December 19
IN THIS ISSUE / December 19, 2018
- A new frown line treatment – coming soon?
- The AAD 2019 Strategic Plan: Our vision for the future
- December Heroes: Jean Pierre Galliani, MD, and Naomi Johansen, MD
- New guidelines issued for treating psoriatic arthritis
- It’s almost time to use the new biopsy codes: Do you know to use them?
A new frown line treatment – coming soon?
Results from a third late-stage study indicate that Revance Therapeutics’ wrinkle treatment, RT002, may be safe and effective for frown lines. According to data from the study, more than 95% of patients who received the neuromodulator injection were found to have none or mild frown lines after four weeks. The treatment was effective in maintaining reduced wrinkle severity in patients for a median duration of 24 weeks, allowing for two or fewer treatments per year.
In addition to neuromodulators, more dermal fillers targeting specific anatomic areas are expected to make their way to the United States in the near future. Read more in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- The elixir of youth – Dermatology World (March 2016)
- Experts discuss current and new treatments for hyperhidrosis – Dermatology World (August 2016)
- Body contouring carves out its niche – Dermatology World (June 2016)
- AAD store: Patient Safety in Dermatology
- For your patients: Cosmetic treatments
The AAD 2019 Strategic Plan: Our vision for the future
“The strategic plan challenged AAD leadership to make sure we’re leading projects that have the most impact on dermatology practice, patients, and our members.” AAD President Suzanne Olbricht, MD, introduces the Academy’s new strategic plan. Read more.
December Heroes: Jean Pierre Galliani, MD, and Naomi Johansen, MD
No one could figure out why Josie Lopez’s hands hurt when they got wet — until she saw Drs. Galliani and Johansen. Learn how Josie’s dermatologists helped her find relief from her perplexing condition.
Each month, the Academy will highlight members’ efforts to treat serious skin disease, work with other physicians as part of a health care team, and expand access to dermatology. Submit your story at SkinSerious.org.
New guidelines issued for treating psoriatic arthritis
According to new treatment guidelines issues by the American College of Rheumatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation, physicians should use a treat-to-target approach in all patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
“The available evidence suggests the irreversible joint damage, associated functional limitations, joint deformities and disability associated with PsA could possibly be avoided/delayed with optimal disease management using a targeted approach. A targeted approach can also improve pain, function, and quality of life and social participation,” said Jasvinder Singh, MD, MPH, the principle investigator.
The final guidelines include recommendations on the management of active PsA, both in patients who have never been treated as well as those who demonstrate active PsA despite receiving therapy. The guidelines address the use of oral small molecules, TNF inhibitors, IL-12/23 and IL-17 inhibitors, abatacept, and tofacitinib.
Read more about the treat-to-target approach for psoriasis in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- What are the updated guidelines of care for the management of primary cutaneous melanoma? – Dermatology World (December 2018)
- What do the AAD’s new non-melanoma skin cancer guidelines say? – Dermatology World (February 2018)
- AADA resources: Clinical guidelines
- For your patients: Psoriasis Resource Center
It’s almost time to use the new biopsy codes: Do you know to use them?
Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, dermatologists must use the six new codes for skin biopsies, which will replace the old primary and add-on codes for biopsy of the skin, 11100 and 11101. Dive into part 2 of the details in this month’s Cracking the Code column in Dermatology World.
Survey data showed these codes were used in distinct and inconsistent ways, so the AMA’s CPT Editorial Panel developed and approved a set of six codes — three primary and three add on — intended to be more specific about the technique and depth of the biopsy performed. Get resources on how to use these new codes in the AADA's Practice Management Center.
Related Links:
- Biopsy coding in 2019: Part 1 – Dermatology World (November 2018)
- Special codes for special places – Dermatology World (January 2017)
- AAD store: 2019 Coding Webinar All-Access Pass
- AAD store: 2019 Coding and Billing for Dermatology Manual
- AAD store: Principles of Documentation for Dermatology, Second Edition
