August 29
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
- Compounds in maple leaves may prevent wrinkles
CMS questions global payment codes
While they haven’t made a move yet, CMS is asking some hard questions about global surgical codes in the proposed 2019 Medicare Fee schedule. The agency wants to know whether the follow-up visits assumed in the payment for the 10- and 90-day codes are in fact happening. Read more.
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Non-physician clinicians bill more dermatologic procedures
The number of dermatologic procedures billed to Medicare by non-physician clinicians (NPCs) is rapidly increasing, as is the number of NPCs practicing in dermatology. A study published in JAMA Dermatology examined Medicare data to review procedures billed by NPCs and dermatologists from 2012 to 2015. Each year the number of dermatologic procedures billed by NPCs increased significantly compared with the number billed by dermatologists. These included procedures such as complex repairs and skin flaps.
The number of dermatologists billing for procedures increased by 6.1% during the four-year period, while the number of NPCs billing for dermatologic procedures increased by 33.2%. The authors suggest that further studies should be done to determine any association these procedures have with patient outcomes and the potential need for more formal training.
Read more about how workforce shifts in gender, race, staffing, and technology promise a new look for the specialty in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- Scheduling non-physician clinicians – Dermatology World (September 2015)
- Improving access for referrals – Dermatology World (October 2017)
- What care are non-physician clinicians providing? – Dermatology World (August 2015)
- AADA Position Statement on The Practice of Dermatology: Protecting and Preserving Patient Safety and Quality Care
Can machine learning exacerbate health care disparities in dermatology?
According to a recent article in JAMA Dermatology, machine learning (ML) has been used to create programs capable of distinguishing between images of benign and malignant moles with accuracy similar to that of a board-certified dermatologist. While this technology has the capacity to improve patient care, there are limitations.
Currently, the data used in the ML algorithms come primarily from light-skinned people. This could have consequences when diagnosing melanomas, which can look different on darker skin. “Patients with skin of color in the U.S. already present with more-advanced disease and have lower survival rates than fair-skinned patients,” said the authors. They suggest developing software that is trained to recognize melanoma on all skin types by having photo sets of skin conditions on diverse skin types for the algorithm to “learn” from.
Should dermatologists fear machine learning? Specialists think not. Read more in Dermatology World. Also, educate your community about the importance of seeing a board-certified dermatologist.
Related Links:
- Is dermatology on the right path for diversity? – Dermatology World (August 2018)
- The history of African Americans in medicine and the diversity challenges that remain – Dermatology World (February 2018)
Mediterranean diet may help ease psoriasis severity
A new study suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may help improve psoriasis severity. Out of nearly 36,000 questionnaire respondents, 3,557 had psoriasis. The study found a statistically significant inverse association between adhering to a Mediterranean diet and the severity of psoriasis. A Mediterranean diet traditionally includes eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Olive oil is often used in place of butter, and fish or poultry is typically consumed a few times a week.
Patients with severe psoriasis displayed low levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The study’s authors suggest that if these findings are confirmed, adherence to a Mediterranean diet should be integrated into the management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
In addition to counseling psoriasis patients about diet, learn more about the disease’s comorbidities to ensure patients receive the necessary assessments and treatment in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- The itchy scalp – Dermatology World (December 2017)
- Taking aim at psoriasis – Dermatology World (November 2017)
- Adherence to topical psoriasis treatment – Dermatology World (August 2012)
Compounds in maple leaves may prevent wrinkles
Researchers have discovered that certain compounds in maple leaves block the release of an enzyme called elastase, which breaks down elastin, a protein that helps the skin maintain its elasticity. According to researchers, this compound has the potential to be used for new products that would provide a plant-based, topical option in place of injections. It may also provide economic benefits for the U.S., as the sugar maple and red maple are only grown in North America, said the study’s principal investigator. The University of Rhode Island research team is continuing its research and is also formulating a product that is patent pending.
Read more about new filler approvals that target specific anatomic locations in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- Cosmetic concerns and considerations – Dermatology World (January 2018)
- Examining the theory behind the use of platelet rich plasma for dermatologic procedures – Dermatology World (May 2018)
- Calculating cosmetics – Dermatology World (August 2018)
- For your patients: Wrinkle remedies
- The aging hand – Dermatology World (July 2014)
