Applying 2021 E/M coding concepts in everyday practice – Part 2
In the Academy’s ongoing efforts to help members navigate the E/M changes in a simplified and relatable manner in everyday practice, part two of the AADA’s clinical vignettes focuses on the application of the concepts necessary to support reporting a high level of number and complexity of problems addressed, data analyzed, and risk of patient management. Read the full Derm Coding Consult article.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Keeping an eye on melanoma
If your practice bears any resemblance to mine, a significant portion of your schedule is devoted to patients following up because of their history of melanoma. Prior to seeing the patient, our medical assistant runs through a focused review of symptoms — Have you noted any new or changing moles, lumps, or bumps? Headaches? Shortness of breath? Weight loss? “Changes in vision” is included. Honestly, I never gave that much thought, thinking that it reflected a concern for ocular melanoma. I now have a new perspective, having just learned of melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR).
Paraneoplastic syndromes in neuro-ophthalmology may affect afferent and efferent visual symptoms. Reduced visual acuity from retinal degeneration, alterations in melanocyte proliferation and uveal thickness, or acquired nystagmus may be observed. Ocular motor abnormalities related to paraneoplastic syndromes range from uncontrolled eye movements (opsocionus) or from neuromuscular junction disease. Serologic identification of specific antibodies may be confirmatory. Treatment of these paraneoplastic syndromes is based on targeting the cancer itself while treating with corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive agents (i.e., methotrexate, IVIG), or plasma exchange. MAR is a specific variant of cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR), that may be associated with small-cell lung cancer, breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, endometrial, cervical, bladder, thyroid, thymus, pancreatic, and hematologic malignancies. Keep reading!
AAD collaborates with OM1 to enhance DataDerm™
Since its launch in 2016, the American Academy of Dermatology’s clinical data registry, DataDerm, has collected data on more than 40 million patient encounters. To further enrich the value of the platform, the AAD is collaborating with OM1, a real-world outcomes and technology company.
Academy members in the United States will benefit from the AAD-OM1 agreement, as the ability to standardize dermatology data will allow the AAD/A to conduct high-level aggregate analyses to support data-driven decision-making across our various strategic priorities such as research and advocacy. The collaboration will make OM1’s intelligent data cloud, outcomes analysis, and artificial intelligence/predictive medicine abilities available to researchers. This collaboration will lead to new findings in the field that would not be possible without such a large, dermatology-focused dataset. Researchers will never have access to any personal data about patients or the dermatologists who provided their care.
DataDerm users will also benefit. Over time, they can expect the ability to benchmark performance against other data sources within the platform that will allow for deeper practice insights, as OM1 is known for predictive analytics that can aid in diagnosis and treatment.
The collaboration will assure the Academy’s ability to maintain DataDerm as a free member benefit. This collaboration will partially offset the ongoing costs to support DataDerm for Academy members moving forward.
To learn more about this collaboration, view the FAQs.
Phase III results revealed for molluscum contagiosum treatment
According to two double-blind clinical trials published in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Dermatology, VP-102, a drug-device product containing cantharidin 0.7% weight/volume, was effective and well-tolerated in children over multiple treatment sessions.
More than 500 patients with molluscum contagiosum were randomized to receive treatment with VP-102 or vehicle control. At day 84, complete clearance of all molluscum lesions occurred in 50% of VP-102 participants and 15.6% of vehicle recipients. Mean molluscum lesions decreased 76% for VP-102 and 0.3% for vehicle at day 84. Adverse events were mild or moderate, with only 1.9% of participants discontinuing VP-102 due to side effects.
[Remedies for warts abound, but high-quality studies are lacking. Read more inDermWorld.]
AADA advocates for improved safety oversight for dermal fillers
At the March 23 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) General and Plastic Surgery Devices Advisory Panel meeting, several dermatologists shared perspectives on the risks associated with intravascular injection of dermal fillers, patient preferences and expectations, and informed decision-making.
On behalf of the AADA, George J. Hruza, MD, MBA, urged the FDA to prohibit “DIY” administration of cosmetic fillers by consumers and by nonphysicians without direct physician supervision. The presenters, who also included ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons, and industry representatives, conveyed to the panel and FDA staff the importance of taking steps to ensure that persons performing injections of dermal fillers have a detailed knowledge of facial anatomy vasculature as well as extensive training on the use of fillers.
The FDA will consider the panel’s perspectives when taking future actions to mitigate the risk of adverse events from dermal fillers.
Read about how nurse practitioners are intensifying efforts to expand their scope of practice inDermWorld.
The Paycheck Protection Program has extended its application deadline from March 31, 2021, to May 31, 2021. Dermatology practices now have an additional two months to apply for forgivable loans regardless of whether you are a first- or second-time borrower.
The American Academy of Dermatology is a non-profit professional organization and does not endorse companies or products. Advertising helps support our mission.
