August 22
IN THIS ISSUE / August 22, 2018
- 6 new biopsy codes for 2019
- August Access Hero: Jessica Burgy, MD
- Submit your comments on psoriasis draft guidelines
- 2018 QPP exception applications now available
- Ortho Dermatologics resubmits New Drug Application for plaque psoriasis lotion
The current primary and add-on code for biopsy of the skin, 11100 and 11101, have been under scrutiny by CMS for high utilization. An initial survey of dermatologists found that these codes are used in distinct and inconsistent ways.
Related Links:
- Special codes for special places – Dermatology World (January 2017)
- Should a patient’s age determine whether they receive SLN biopsy? – Dermatology World (December 2017)
- Scoop-shave biopsy: When should it be used? – Dermatology World (August 2015)
- AADA web: Coding and reimbursement resources
August Access Hero: Jessica Burgy, MD
Dr. Burgy treats a family of patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris. Their insurance company required one child to fail out of step therapy before it would cover the injectable his mom knew would work. Learn how Dr. Burgy supported her patients during this difficult process.
Each month, the Academy highlights members’ diverse efforts to expand access to dermatology. Submit your story at SkinSerious.org.
Submit your comments on psoriasis draft guidelines
The AAD is requesting member comments on two of the AAD’s draft psoriasis guidelines: management of psoriasis with biologics, and management of psoriasis with awareness of comorbidities.
Related Links:
- What advice should dermatologists give psoriasis patients about CV risk? – Dermatology World (March 2017)
- What do you ask your psoriasis patients at follow-up visits? – Dermatology World (September 2017)
- Which topicals work for scalp psoriasis? – Dermatology World (June 2016)
2018 QPP exception applications now available
Eligible physicians can now apply for the Promoting Interoperability Hardship Exception or the Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception for the Quality Payment Program 2018 performance year.
Certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) is required to participate in the Promoting Interoperability (formerly Advancing Care Information) performance category in the QPP’s Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). With this exception, physicians may qualify to have this category reweighted to 0% of the final score. The 25% weighting that would have applied would be reallocated to the Quality performance category in MIPS. Not having CEHRT does not qualify as an exception.
Eligible physicians who have been impacted by extreme and uncontrollable circumstances can request to have their Quality, Cost, and Improvement Activity categories reweighted. The QPP website defines extreme and uncontrollable circumstances as “rare events (highly unlikely to occur in a given year) entirely outside your control and the facility in which you practice.”
If you don’t qualify for a MIPS exception, visit the AADA’s MACRA Resource Center to access tools and resources to help you better understand MIPS and successfully report.
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Ortho Dermatologics resubmits New Drug Application for plaque psoriasis lotion
Ortho Dermatologics has resubmitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for halobetasol propionate and tazarotene (DUOBRII™) lotion in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. If approved, the lotion will be the first and only topical lotion that contains a unique combination of halobetasol propionate and tazarotene in one formulation to treat plaque psoriasis in adults.
Read more about how experts are embracing treat-to-target methods in psoriasis in Dermatology World.
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