The specialty’s power comes from our unified voice.
From the President
By Terrence A. Cronin Jr., MD, FAAD, October 1, 2023
We are a small specialty compared to others in the house of medicine. However, we have an outsized voice because we are extremely dedicated to our patients who rely on our expert care for their serious skin diseases. It’s for this reason that the annual AADA Legislative Conference is so critical from an advocacy standpoint. There is a lot of noise on Capitol Hill, and this event allows us to be there in person to make our voices and our patients’ concerns heard.
AADA advocacy priorities
Read more about the AADA’s advocacy priorities.
I just returned from this year’s AADA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. I’ve attended this conference for so many years I’ve lost track. It is THE premier event for dermatologists to advocate for their patients and practices in person with members of Congress and their staff.
At this year’s event, we had almost 200 attendees — 156 Academy members with 38 residents representing 33 states, which allowed us to fan out and meet with House and Senate offices.
At every Legislative Conference, we go to the Hill prepared to make a few “asks” of our elected officials. It likely comes as no shock to anyone that advocating against detrimental cuts to Medicare payments is our number one priority.
I was honored to have my member of Congress Rep. Bill Posey speak to us on what legislative success looks like. He knows that the cost of operating a medical practice has increased 47% since 2001, while economy-wide inflation has risen 73% — we know that sure doesn’t balance out! During this time, Medicare hospital and nursing facility updates have increased by roughly 70%, significantly outpacing physician reimbursement. What’s wrong with this picture? But wait, there’s more bad news. Additional Medicare cuts in 2022 and 2023 have exacerbated the problem, and, moreover, we will face even more cuts in 2024.
I feel that our messages were received loud and clear during our in-person meetings, but here’s where the work really begins. We must continue to remind our policymakers about these issues and make as much noise as possible to keep our arguments fresh and pervasive in the minds of those who make decisions on payment policy. We can’t stop beating the drum now. The year is coming to a close, time is running out, and our patients are counting on us to ensure their access to our expert care.
We are a small specialty, but we are a mighty one. As Congressman Posey said to me, “You can choose to suck your thumb, curl up in the fetal position, hide under your desk, and pray you are the last sheep eaten, or you can fight! You save lives and you are on the side of right.” Please join me in keeping the pressure on members of Congress to avert these detrimental payment cuts. Take action.
Presidential spotlight
It takes a dedicated and engaged membership to move the needle on the issues facing our patients and practices, and sometimes our most diligent members can go unrecognized. As a toast to our unsung heroes within the Academy, I will be featuring hardworking members at the end of this column each month.
Dr. Hooper is a recognized and proven innovator in the field of dermatology and has been teaching at AAD meetings for many years. She lectures on cosmetic dermatology, sharing her knowledge, expertise, and techniques with residents and colleagues around the country.
She serves in a leadership capacity for the AAD on the Council on Communications, Dialogues in Dermatology, and as a JAAD reviewer. She also serves many distinguished dermatology, cosmetic, and laser societies, including serving as treasurer for the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Dermatologic Society, as past president of the Louisiana Dermatology Society, and as chair and member of numerous committees.
Her tireless commitment to education, community, and innovation deserves our admiration and certainly the Presidential Spotlight.
AAD/A Impact Report
Read more about the Academy’s most recent advocacy wins.
