April 18
IN THIS ISSUE / APRIL 18, 2018
- Getting too many calls from pharmacists? It could get worse.
- April Access Hero: Dr. Van Voorhees
- 2019 committee appointment application now open
- Not sure you’re eligible for MIPS? Better check.
- Help wanted: AAD Pruritus Measure Testing Project
Getting too many calls from pharmacists? It could get worse.
CVS Health is introducing a new tool that will allow pharmacists to search for cheaper drugs ― which could mean more calls to your office. The new system, available to CVS Caremark customers, will search for alternatives, higher quantities at lower costs, and discounts. According to CVS Health, if the pharmacist finds a cheaper alternative, they will call the patient to see if they want to switch, and will then call the patient’s physician to discuss the new prescription. The system will initially only be available to CVS Caremark patients.
While the cost of drugs remains a hot-button issue for physicians, patients, and policymakers, manufacturers of generic drugs argue that the cost of generics has been plummeting over the years, forcing some manufacturers to lay off thousands of workers and consider bailing on drugs that don’t turn a profit. What’s happening in the dermatologic space regarding the cost of medications? Read more about drug prices in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- The price is (not) right – Dermatology World (September 2017)
- Prescribing to save patients money: Ethical considerations – Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (April 2018)
- Gargantuan growing generic drug prices – Dermatology World (May 2015)
- The compounding conundrum – Dermatology World (March 2018)
April Access Hero: Dr. Van Voorhees
Abby Van Voorhees, MD, leads the dermatology team at a rapid-access clinic for single-issue, walk-in visits at Eastern Virginia Medical School. See how the clinic accommodates same-day concerns and turns walk-ins into long-term patients.
Each month, the Academy highlights members’ diverse efforts to expand access to dermatology. Submit your story at SkinSerious.org.
Related Links:
- Access granted: Improving access for referrals – Dermatology World (October 2017)
- Lending a hand: Physicians discuss the rewards and challenges of caring for the underserved – Dermatology World (December 2015)
- Can better access to dermatologists improve melanoma prognosis? – Dermatology World (February 2015)
2019 committee appointment application now open
Every year, hundreds of dermatologists serve the Academy through its organizational governance structure and through other service opportunities. The Appointment Selection Committee, chaired by George J. Hruza, MD, MBA, has begun accepting applications to fill 2019 open appointments. Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2018. Members who are selected to serve will be contacted in the winter. Letters of recommendation are highly suggested but are not required.
Learn more about the specific committees and task forces, committee member responsibilities, and other opportunities, in the CCTF Resources-Governance Handbook.
Not sure you’re eligible for MIPS? Better check.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated its MIPS Participation Lookup Tool that allows physicians to see if they’re eligible for the 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). Physicians can enter their National Provider Identifier (NPI) to find out if they are required to participate in the 2018 performance year. CMS opted to utilize the online Participation Lookup Tool for MIPS in 2018, instead of sending paper letters in January to eligible physicians. Some reports indicate that this move could force some physicians ― who were unsure of their participation status ― to play catch up.
Indeed, while dermatologists were only required to report one measure one time in 2017 to avoid a 4% penalty in 2019, the requirements are much higher in 2018. Read more about MIPS reporting in 2018 in Dermatology World and check out the Academy’s 2018 MIPS Reporting Module ― now available for purchase.
Related Links:
- What are your plans for MIPS reporting in 2018? – Dermatology World (January 2018)
- MACRA and MIPS tips – Dermatology World (July 2017)
- AAD DataDerm™
- Academy MACRA Resource Center
- Live webinar: MIPS and its Impact on Coding & Documentation – May 17, 2018
- Academy product: Principles of Documentation for Dermatology, First Edition
- Academy product: 2018 Coding and Billing for Dermatology
Help wanted: AAD Pruritus Measure Testing Project
The Academy is seeking participants in its new Pruritus Measure Testing Project. Participants will be asked to provide data on four quality measures on pruritus. There is a process and outcome pruritus measure for dermatitis and a process and outcome pruritus measure for psoriasis. Participants will collect and report patient reports of itch using a validated assessment tool. The Project will launch in the spring and a small stipend will be provided for participants.
Pruritus has emerged as a research target in recent years. Read more about the conditions that can cause itchy scalp in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- Itching for relief – Dermatology World (February 2015)
- Setting the score: How can broad-based measures help dermatologists demonstrate their value? – Dermatology World (November 2017)
- What does the increasing focus on quality mean for you? – Dermatology World (December 2017)
- Can IL-31 inhibition reduce atopic dermatitis itch? – Dermatology World (June 2017)
- Measuring up: Examining the status of quality measurement in dermatology – Dermatology World (November 2016)
