. National surveys show that the following challenges tend to rise to the top for medical practices: ... Hiring and recruiting qualified candidates. ... Retaining employees and minimizing turnover. ... Finding opportunities and resources for

Clinical guidelines

Academy develops guidelines on AK management, reconstruction after skin cancer resection ... The Academy is dedicated to promoting and encouraging dermatology research and applying evidence-based findings to improve patient care. This includes the development of rigorous, evidence-based guidelines of care for dermatologic conditions. ... Working in collaboration with representatives from

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

The evolution of medicine requires the ability to adapt.

From the President ... Dr. Hruza served as Academy president from March 2019 to March 2020. ... By George Hruza, MD, MBA, August 1, 2019 If you’re like me, you probably found ... Dermatology World ’s July feature article that compared medicine today to medicine several decades ago very amusing.

Dermatitis

Parabens — A common allergen with lots of hype and no real harm Finding Joy in pediatric phototherapy Should dermatologists be anti-antihistamine for atopic dermatitis? Aha! The iodide paradox now makes sense! Dupilumab’s conjunctivitis conundrum Dupilumab: The first year The medical word to watch in 2018: Dysbiosis Hairdressers’ dermatologic odyssey:

May 6, 2020

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 6, 2020 ... What dermatologic hazards are COVID-19 health care workers facing? DW Insights and Inquiries: Working up pernio — How far should you dip your toe in the water?

Full disclosure

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, June 1, 2023 Many of you know that I am married to an ob-gyn, so treating pregnant patients has always been easy for me. Even in the middle of the night,

What did you do during the COVID-19 epidemic, Mom?

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, September 1, 2020 When our children and grandchildren ask us this question, some of us will have interesting stories to tell. For the most part, dermatologists would not be expected to be

I called a colleague the other day to discuss a patient

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, March 1, 2022 I somehow found his office number, picked up the phone, and called him. We had a very productive chat, and at the end he thanked me and remarked

One disease.

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, July 1, 2025 If you had a magic wand and could cure one disease, what would you pick? Over the years, caring for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has made me

This one was easy.

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, July 1, 2024 "Dear Dr. Kathryn Schwarzenberger, ... We are delighted to cordially invite you to join us and deliver a keynote speech on your latest research in the 3d World

October

Issue ... October January February March April May June July August September October November December View digital flipbook In this issue ... From the Editor ... This year, the ADA celebrates its 30th anniversary What's hot ... This month's news from across the specialty Clinical Applications ... What role can

Psoriasis

Finding Joy in pediatric phototherapy  The newest frontier for biologics and psoriasis may be adherence  Coughing up a new warning for ustekinumab Tofacitinib: A JAK inhibitor of all trades  Psoriasin: Its other meaning and implications Asking Psoriasis Patients to Open Their Mouths and Say "Ahhh" Dyeing for a "new" topical

Knowledge is power: Creating hands-on opportunities for learning

Medical student Jessica Kern encourages children and teens to learn about their skin. Jessica’s story ... Jessica Kern (center, top) and fellow medical students practice making skin models to teach their students about the three layers of the skin. ... Good Skin Knowledge enables children and adolescents to understand good

Pathology Billing: Successfully Navigating a “Minefield”

Billing for dermatopathology can often seem like a confusing maze, leading to frustration. One of the reasons is because there is a wide variety of arrangements and options that can be used to appropriately bill for dermatopathology services. ... Failing to understand those options that work best for your dermatology

Best practices for social media

In addition to keeping up with family and friends, social media sites offer several professional benefits and opportunities to dermatologists: ... Stay current on the latest news and research. ... Connect with colleagues. ... Share educational information with patients. ... Promote your practice. ... Position board-certified dermatologists as the experts

2025 AADA Legislative Conference: Legislative asks

Medicare Physician Payment Reform: Ensure Medicare stability for patients and physicians ... Medicare physician payment has failed to keep up with inflation, threatening the viability of medical practices. The current payment structure has contributed to consolidation and increased hospital ownership of physician practices, which are more costly, reduce competition, and

Hiring high-quality clinical and non-clinical staff

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

The Academy is in your corner

From the President ... Dr. Thiers served as Academy president from March 2020 to March 2021. ... By Bruce Thiers, MD, December 1, 2020 As we close out this interesting year, I often reflect on how often our members and the Academy staff have stepped up to the plate —

How to treat eczema at home

Tips from board-certified dermatologists ROSEMONT, Ill. (October 27, 2022) — Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition affecting 1 in 10 Americans. Patients with eczema often experience itchy, dry, raw, and sensitive patches of skin, which greatly impacts their quality of life. As we wrap up Eczema Awareness

How to treat acne

Board-certified dermatologist offers skin care advice to help you get the best results from your acne treatment ROSEMONT, Ill. (November 17, 2022) — Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. As your body’s largest organ, it’s important to take

Read all about it: Dermatology's media impact

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, April 1, 2019 There’s nothing fake about this news: In 2018, the Academy generated nearly 9 billion media impressions in print and online. Despite the unpredictability of the current media landscape, the specialty’s public impact has remained stable with a

Open your mind, expand your knowledge — and earn CME

The Academy offered many new educational opportunities in 2024. Evidence-based guidelines and a series of CME offerings are free to Academy members. ... And now, thanks to the new ... AAD Clinical Guidelines app — available as an AAD member benefit — you can quickly look up the information you

Promoting your practice on social and traditional media

Social media best practices Access the Academy's guidance on best practices for social media, how to handle negative reviews, and other social media issues for dermatologists. ... Dermatology issues in the news Stay up-to-date on hot topics with this quick reference tool, from issues around sunscreen, to skin cancer awareness,

Advocacy — 2021 AADA Virtual Legislative Conference

Taking your voice to D.C. ... During the second annual AADA Virtual Legislative Conference, held on Sept. 23-28, we brought some of the most vital dermatologic issues to members of Congress, and it made a difference. Notably, more than 150 of you advocated for Medicare stability and step therapy reform.

Evaluation and management in 2021: Part 1

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

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

Focus on modifier 25

Cracking the Code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, September 2, 2019 Test your knowledge: Focus on modifier 25 ... Take the quiz to see if you're up

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

Psoriasis clinical guideline

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory multisystem disease, which affects up to 3.2% of the U.S. population. The guideline is based on current evidence, emphasizing treatment recommendations and the role of the dermatologist in monitoring and educating patients about benefits as well as risks that may be associated. ... Psoriasis guideline

More than 200 AADA members, patients ask Congress to halt Medicare payment cuts, reform step therapy

Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, January 1, 2022 The second annual AADA Virtual Legislative Conference again saw impressive participation numbers this past September, bringing key dermatologic issues before members of Congress. Attendees included physicians, residents, select medical students, dermatology nurses, and patient advocates. ... Participating

LGB adults less likely to afford health care, says CDC report

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, October 1, 2022 According to a new CDC survey, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults were more likely to report being unable to afford common health services than heterosexual adults. Common health services defined by the report include prescription medication,

Hair restoration taking root among young people, women

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

What is being recommended to patients on social media?

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

A note from the Editor: The expansion and transition of Derm Coding Consult (DCC)

As you know, the practice of medicine is undergo-ing major changes. One of the Academy’s goals is to keep members up to date with relevant and current information that promotes optimal day-to-day practice operations. The Academy has published and mailed Derm Coding Consult (DCC) to every U.S. member on a

Educating the public — skin healthy magazine

skin healthy: Help us educate your patients right from your office ... More than 12,000 U.S. AAD members have received the first issue of AAD’s skin healthy, a new magazine to educate your patients about the common skin conditions you treat, and we encourage you to share this valuable resource

Advocating for you — Patient safety

We put patient safety on the map for you ... We know the optimal way to provide dermatologic care is under your direction as a qualified dermatologist, and without having to worry about scope of practice issues interfering. Across the country, the AADA is reinforcing the importance of a physician-led

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common form of human skin cancer with at least 200,000 to 400,000 new cases of cSCC expected each year in the US. These evidence-based guidelines on the management of cSCC provide the most current information on biopsy techniques, histopathologic assessment, tumor

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human skin cancer, comprising more than half of all non-melanoma skin cancer diagnoses, that affect more than 3 million Americans annually. These evidence-based guidelines for the management of BCC provide the most current information on widely accepted therapies, emerging treatments, staging, biopsy

Telemedicine: Reimbursement liability patient consent and HIPAA

Legally Speaking ... Robert M. Portman, JD, MPP, is a health care attorney with Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, in Washington, D.C. ... By Robert M. Portman, JD, MPP, Rebecca Burke, JD, and Christina L. Krysinski, JD, September 3, 2018 This month, we follow up on our May 2018 column

Intermediate and complex repairs 2020: Part 1

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

CPT 2018: What's new, 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, January 1, 2018 Test your knowledge – CPT 2018: What's new, part 2 ... Take the quiz to see

New Medicare cards are coming — are you ready?

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, February 1, 2018 Test your knowledge: New Medicare cards are coming ... Take the quiz to see if you're

Biopsy coding: Pathology particulars

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, February 1, 2019 Test your knowledge: Biopsy coding —pathology particulars ... Take the quiz to see if you're up

A year in review!

From the President ... Dr. Desai served as Academy president from March 2024 to March 2025. ... By Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, December 1, 2024 2024 has certainly been one of the most important years of my entire career. As the year winds down, and we’re set to close

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

Digging into dermatologist demographics

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, June 1, 2025 Each year, the Academy releases a snapshot of official membership facts and figures. In 2025, AAD total membership includes 21,400+ dermatologists, representing 96.3% of U.S. American Board of Dermatology-certified dermatologists. ... AAD dermatologists work in all 50

Advocating for you — Highlighting the specialty in the nation’s capital

The messages you delivered to members of Congress in 200+ virtual meetings did not go unnoticed, and had a direct impact on legislation that affects you and your patients. ... Every year, dermatologists and patient advocates come to Washington, D.C., to advocate on the specialty’s priorities. During the second annual

AAD Shade Structure stories

AAD Shade Structures provide permanent outdoor shade in areas such as playgrounds, pools, or recreation spaces that are not protected from the sun. ... Learn more about the impact of this grant program by reading the stories below. ... Providing shade for the underserved Milagro Center is an after-school and

Prior authorization’s impact during COVID-19

Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, October 1, 2021 In December 2020, the American Medical Association (AMA) conducted a survey on the effects of prior authorization (PA) on physicians and patients in their care. The survey was administered to a sample of 1,000 practicing physicians, made

Biopsy coding in 2019: Part 3

Cracking the Code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, January 1, 2019 Test your knowledge: Biopsy coding in 2019 — Part 3 ... Take the quiz to see

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... July 1, 2023 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Mallory Abate, MD, FAAD Need a refresher on optimizing CPT coding and documentation? At this year’s AAD Annual Meeting lecture on Coding and

May 7, 2025

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 7, 2025 ... Low-dose oral minoxidil vs. combination therapy with dutasteride or finasteride DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Getting a head up on cutaneous scalp malignancies Academy mourns the passing

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)

Declare your independence from skin cancer: perform a skin self-exam this 4th of July

Board-certified dermatologist discusses importance of preventive health measures in recognition of UV Awareness Month ROSEMONT, Ill. (June 25, 2024) — Brian Ingham was only 32 years old when a board-certified dermatologist discovered melanoma on his back during a routine visit to get a tattoo removed in late 2023. The Washington,

Fighting Medicare payment cuts in 2023 and beyond

We want to help maintain stability for dermatology practices as the country faces significant economic challenges, rising costs, and continued efforts to rebuild from the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). We are urging Congress to take action to stop pending Medicare payment cuts that could negatively impact patients’ access to

Dermatologic drug shortages

Patient care continues to be undermined by drug shortages. The AADA is engaged with stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, sister societies, other medical specialties, the FDA, and Congress to facilitate access for patient care. ... Drugs on the FDA drug shortage list The FDA reports on drug shortage information frequently reported

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

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

Debridements

Cracking the Code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, January 1, 2020 Test your knowledge: Debridements ... Take the quiz to see if you're up to date. ...

Giving thanks.

From the President ... Dr. Cronin served as Academy president from March 2023 to March 2024. ... By Terrence A. Cronin Jr., MD, FAAD, November 1, 2023 As we all begin to prepare for the holidays and start to shore up plans for Thanksgiving, I can’t help but reflect on

AADA prevents Medicare cuts in 2022

Moving the needle ... By Victoria Houghton, Managing Editor, May 1, 2022 DermWorld ... breaks down the latest highlights of AADA advocacy activities at the federal and state legislative and regulatory level. In 2021, the specialty was facing Medicare payment cuts of up to 10% due to the policy changes

Mea culpa: The truth about Grover Cleveland’s cancer!

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 17, 2016 The authors briefly note conditions from Lincoln’s presumed bout with smallpox to Ronald Reagan’s BCCs. You might think I’m bringing this up because she omitted George W Bush’s BCC (for that story please visit our office), but no. The real reason I’m

Support resident education grants

The future is here. Our up-and-coming residents need your support to further their education for the care of tomorrow’s patients. Support of Resident Education will make that happen. Act now. ... Learn more about the grant Support Resident Education Grants ... Donate to support programs that help ensure the future

Burden of skin disease

In 2016, the AAD embarked on a research study that looked at the effects of having skin disease on the United States patient population, and to provide an up-to-date analysis of the burden of skin disease that reflects these recent changes in the practice of medicine. ... Burden of Skin

From the editor

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, April 2, 2018 I hope you enjoyed the AAD Annual Meeting in San Diego. I certainly did. I came home yet again feeling renewed, returning to the clinic armed with new knowledge

A lifetime of leadership in the house of medicine

Ask the Expert ... By Georgia Tuttle, MD, FAAD, June 1, 2023 In this special edition of Ask the Expert, DermWorld ... asked Georgia Tuttle, MD, FAAD, to discuss her involvement in medical leadership, including her service on the AMA Board of Trustees. Georgia Tuttle, MD, FAAD ... The flame

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

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

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

Selectivity and the choice of beta-blockers for infantile hemangiomas

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

Terra Firma-Forme Dermatosis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 13, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 46 The renowned gastroenterologist was rounding with his fellows when he summoned me to his patient’s bedside to impress me with his astute diagnosis of malignant acanthosis nigricans, having admitted his patient for an extensive endoscopic work-up for

American Academy of Dermatology statement on Benzoyl Peroxide in OTC Personal Care Products

American Academy of Dermatology President Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD ROSEMONT, Ill. (March 24, 2025) —  Recent reports have noted that benzoyl peroxide, a common acne-fighting ingredient available by prescription and over the counter, has the potential to break down into benzene. The American Academy of Dermatology is committed to

Educating the public — Your expertise is essential

Last March, COVID-19 shut down the nation. But after 300,000,000 (and counting) COVID-19 vaccinations, we are opening up again; headed in a positive direction. Throughout it all, the public have learned that dermatologists are the experts on new and emerging science relating to the skin manifestations of the coronavirus —

Intermediate and complex repairs 2020: 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, November 1, 2019 Intermediate and complex repairs 2020: Part 2 ... Take the quiz to see if you're up

Genuine leaders will help keep our specialty strong.

From the President ... Dr. Desai served as Academy president from March 2024 to March 2025. ... By Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, May 1, 2024 Dear members, ... I hope everyone has been enjoying their spring so far! As we look forward to warm summer weather, I’d like to

Advocacy Update Oct 7, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 7, 2025 Government shutdown impact on Medicare claims and telehealth visits Truth in advertising win in California Support dermatology champions through SkinPAC Federal News Government shutdown impact on Medicare claims and telehealth visits ... Despite the ongoing government shutdown, Medicare will continue processing and paying

Member benefits

From residency to retirement, you can rely on us for premier educational opportunities, as a hub for innovation in patient care, and for the latest information impacting the specialty. ... Gold standard of education ... Created by dermatologists for dermatologists, our educational resources help you stay up to date on

Member benefits

From residency to retirement, you can rely on us for premier educational opportunities, as a hub for innovation in patient care, and for the latest information impacting the specialty. ... Gold standard of education ... Created by dermatologists for dermatologists, our educational resources help you stay up to date on

The tech connection

New tools boost peer-to-peer physician communication ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, Contributing Writer, March 1, 2022 The patient-physician relationship isn’t the only one impacted by social distancing due to COVID-19. The pandemic has taken a toll on peer-to-peer communication, as well. Asking a colleague about a suspicious lesion isn’t

Components of evaluation and management 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, June 1, 2018 Test your knowledge: Components of evaluation and management 2 ... Take the quiz to see if

At the Academy, being nimble is our modus operandi

From the President ... Dr. Thiers served as Academy president from March 2020 to March 2021. ... By Bruce Thiers, MD, July 1, 2020 In recent years, your Academy has made it a priority to be more nimble and more proactive to keep up with the times. During his term

How to maintain your EHR

Dealing with your EHR can be cumbersome, but follow these tips to optimize your EHR and make your use more efficient. ... 1. Connect leadership and EHR users ... Boosts provider satisfaction long-term and reduces slowdown. ... 2. Enhance hardware and built-environment solutions ... Implement side-by-side seating for physicians, clinical

Modifier madness

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

Evaluation and management in 2021: Part 3

Cracking the code ... Dr. Miller, who is in private practice in Yorba Linda, California, represents the American Academy of Dermatology on the AMA-CPT Advisory Committee. ... By Alexander Miller, MD, November 1, 2020 Test your knowledge: Evaluation and management in 2021: Part 3 ... Take the quiz to see

Components of evaluation and management

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, May 1, 2018 Test your knowledge: Components of evaluation and management ... Take the quiz to see if you're

October 13, 2021

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 13, 2021 ... How does wearing occlusive gloves impact hand eczema? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : What’s up in Down syndrome? Relief funds available for health care providers, including some

Sulzberger Institute Grant

The Sulzberger Institute for Dermatologic Education, part of the American Academy of Dermatology, provides grant support for innovative initiatives in education and technology. Grants typically provide funds to help dermatologists begin projects that will improve patient care. Apply below! There is also a ... separate award for a lectureship .

It's the last quarter of MIPS performance year 2019: Do you have a game plan?

Answers in Practice ... Faiza Wasif, MPH, is the AAD's practice management manager. Her column offers tips on an area she commonly receives questions about from members. ... By Faiza Wasif, MPH, October 1, 2019 Another performance year for the Merit Based Payment System (MIPS) program is almost over —

Ethics in medicine is an enduring professional goal

From the President ... Dr. Thiers served as Academy president from March 2020 to March 2021. ... By Bruce Thiers, MD, September 1, 2020 Every year, there are several dates that I must remember, such as birthdays, holidays, etc. One annual ritual is checking my Academy disclosure of outside interests

We have said it before, but it bears repeating

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, October 1, 2025 Kids are not just little adults. This is certainly important to remember when treating skin diseases in children, but it turns out making the diagnosis of even some

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

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

Evaluation and management (E/M) coding changes are coming in 2021 – Part 2

Recognizing the 2021 E/M code descriptor revisions ... Changes to E/M coding will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. This article follows up on ... part one of our series which introduced the reasoning for these coding changes. We will now focus on key changes for each of the

From the editor

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, October 1, 2018 October is a wonderful month. The leaves are changing, days are getting shorter, and some of you may even get your first snowfall. There’s college football on and a

PA consulting and American Academy of Dermatology partner on multi year registry development project to streamline quality reporting and deliver new clinical innovations

Creating a next-generation DataDerm platform to provide more innovative products and services to dermatologists NEW YORK (Mar. 4, 2024) — ... PA Consulting (PA), the company that's bringing ingenuity to life, is teaming up with the ... American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) on a multi-year project to build and operate

Top-selling U.S. baby moisturizers and pediatric sunscreens: Data on price, allergens, and marketing claims

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Senior Editor, July 1, 2025 Public perception of pediatric skin care products often centers on concerns about ingredient safety, with a preference for formulations that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and endorsed by medical professionals. ... In a recent study, the top 50 best-selling

Teledermatology in the COVID-19 era

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, May 1, 2020 Test your knowledge: Teledermatology in the COVID-19 era ... Take the quiz to see if you're

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

Surgical coding challenges

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, March 1, 2020 Test your knowledge: Surgical coding challenges ... Take the quiz to see if you're up to

Hemochromatosis: Beyond 50 shades of gray

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 6, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 10 As a medical student, I was enamored by the term "bronze diabetes" as a depiction of hemochromatosis; ever since I have been magnetically attracted to the disease. Hereditary (primary) hemochromatosis is a common autosomal-recessive disorder, with a

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

'Stepping up' to off-label dosing of biologics

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

I’m tired

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, June 1, 2020 I hear that a lot these days. COVID-19 blew up the world as we knew it and the process has been, among other things, exhausting. Almost overnight we turned

It’s a leap year!

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, February 1, 2020 Forget what you were taught in school; a year really isn’t 365 days long. It’s closer to 365.24 days. This is, of course, why we add an extra day

Life is not always pretty.

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, May 1, 2024 I have been a doctor for more than 30 years and have practiced in a wide variety of regions, ranging from a small rural community to a larger

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,

Pediatric dermatology

Finding Joy in pediatric phototherapy Congenital Juvenile Xanthogranulomas: Born To Be Wild (But Ultimately Mild) Sophie’s choice: Assessing atypical Spitz tumors in the molecular era The real jigsaw puzzle of the Brooke-Spiegler Syndrome: Translating the molecular biology to therapy​ Sirolumus’s merit for the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon A future therapeutic Harlequin Romance?

Mohs under review

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 1, 2020 Test your knowledge: Mohs under review ... Take the quiz to see if you're up to

Improving the physician-patient relationship with compassionate communication

Answers in Practice ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, January 1, 2022 DermWorld ... talks to Christine J. Ko, MD, FAAD, professor of dermatology and pathology at Yale School of Medicine, about how to use psychology to improve patient interactions. DermWorld: What drew you to this topic? Dr. Ko: I

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.

The bigger picture

AAD’s Clinical Image Collection furthers knowledge of treating all skin tones. ... Feature ... By Megan Bennett, Staff Writer, February 1, 2026 The appearance of several common skin conditions and diseases vary depending on patients’ skin color. However, overwhelmingly, clinical images in dermatologic literature and other professional educational resources represent

Mentorship mentation: Bringing out the best of us!

By David A. Wetter, MD Sept. 9, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 36 I have been experiencing sports withdrawal during this COVID-19 life pause. I even (excitedly) gobbled up the recently televised NBA HORSE competition. Currently my family and I are enjoying ESPN’s 10-hour documentary ... The Last Dance , which

The only constant is change

From the President ... Dr. Olbricht served as Academy president from March 2018 to March 2019. ... By Suzanne Olbricht, MD, March 1, 2018 I am delighted to take the reins as President of your Academy after such a productive Annual Meeting. Thank you, Dr. Henry Lim for your leadership

Haven’t we all felt it?

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, September 1, 2023 Imposter syndrome. Those pervasive feelings of inadequacy that sneak up on you, convincing you somehow that everyone in the room is better than you. Surely, they made a

Welcome to Dermatology World Insights and Inquiries

By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 13, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 1 Keeping up with clinically relevant dermatologic literature has become an increasingly daunting task. The time constraints facing dermatologists (and all physicians) have multiplied, as have administrative demands, burdens of electronic records, etc., challenging even the most time-efficient, organized

Group practice without walls (GPWW)

Best for: Dermatologists who want to stay independent while sharing administrative and financial resources. ... Quick summary: Join a collaborative network of solo practices under one tax ID to reduce overhead, increase buying power, and access ancillary services — without giving up clinical autonomy. Ideal for those seeking balance between

A dermatologist’s guide to skincare from growing up to glowing up

Board-certified dermatologist (and mom) shares holiday shopping tips for teens and tweens. ROSEMONT, Ill. (Oct. 28, 2025) — As online skincare trends continue to capture the attention of tweens and teens (and major retailers roll out early holiday promotions), an AAD board-certified dermatologist offers guidance to help families cut through

Modifiers 58 and 78

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, March 1, 2019 Test your knowledge: Modifiers 58 and 78 ... Take the quiz to see if you're up

Slivers of skin may diagnose silver hair syndromes

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 7, 2019 As my hair gets progressively grayer trying to keep up with molecular advances in dermatology, it is refreshing to read how simple tests may help distinguish the rare silver hair syndromes (SHS): Chediak-Higashi (CHS) and Griscelli (GS). ... CHS is an autosomal

Countering corticophobia

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 19, 2017 "I don’t want to use steroids on my baby! I’m really afraid of the side effects! I see what they’ve done to athletes. Can’t you prescribe something natural?" ... I am amazed people think that applying 2.5% hydrocortisone cream can pump up

August 29

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / August 29, 2018 ... CMS questions global payment codes Non-physician clinicians bill more dermatologic procedures Can machine learning exacerbate health care disparities in dermatology? Mediterranean diet may help ease psoriasis severity

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

Atopic dermatitis clinical guideline by American Academy of Dermatology

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic inflammatory skin disease that occurs most frequently in children but also affects many adults. The Academy is publishing a series of updates to the AD guidelines, originally published in 2014. You can see these updates below, or continue past them for the original guidelines.

Sky high

PBM tactics increase drug prices, lower patient access ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, Contributing Writer, September 1, 2022 Last month, ... DermWorld discussed the role pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) play in the drug distribution chain. This month, we will discuss some of the tactics PBMs use that are driving

Always another worry for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: Amyloid A amyloidosis

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 27, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 13 My introduction to hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) was as a first-year dermatology resident on the inpatient dermatology service at Van Etten Hospital in the Bronx, caring for a most unfortunate woman with HS; she had secondarily infected pyoderma

Giving dermatology a boost

From the President ... Dr. Desai served as Academy president from March 2024 to March 2025. ... By Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, June 1, 2024 Dear members, ... With Skin Cancer Awareness Month wrapping up and summer starting soon, I think this is a perfect time to reflect on

Develop a nose for suspecting angiosarcoma

Angiosarcoma histopathology. Anastomosing dilated vessels, lined by crowded endothelial cells, extend between pre-existing collagen bundles. (Hematoxylin-eosin-saffron stain; original magnification: ×40.) ... Credit: ... JAAD By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 12, 2018 Occasionally I read an article that disturbs me, because I know that I would miss the diagnosis, with

All over the map

Biosimilar substitution laws passed in 50 states, but details vary ... Feature ... By Jan Bowers, Contributing Writer, March 1, 2022 When the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act, also known as the Biosimilars Act, was signed into law in 2010, it was supposed to usher in an era of

Time to break up with your old break room

Physician and staff burnout are on the rise, giving more reason to think about the non-clinical, non-administrative space of the practice — the staff lounge otherwise known as the break room. This space can often go neglected because it may not be valued the same way as the other areas

This month is an extremely important month for advocacy.

From the President ... Dr. Desai served as Academy president from March 2024 to March 2025. ... By Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, September 1, 2024 Dear members, ... I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer. Sadly, September means the end of summer and the beginning of the colder,

American Academy of Dermatology Issues First-Ever Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Guidelines, Highlighting Prevention Strategies and Effective Treatments

New evidence-based guidelines establish insufficient evidence or no benefit to dietary or environmental interventions ROSEMONT, Ill. (April 7, 2026) — For the first time in its history, the ... American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has published guidelines of care for both the ... prevention and ... management of atopic dermatitis

Fooled again: Misdiagnosing cutaneous follicle center lymphoma

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 9, 2016 I had never been so happy to misdiagnose a lesion. The patient was an 88 year-old man who I had known for years, as he is a life-long friend of my mother in-law. When he was examined for a variety of skin

2020 CPT Coding Updates

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

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

Weighing the options

As biologic therapies expand indications to children and adolescents, what do dermatologists need to know about balancing the risks and benefits? ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, February 1, 2023 Over the past five years, younger patients have steadily gained access to a range of FDA-approved targeted

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

Beef tallow for eczema: Grade A prime or just another bum steer?

By Andrew C. Krakowski, MD, FAAD June 18, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 24 As a pediatric dermatologist, I have seen skin care trends come and go faster than a cow fleeing a branding iron. Lately, social media — especially herd-mentality platforms like TikTok — has been bullish on beef tallow

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)

Keeping an eye on melanoma

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 7, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 14 If your practice bears any resemblance to mine, a significant portion of your schedule is devoted to patients following up because of their history of melanoma. Prior to seeing the patient, our medical assistant runs through a focused

Parsing pediatric contact allergens

Pediatric dermatologists share clues for distinguishing contact dermatitis from atopic dermatitis and discuss noteworthy allergens. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, May 1, 2023 It is a common misconception that allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is rare in children. It’s estimated that it affects up to 20% of

Extinguishing burnout

Managing low morale in medicine. ... Feature ... By Megan Bennett, Staff Writer, January 1, 2026 About five years into her practice, Lisa Swanson, MD, FAAD, began feeling the symptoms of occupational burnout. ... "It’s kind of an insidious process where it’s probably been creeping up for a while, but

Practicing inclusivity

Answers in Practice ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, July 1, 2024 DermWorld ... talks to Daniel Yanes, MD, FAAD, from MI Skin Dermatology and Laser Center in Washington, D.C., about how to foster a welcoming practice environment for LGBTQ+ patients. Daniel Yanes, MD, FAAD ... DermWorld: Tell us about

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

2025 AADA Legislative Conference: Legislative asks

Medicare Physician Payment Reform: Ensure Medicare stability for patients and physicians ... Medicare physician payment has failed to keep up with inflation, threatening the viability of medical practices. The current payment structure has contributed to consolidation and increased hospital ownership of physician practices, which are more costly, reduce competition, and

Psoriasis

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

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

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,

Dermatology: A memoir

First Person ... By Walter Larsen, MD, May 1, 2021 In July 1961, Sylvi and I drove from San Francisco to Portland, Oregon for my residency in dermatology. We were married three months before in San Francisco. We packed up all our earthly possessions into our 1957 Chevrolet including a

Sparking the interest in Spark nevus

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

FAQs on sunscreen ingredients including proposed rule on the final monograph

FAQs ... What does the FDA’s recent sunscreen proposal encompass? The FDA’s recently proposed rule is the first step in the process to establish a final over-the-counter sunscreen monograph and encompasses which sunscreen ingredients on the market are generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE), meaning that they can be

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")

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

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

Becoming whipped up over flagellate dermatoses

By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... July 13, 2017 ... A, A 44-year-old male patient with characteristic flagellate dermatitis after ingestion of shiitake. B, Same patient 4 days after balneo PUVA therapy. ... Credit: ... JAAD The literature on flagellate dermatoses has been whipped into frenzy. The initial description

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

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

Watch your back!

Focusing on ergonomics can help dermatologists avoid a career-ending injury. ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, contributing writer, February 1, 2021 After a long day of seeing patients, performing dermatologic procedures, or reviewing slides, do you have stiffness in your neck, pain in your back, or maybe an aching in

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

Phacing the future: When patients with PHACE syndrome grow up

By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 24, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 25 The acronym PHACE syndrome, emphasizing the characteristic findings of this neurocutaneous syndrome: ... p osterior fossa malformations, ... h emangiomas, ... a rterial anomalies, ... c oarctation of the aorta and cardiac defects, and ... e ye abnormalities,

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

Every engine needs a tune-up.

Secretary-Treasurer Report ... By Daniel D. Bennett, MD, FAAD, November 1, 2023 The key to longevity in any endeavor is consistent maintenance. The AAD’s strategic plan is the engine that drives our mission to "advance excellence in dermatology," and like any machine, our strategic plan requires re-examination every so often.

Accolades pile up for Academy publications

2025 was another strong year for Academy publications, which won a litany of professional awards and continued to lead the field in terms of impact and citations. ... The July 2024 issue of ... DermWorld won the APEX Award in the highly competitive "Magazines, Journals, & Tabloids" category. The APEX

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

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

Do Not End Up On the OIG Medicare List of Overpayment Recoveries Statistics

The following statistics may peak your interest. ... From Oct. 1, 2014 to Dec.31, 2016, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued 153 audit reports related to the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) program. The report contained 193 monetary recommendations totaling $648 million. Of the $648 million 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

PDF of Break-up Best Practices Tool

Getting a head up on cutaneous scalp malignancies

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 7, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 18 I’m confident that your alopecic patients with a suspected keratinocyte carcinoma or melanoma of the scalp jokingly ask you to be careful with your biopsy procedure so they do not lose any more hair. While patients and

Ergonomics in dermatology

Neck, back, shoulder pain? It could be your exam table. ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, Contributing Writer, January 1, 2025 After investing an average of 12 years of education and training, the last thing a dermatologist wants is to have their career cut short by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However,

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

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

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

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

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

Risk of complications, morbidity and/or mortality of patient management

MDM element of Risk: In a nutshell ... The level of risk is based on the risk associated with selecting a management option and decisions made during the visit related to the patient’s problem(s), diagnostic procedure(s), and treatment option(s). ... Determining the level of risk involves considering all possible management

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

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

Changing the narrative: The AAD and member centricity

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

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

Koebnerization in Henoch-Schönlein purpura: How does it line up with prognosis?

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 20, 2017 ... Urticarial hemorrhagic lesions of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in characteristic distribution. Note Koebner phenomenon in lines of scratch. ... Credit: ... JAAD Heinrich Koebner is eponymically known for having first described the phenomenon of developing an existing dermatosis in previously normal skin following

Hair straightening and acute renal injury: The latest data straight up

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 3, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 14 The global hair straightener market has experienced significant growth, with a market size of US$ 587.9 million in 2022, projected to be US$ 759.9 million by 2028. (1) I expected the market to already be in the

Educating the public — National Healthy Skin Month

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

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

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

What MIPS deadlines are coming up and when do I have to submit?

Asked and Answered ... September 2, 2019 Mark your calendars with the following MIPS reporting deadlines: Oct. 2, 2019: ... Last day to begin an improvement activity (IA) or participate in promoting interoperability (PI) measures as these require 90 consecutive days of engagement ... Dec. 1, 2019 ... (for EHR

Gen Z’s indifference to sun damage is heating up their risk of skin cancer

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Megan Bennett, Staff Writer, March 1, 2026 In an AAD survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, released in May 2025 in conjunction with Skin Cancer Awareness Month, half of the ... Gen Z responders reported getting sunburned in 2024 . About 10% reported having sunburns

Taming toxic erythema of chemotherapy with high-dose vitamin D

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 28, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 9 The administration of chemotherapy can lead to a host of cutaneous findings, ranging from adverse reactions to specific drugs to infectious complications caused by immunosuppression and neutropenia. While some of the drug reactions are allergic in nature,

Pathways: Newsletter

Pathways home Return to the homepage of the Pathways program. ... College Learn about our outreach and Dermatology Career Prep program. ... Medical school Medical students can join us for workshops, symposia, and fellowships. ... Help and Chat

Promoting interoperability (25%)

The Promoting Interoperability (PI) category focuses on interoperability and is worth 25% of the overall MIPS score. To participate, you must use a certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) listed at the  ... Certified Health IT Product List (CHPL) . ... You cannot satisfy the PI category requirements without having an EHR or getting

Promoting interoperability (25%)

The Promoting Interoperability (PI) category focuses on interoperability and is worth 25% of the overall MIPS score. To participate, you must use a certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) listed at the  ... Certified Health IT Product List (CHPL) . ... You cannot satisfy the PI category requirements without having an EHR or getting

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.  ...

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.  ...

Breaking up (with habits) is hard to do: The role of platelet transfusions when performing skin biopsies on profoundly thrombocytopenic patients

By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... May 12, 2017 ... Hypersensitivity reaction with hemorrhagic appearance in thrombocytopenic patient. ... Credit: ... JAAD We are taught at an early age to live by the rules. In an interesting essay entitled "Breaking the Rules for Better Care", Berwick et al tell

Mailing lists

AAD's list is direct ... The official mailing list of members of the American Academy of Dermatology is available exclusively from the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA). ... Mailing lists ... The Academy's membership list is more current and accurate than any other dermatology list available in the market.

In the know

CMS to Begin Using MFA Process for Online Provider Enrollment System Applications ... Did you know that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that it will initiate the use of a multi-factor authentication (MFA) process for users of their Provider Enrollment Systems? ... What is an

ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding updates for 2024

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

2026 AADA Legislative Conference

Join your peers at the 2026 AADA Legislative Conference and tell Congress to reform Medicare physician payment, the Academy’s sole Federal congressional advocacy priority. ... This activity has been approved for ... AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ What to expect ... Attending the 2026 AADA Legislative Conference is as easy

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

Giving Tuesday

Donate now to provide children with chronic skin conditions a life-changing summer camp experience ...  ... Camp Discovery ... AAD Camp Discovery provides children with chronic skin conditions a sense of community and fun. Campers make friends, find acceptance, and are free to be themselves. Provided at no cost

Melanoma: Tracking and Evaluation of Recurrence — Measure 509

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

Melanoma: Tracking and Evaluation of Recurrence — Measure 509

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

The magic of dermatology

Balance in Practice ... Angela Funovits, MD, is a dermatologist in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, November 1, 2019 At just 10 years old, dermatologist Angela Funovits, MD, began teaching herself magic. "I had seen one particular program on TV," she said, "and for some reason

Don't break the bank!

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... How to do the math before adopting new technology ... How to do the math before adopting new technology ... By Victoria Houghton, assistant managing editor From iPads, to hair-removal devices, to patient portals, there’s no shortage of

Dermatology drive-thru during COVID-19

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... DW Weekly talks with Helen Raynham, MD, PhD, a dermatologist in private practice in Natick, Massachusetts, about her unique solutions for accommodating patients during the COVID-19 crisis. DW Weekly : Many dermatology practices have had

Medical record essentials

The medical record: In a nutshell ... A medical record helps determine the level of evaluation and management (E/M) billing and provides a justification for what you did and why you should be reimbursed ... Everything you document in the record should make the case for medical necessity ... Will

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

Taking biologics to heart

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 16, 2016 Comorbidities related to psoriasis have dominated the dermatologic literature for more than a decade since Joel Gelfand published his seminal paper (1). In my 2008 commentary for ... Dialogues in Dermatology , I stated that "It remains to be determined if treating

Destruction codes and differences between code categories

Destructons: In a nutshell ... Destruction involves the ablation of the lesion(s) with curettage, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, laser treatment, or chemical treatment. ... There are separate code categories for destruction of benign, premalignant lesions, malignant lesions, skin tag(s), and cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions. ... Coding rules vary within these categories. ...

AADA Practice Management Center – Designed to help you run a safe and efficient practice

Answers in Practice ... By Faiza Wasif, Associate Director, Practice Management, February 1, 2023 Each month, DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. Let’s paint a picture of the "perfect" dermatology practice. What does it look like? Is there a hustle and bustle of patients in and out constantly?

AADA Practice Management Center – Designed to help you run a safe and efficient practice

Answers in Practice ... By Faiza Wasif, Associate Director, Practice Management, February 1, 2023 Each month, DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. Let’s paint a picture of the "perfect" dermatology practice. What does it look like? Is there a hustle and bustle of patients in and out constantly?

Sign on the dotted line...

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Tips on improving your compensation package ... Tips on improving your compensation package ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor Faust, the Treaty of Versailles, 20th Century Fox signing away the licensing and merchandising rights for ... Star Wars

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... In the wake of the 40th anniversary of the onset of the HIV epidemic , DermWorld Weekly ... talks to Harold Brody, MD, FAAD, co-chair of the Board of Directors of another organization marking its

Coding lessons learned from frequently asked questions in 2023

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Manager, Lead Coding and Reimbursement Strategist, December 1, 2023 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . 2023 has come to a close

Hot coding topics from the field

Derm Coding Consult ... By Faith C. M. McNicholas, RHIT, CPC, CPCD, PCS, CDC, Senior Manager, Coding and Reimbursement, July 1, 2025 Academy coding staff address important coding topics each month in DermWorld ... Coding Consult. Read more Derm Coding Consult articles . Navigating the complexities of dermatology coding can

Lifelong learning — A core Academy value

From the President ... Dr. Kaufmann served as Academy president from March 2022 to March 2023. ... By Mark Kaufmann, MD, FAAD, June 1, 2022 All the programs and initiatives that are undertaken by the AAD on behalf of its members, their patients, and the public are guided by its

AAD's Teledermatology Program

Volunteer to join AAD’s philanthropic teledermatology program, designed to deliver dermatologic expertise to underserved populations. ... The program: Engages board-certified, AAD member dermatologists and residents in training in providing safe and secure telemedicine consultations to underserved communities in their state. ... Provides a telemedicine platform free of charge to eligible

Ask the expert: Battling scope expansions in Louisiana

Ask the Expert ... By Victoria Houghton, Managing Editor, October 1, 2021 DermWorld ... spoke to Erik Soine, MD, FAAD, immediate past president of the Louisiana Dermatological Society, about its efforts with the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) to advocate against state scope of practice expansions. DermWorld: In a

Global surgical package

Global surgical package: In a nutshell ... Each procedure code includes pre-, intra-, and post-service work that is considered part of that procedural code. ... The work included in the procedure cannot be reported and billed separately in an E/M service, even with modifier 25. ... What is included in

Kathleen Welsh, MD, FAAD

Donor Spotlight ... By Dean Monti, Managing Editor, Special Publications, June 1, 2023 In this new column, DermWorld ... highlights individual members who have gone above and beyond with their Academy contributions. A determined stride ... Kathleen Welsh, MD, FAAD ... When she’s not practicing as a physician and leading

Telemedicine coding basics: What you need to know now

Teledermatology visits ... Teledermatology services are used in lieu of an in-person visit when medically appropriate to address the care of the patient and when the patient and/or family/caregiver agree to this format of care. Teledermatology services are performed using virtual technology in one of the two ways: ... Live-interactive

Community care

Considerations for dermatologists when treating patients experiencing homelessness ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, July 1, 2021 Every January, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) conducts a point-in-time count across the country to gauge the rate of homelessness in the United States. In 2019, HUD identified

September 28, 2022

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 28, 2022 ... Treating warts with needle-free fluorouracil injection DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Tag, you’re it! Clinical outcomes of chronic urticaria after two years Clues to help identify patients

From mentoring LGBT dermatologists, to caring for HIV patients, GALDA looks back on its 40-year journey

Answers in Practice ... By Victoria Houghton, Managing Editor, November 1, 2021 In the wake of the  40th anniversary of the onset of the HIV epidemic ,  DermWorld  ... talks to Harold Brody, MD, FAAD, co-chair of the Board of Directors of another organization marking its 40th anniversary — the

MIPS 2020 is here. Here are the highlights

Answers in Practice ... Faiza Wasif, MPH, is the AAD's practice management manager. Her column offers tips on an area she commonly receives questions about from members. ... By Faiza Wasif, MPH, April 1, 2020 Each month Dermatology World ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month Faiza Wasif,

Managing dermatologic care in a COVID-19 hot zone

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ...  ... Dermatology World Weekly  talked to Bobby Buka MD, JD, from The Dermatology Specialists in New York City, about his efforts to keep his practices afloat in a coronavirus "hot zone." This interview reflects

No pain, no gain?

From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, January 1, 2025 It may be true for sports (although I remain skeptical), but pain associated with doing our jobs does not bode well for a long and happy career in

Three life lessons

From the President ... Dr. Hruza served as Academy president from March 2019 to March 2020. ... By George Hruza, MD, MBA, April 1, 2019 I am honored and humbled to lead this great organization. I want to thank Dr. Suzanne Olbricht for her strong leadership over this past year

Caring for incarcerated individuals

An inside look at dermatology care within the prison system ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, June 1, 2022 Nearly two million people are currently incarcerated in the United States — more than the rate of any other nation in the world at 573 per 100,000 residents. Despite

Pathways: Inclusivity in Dermatology

Pathways supports students from high school through medical school with exposure, mentorship, and skills to remove barriers to entering – and succeeding in – dermatology. ... Programs emphasize hands-on experience and networking, with opportunities to serve underserved communities and dermatology deserts. ... Participation is open to all applicants who meet

Fighting for patient access

Getting involved in grassroots advocacy is critical to the future of dermatology and patient care. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, February 1, 2026 There is no elephant in the room. Medicare physician payment and scope of practice are perennial problems that can have a direct impact

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

Pathways: Medical students

Medical students can access hands-on exposure, mentorship, workshops, and research opportunities that remove barriers to learning about dermatology, building skills, and preparing for residency. Programs are open to all applicants who meet stated program criteria; selection is based on stated criteria, including demonstrated need and interest in serving underserved communities,

Clinical guidelines

The Academy is dedicated to promoting and encouraging dermatology research and the application of these findings to improving patient care. This includes the development of rigorous, evidence-based guidelines of care for dermatologic conditions.  ... Learn more about the guideline development process . ... Review current clinical guidelines, those in development,

Estate planning 101

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

AADA pressure on FDA results in iPLEDGE wins

As a result of the Academy’s advocacy efforts, the FDA held a joint advisory committee meeting to discuss ways to minimize the burden of the iPLEDGE REMS program on patients and dermatologists while maintaining safe use of isotretinoin oral capsules for patients. ... Overall, their recommendations were aligned with the

Optimizing your patient portal

Answers in Practice ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, July 1, 2022 DermWorld ... talks to Laura Houk, MD, FAAD, from MaineHealth Medical Group in Portland, Maine, about her tips on how to effectively manage your patient portal. DermWorld: Tell us about your practice. Dr. Houk: I work at MaineHealth

Challenging patient scenarios

Answers in Practice ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, January 1, 2023 DermWorld ... talks to Melissa Mauskar, MD, FAAD, associate professor of dermatology and obstetrics and gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, about how to approach difficult conversations with patients. DermWorld: Tell us about your practice. Melissa Mauskar, MD,

What's hot?

What's hot ... August 27, 2019 In this monthly column, members of ... Dermatology World 's Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Bryan Carroll, MD, PhD ... Identifying the origin of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of an unknown primary can inform prognosis and

Practical steps to an environmentally friendly office

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

Left in the dark

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... An explanation to patients on the factors that can keep physicians out of the loop on current drug prices and costs to patients ... An explanation to patients on the factors that can keep physicians out of the

This month's news from across the specialty

What's hot ... February 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 Food portion sizes are getting bigger and so are Americans. Obesity is associated with many dermatologic diseases

This month’s news from across the specialty

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

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

DataDerm™: Better your practice, better the specialty

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ...  Dermatology World talks with Academy President-Elect George Hruza, MD, MBA — one of the earliest adopters of DataDerm™, the Academy’s clinical data registry. Dr. Hruza shares how DataDerm has helped improve his day-to-day practice,

Portal pros and problems

Patient portals offer prompt test results — for better or worse ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, Contributing Writer, November 1, 2022 Following in the footsteps of electronic health records (EHRs), patient portals are here to stay. Like EHRs, patient portals hold the promise of improving patient care and practice

Help wanted!

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Experts discuss the ideal qualifications, experience, and characteristics to look for when hiring a coder ... Experts discuss the ideal qualifications, experience, and characteristics to look for when hiring a coder ... By Ruth Carol, contributing writer You

In these trying times, your Academy is here for you

From the President ... Dr. Thiers served as Academy president from March 2020 to March 2021. ... By Bruce Thiers, MD, May 1, 2020 I had originally planned to write this column about all the opportunities, programs, and resources that your Academy has to offer. In my first ... DW

Using voice recognition software to reduce burdens

Voice recognition software (VRS) has advanced rapidly in recent years and is becoming common in physician practices. These VRS systems automatically transcribe the patient encounter and input notes into the EHR. ... The advances in voice recognition that power mobile phones have made automated medical transcription reliable and rapid. The

Finding Zen in medicine

Balance in practice ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, May 1, 2020 "It’s something I would have never thought I’d do," recalls Adam Rotunda, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, Irvine and a Mohs surgeon in private practice, in Newport Beach, California. Several years prior,

Back in the day...

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Dermatologists reflect on how the practice of dermatology has changed over the past 40 years ... Dermatologists reflect on how the practice of dermatology has changed over the past 40 years ... By Allison Evans, assistant managing editor

MIPS requirements for 2022

Answers in Practice ... By Faiza Wasif, MPH, Associate Director, Practice Management, June 1, 2022 Each month, DermWorld tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month, practice management staff discuss MIPS requirements. CMS published new requirements for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for 2022. Review a summary of highlights

Rethinking CLIA and the KOH exam

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Feb. 24, 2017 Yesterday, a young woman complained of a pruritic rash on her right foot that was unresponsive to an over the counter antifungal agent. Clinically, there were some dried vesicles and a few collarettes of scale on her instep, clinically appearing most like

Beyond the specialty: How AccessDerm helps primary care providers

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ...  ... With just a few minutes a day and a smartphone, dermatologists have the potential to make a significant impact in their community by using the Academy’s volunteer teledermatology platform, ... AccessDerm . A

Academy culture and benefits

You’re going to love it here! ... The AAD is proud to work with a supportive staff that creates a purpose-driven and growth-oriented environment that values integrity and fosters creativity. Our management style promotes open communication and collaboration while providing teams with the guidance needed to ensure everyone’s success. You’ll

Medicine pays the price in ransomware attacks

Facts at your fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, July 1, 2020 As health care becomes increasingly digitized, ransomware attacks seeking valuable patient records have accelerated, resulting in enormous costs. According to a 2020 Comparitech report, U.S. health care organizations spent over $160 million in ransomware recovery costs from

GenAI can help simplify medical jargon in discharge notes, study finds

Facts at your Fingertips ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, February 1, 2025 Can artificial intelligence humanize patient discharge summaries? By law, patients have the right to immediate access to discharge notes in their medical records. However, technical language and abbreviations can make notes difficult to understand for the average

Getting physical

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Does a physician's relationship to fitness affect patient care? ... Does a physician's relationship to fitness affect patient care? ... By Allison Evans, assistant managing editor  ... A physician’s job, pared down to its most simplistic form,

The changing face of care

DermWorld discusses digital pharmacies and direct-to-consumer (DTC) teledermatology platforms. ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, Contributing Writer, February 1, 2023 Patients have more ways than ever to obtain medications and "care" to treat dermatologic conditions as digital pharmacies and direct-to-consumer (DTC) teledermatology websites continue to proliferate. First and foremost, these

First responders

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Exploring dermatology's role in identifying and treating public health trends ... Exploring dermatology's role in identifying and treating public health trends ... By Emily Margosian, content specialist The world is a dangerous place. The health impact of natural

This month’s news from across the specialty

What’s hot ... June 1, 2022 In this monthly column, members of the  ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty.   ... Bryan Carroll, MD, PhD, FAAD A recent study compared lipidomes and transcriptomes of single cell dermal fibroblasts to explore the determinants of cell

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

One size does not fit all

Dermatologists discuss considerations and complexities in caring for older adults with skin cancer. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, February 1, 2024 In the same way that children cannot be treated as little adults, older adults (65+ years old) cannot be treated the same as younger adults.

CMS Pays for Communication Technology-based Services, Effective 2019

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

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.

Telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans revisited

By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 29, 2016 I have always struggled with the diagnosis of telangiectasia macularis eruptive perstans (TMEP). Aside from taking the first 6 months of my residency to remember how to say it, I have never been confident of securing the diagnosis. It would always enter

February 11, 2026

Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 11, 2026 ... Excision vs. topical 5-FU and photodynamic therapy in Bowen’s disease DermWorld What’s Hot: Sunscreen doping FDA confirms iPLEDGE changes Surgical interventions for hidradenitis suppurativa Is dual biologic

More than just poison ivy...

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Identification and treatment of hazardous plant exposures ... Identification and treatment of hazardous plant exposures ... By Emily Margosian, content specialist For most, knowledge of hazardous plants is limited to the phrase, “leaves of three, leave them be.”

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome-Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: The aftermath

By Warren Heymann, MD May 26, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 21 The American Academy of Dermatology’s SkinSerious ... ® ... campaign highlights how dermatologists treat serious diseases. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) top the list. (1) Justifiably, all attention focuses on the immediate issues in an attempt

This month's news from across the specialty

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

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

Is there a best approach to widespread actinic keratoses?

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

2026 AAD Innovation Academy: Important dates

Registration ... Registration will open according to the schedule below: ... Early access registration and fees ... (AAD members only) : Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 12 p.m. noon (CT). ... Standard registration and fees: Begin Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 12 p.m. noon (CT). ... International registrants will automatically

Understanding patients’ rights to their medical records

Answers in Practice ... By Swapna Bhatia, MPH, manager, health technology & informatics, April 1, 2021 Each month DermWorld ... tackles issues "in practice" for dermatologists. This month Swapna Bhatia, MPH, the Academy’s Health Technology & Informatics manager, offers a summary of patients' rights to their medical records. A patient

The evolution of education

From the President ... Dr. Olbricht served as Academy president from March 2018 to March 2019. ... By Suzanne Olbricht, MD, November 1, 2018 Notecards, notepads, pens, card catalogs, and textbooks. These are the objects I used in order to study in medical school and residency as I sat in

Expanding indications of the excimer laser for disorders of hypopigmentation: Equivocally seeing the light

By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 31, 2016 The excimer laser is a reasonably effective modality for treating vitiligo. Other disorders of hypopigmentation, such as a nevus depigmentosus (ND), or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (PIH) secondary to lichen striatus (LS) may be distressing to patients (or their parents). Is the excimer laser

Educating the public — Skin Cancer Awareness Month 2021

Melanoma Monday® launched the AAD’s month-long, national Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign in May. Every year, the AAD advances this public education effort to position you as the experts in diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and educate the public about skin cancer prevention and detection. Continuing the success and momentum

Beyond bedside basics

Dermatologists and physician experts discuss bedside manner tips and trends, and how to strengthen the physician-patient relationship. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, February 1, 2025 Imagine you are sitting at a table on the opposite end from the patient with the problem in the middle. What

A juggling act

Dermatologist parents share their experiences managing their families and practices. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, January 1, 2023 The juggle is real. For physician parents, the challenges of parenthood are magnified with long hours, unpredictable schedules, and mounting pressures to do more at work and at

Moving forward

The Academy scored big wins for dermatology in 2021, but the work to ensure safe patient access to dermatologic care continues ... Feature ... By Ruth Carol, Contributing Writer, January 1, 2022 Every year, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) tackles a long list of federal and state legislative

Medical dermatology

Topical retinoid therapy for acanthosis nigricans: In the thick of it Rituximab and dermatomyositis: Dr. Samitz would be proud The naked truth about total body skin examination: A lesson from Goldilocks and the Three Bears Getting the gist of GIST cutaneous hyperpigmentation disease I never wanted chaperones — until now

Lightening the cutaneous and emotional burden of melasma: Cysteamine’s role

By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD February 9, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 6 Melasma is a frustrating disorder for patients and practitioners alike. Facial gray-brown patches may cause psychosocial distress and embarrassment, thereby diminishing quality of life. (1) Melasma most frequently occurs in women with Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI with

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

Melanoma management forges a new path

Experts discuss how personalized vaccines may reshape the future of cancer treatment. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, December 1, 2023 Melanoma is among the most common cancer types and has one of the most rapidly increasing incidences around the world, ... studies say. However, over the last

Donors, children, dermatologists: Camp Discovery benefits all

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

Virtual grand rounds

Answers in Practice ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, July 1, 2021 DermWorld ... talks to Stephen Ostrowski, MD, PhD — dermatology instructor at Harvard Medical School and grand rounds course director for Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of Dermatology — about the advantages and challenges of hosting virtual grand rounds.

Dermatopathology’s taste of honey

By Warren R. Heymann, MD September 2, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 35 Recently, on our consult service, my resident and I were assessing a patient with a potential autoimmune bullous disease; we concurred that a skin biopsy for routine microscopy and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) was warranted. "I’ll have to come

Spilling the tea

In Practice ... Dina Strachan, MD, is a dermatologist in private practice in New York. ... By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, November 1, 2018 Sometimes all it takes is a little serendipity in the spam folder. Dina Strachan, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in New York, attributes her recurring

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

How can I get help with prior authorizations?

Asked and Answered ... November 1, 2023 The Academy Practice Management Center offers a variety of resources to assist physicians, medical staff, and patients in navigating the prior authorization process. ... Key resources include: ... Prior authorization letter tool ... The Academy has created a customizable, clinically specific tool to

Biologic Administration Coding-Resource Tool for 2019

The administration of certain drugs and biologic agents should not be billed using a chemotherapy administration code. Instead, the subcutaneous administration of some drugs should be billed using CPT code 96372, Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diag-nostic injection. ... The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides additional guidance as to

Troll control

How can dermatology practices respond to false and malicious online reviews while maintaining HIPAA compliance? ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, June 1, 2023 The practice of medicine is personal. It’s personal for the patient, and it’s personal for the physician. While negative reviews sting, there is

Pharmacy benefits managers

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

Leading when you’re not the practice owner

Answers in Practice ... By Megan Bennett, Staff Writer, November 1, 2025 DermWorld ... talks to Sama Carley, MD, FAAD, chief of dermatologic surgery at Sharp Rees-Stealy in San Diego, about exhibiting leadership qualities even when you don’t lead the practice. DermWorld: Tell us about your practice. Dr. Carley: The

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.

American Academy of Dermatology Association Statement on Final 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

Congress must act now to protect patients’ health care access in the face of consecutive cuts ... American Academy of Dermatology President Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD WASHINGTON, DC (Nov. 1, 2024) — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) again finalized cuts to the physician fee schedule for 2025

Dermatology dress codes loosen their ties

From business casual to scrubs, post-pandemic dermatology offices embrace new standards in professional attire. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Senior Editor, August 1, 2025 The physician’s white coat: iconic and instantly recognizable as a symbol of authority and professionalism. Like a judge’s robe or firefighter’s uniform, it signals a

The state of scope of practice

Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Where do things stand with scope of practice legislation and how has the pandemic affected the law? ... Where do things stand with scope of practice legislation and how has the pandemic affected the law? ... By Emily

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