From the editor
From the Editor
Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of DermWorld.
By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, December 3, 2018
Christmas came early for dermatology. Indeed, it came early for all of medicine this year when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule implementing changes that should ease some of the overwhelming documentation burden that many feel is contributing to the epidemic of physician burnout. Moreover, they withdrew several proposals for changes in reimbursement that threatened to significantly impact some of our practices. While future changes in reimbursement remain on the table, CMS is allowing time over the next two years for an AMA-convened workgroup to develop what we hope will be fair and meaningful alternatives. One of our own, Scott Collins, MD, is part of this enormously important effort; his time and dedication to this effort are very much appreciated.
This victory was the result of an intense collaborative effort of many parties, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Dermatology. Many of our individual dermatology colleagues contributed comments that helped move this effort to its successful conclusion. While I was certainly happy with the outcome, I was more inspired with how colleagues representing many different interests worked together to achieve a common goal.
This has been a tough year in many ways. Our country is not at war; yet, we have seen many battles fought. We see them daily on the political front, and who is not fatigued by the political wrangling that occurs with increasing polarity every day. Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, many of us fear the growing rhetoric of hate that seems to have become normalized, and even in some areas, exalted, by far too many in our country. Perhaps it was always there under the surface, but, anger, fear, and divisiveness seem to have trumped hope, love, and unity.
Sadly, I have sensed a growing divisiveness in our specialty in the past few years. When I first started my career, dermatologists seemed to have more in common with one another than they do today. Certainly, colleagues were differentiated by their interests in medical versus surgical dermatology versus dermatopathology, and some chose private practices, while others stayed in academics. However, we all seemed united by our focus on providing high-quality patient care. Things seem more complicated these days, however, as we have introduced into the mix other potentially competing interests, including those of private equity. My sincere wish for our specialty — as we move into the new year — is that we can all look beyond our own immediate interests to consider what we can do together for the benefit of our specialty and for that of all of medicine. I believe it has never been more important.
Our staff and writers have put together another fabulous edition of Dermatology World for you this month. It is a pleasure and privilege to work with each and every one of them. We cover a wide range of timely topics, including the new biopsy codes that come into effect Jan. 1. We highlight the new melanoma guidelines of care, provide pearls for managing your retirement wealth, and answer the often-asked question, “What is the AAD doing about nonphysician practitioner scope of practice issues?” The answer is many things, and we let you know what YOU can do. Finally, we talk about physician attire. Find out what your patient really thinks about that white coat.
I offer my best wishes to all as we move into the new year. I hope that you feel safe and respected, and that you find much happiness in all you do.
