February 13
IN THIS ISSUE / February 13, 2019
- Do biologics have more adverse events than conventional therapies? Researchers say 'No.'
- AAD Strategic Plan driven by member feedback
- Feedback requested: AAD/ASPS joint guideline for reconstruction after skin cancer resection
- Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) deny Mohs with IHC claims
- Academy leaders convene on Capitol Hill for first Academy Leadership Day
- How much does having atopic dermatitis cost patients?
- 2019 AAD Election ballot packet moved online
Do biologics have more adverse events than conventional therapies? Researchers say 'No.'
According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, the use of biologic therapies compared with conventional systemic therapies (CST)/topical therapies is associated with a similar or lower risk for developing adverse medical conditions for psoriasis patients.
Study participants were classified into cohorts based on the following treatments: adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, ustekinumab, or CST/topical therapies. Infection was the most commonly reported adverse medical condition in all cohorts. Adalimumab, etanercept, and ustekinumab were all associated with significantly lower risk for infection compared with CST/topical therapies. Treatment with adalimumab was associated with a significantly lower risk for malignancies, and treatment with etanercept was associated with a significantly lower risk for respiratory disease.
The investigators concluded that additional studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to capture the long-term effect of psoriasis therapies on an individual’s risk for adverse medical events.
Find out why patients may not be reaping the benefits of a vast arsenal of biologic therapies in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- Which topicals work for scalp psoriasis – Dermatology World (June 2016)
- For your patients: Psoriasis Resource Center
- Battling for biologics – Dermatology World (September 2015)
- AAD product: Simulated Patient Encounter – Medication Management
- AAD product: Digital patient pamphlets
AAD Strategic Plan driven by member feedback
During the Plenary at the Academy's 2019 Annual Meeting, Academy President Suzanne Olbricht, MD, will share more about the 2019 AAD Strategic Plan, how it impacts members, and responds to the future of the specialty. Learn more about the AAD's Strategic Plan.
Feedback requested: AAD/ASPS joint guideline for reconstruction after skin cancer resection
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) are requesting feedback from members about its draft Guideline for Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Resection. AAD members are encouraged to provide comments on the draft guidelines before the comment period closes Feb. 25.
Guidelines serve as decision-making and educational aids for clinical practice to support and improve quality dermatologic care, and are used as the framework for quality measurement, reimbursement decisions, advocacy efforts, public messaging, and the identification of research gaps. When finalized, these evidence-based guidelines will be submitted for publication in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and will be considered current for five years from the date of publication.
View the Academy’s current and upcoming clinical guidelines in the Practice Management Center.
Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) deny Mohs with IHC claims
The Academy has been made aware of an issue affecting Mohs micrographic surgery (Mohs) claims, in which denials are being generated when a Mohs surgery claim is reported with the following codes: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) (CPT code 88342) and/or pathology consultation during surgery, first tissue block with frozen section(s) (CPT code 88331).
When treating melanomas by Mohs, the standard of care is to use immunohistochemical (IHC) stains to best identify the melanocytes in addition to the routine stain (hematoxylin and eosin) included in the Mohs codes.
Academy leaders convene on Capitol Hill for first Academy Leadership Day
To kick off the new Congress, members of Academy leadership joined congressional staffers on the Hill for the first Academy Leadership Day. Academy leaders received high-level briefings from senior congressional staff on the actions Congress is expected to take on health care in the year ahead. The briefings provided leadership with information that will help guide future Academy advocacy decision making. Read more here.
A recent study has been accepted for publication in Acta Dermato-Venereologica that reviews the extra out-of-pocket costs for individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD) from nine European countries.
Of 1,189 patients with AD, 57% had missed one to five days of work, and 26% missed six to 10 days of work during the past year due to their condition. The average out-of-pocket spending on everyday necessities was €927 (about $1,063 U.S. dollars) per patient per year. Emollients and moisturizers accounted for the highest monthly costs, followed by non-reimbursed medication. Researchers concluded that these costs pose a substantial burden for patients, are higher than in other chronic diseases, and should be included in future economic assessments of the impact of AD.
Should systemic steroids be avoided in atopic dermatitis? Learn more in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
2019 AAD Election ballot packet moved online
Beginning in 2019, eligible voting members will receive emails with a link to the AAD Election Connection to view the ballot book and vote online. Voting members with email on file with the Academy will no longer receive an election ballot packet by mail.
- Members who wish to receive a PDF ballot book by email may request it at candidates@aad.org.
- Members who wish to vote by mail may print their online secure voting ballot beginning March 2. NOTE: All ballots must be received by March 16 at 11:59 PM (ET).
