January 22, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE / January 22, 2020
DW Insights and Inquiries: Paradoxical biological reactions and Grandma Dora’s waterbed
Participate in MGMA's 2020 Compensation and Production Survey
Video education, simulation improves surgical training among dermatology residents
Academy comments on FDA sunscreen study
Yesterday, a study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that builds upon previous research aiming to assess whether, and to what extent, six chemical sunscreen ingredients — avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate — in four different formulations are absorbed into the bloodstream after a single, full-body application.
In a statement released to the media, the Academy notes that “While these active ingredients were absorbed into the bloodstream at levels exceeding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s threshold for waiving additional safety tests, more research is needed to determine if the absorption has any effects on a person’s health. As the researchers point out, just because an ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream does not mean that it is harmful or unsafe. Most importantly, the study authors and the FDA conclude consumers should continue to use sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun.”
Related content:
DW Insights and Inquiries: Paradoxical biological reactions and Grandma Dora’s waterbed
My late maternal grandmother Dora — a real balabusta (Yiddish for “mistress of the house”) — was the first person I knew to get a waterbed. That raised eyebrows, until I explained that it comforted her octogenarian arthritic spine. I loved lying on that bed — aside from the soothing rocking comfort, I relished moving about, causing a panoply of squishes that altered the topography of the mattress. Turn this way, and squish that way — what bliss!
I am so enamored with biologics that I am considering changing my name from Heymann to Heymannimumab. Few would question biologics’ remarkable efficacy, yet many seem surprised by their paradoxical reactions. Years ago, when psoriatic flares with TNF inhibitors were initially reported, clinicians were justifiably perplexed. It is now recognized that anti-TNF treatment can induce new psoriasiform lesions in up to 5% of treated patients, known as “paradoxical psoriasis.”
As Mylonas and Conrad explain: “Classical psoriasis is a T-cell mediated autoimmune disease driven by TNF, characterised by T-cells memory, and a relapsing disease course. In contrast, paradoxical psoriasis is caused by the absence of TNF and represents an ongoing type-I interferon-driven innate inflammation that fails to elicit T-cell autoimmunity and lacks memory T cell-mediated relapses.” Keep reading!
2020 revised codes: Intermediate and complex repair
Updates to intermediate and complex repair coding (ICR) guidelines went into effect Jan. 1, 2020. To help with accurate reporting of intermediate and complex repairs, use the Academy’s coding tool to find the proper code to ensure reimbursement, and to familiarize yourself with the revised ICR guideline requirements. Check out the Academy’s new coding tool.
Related content:
Intermediate and complex repairs: Part 1 – Dermatology World (October 2019)
Intermediate and complex repairs: Part 2 – Dermatology World (November 2019)
Participate in MGMA's 2020 Compensation and Production Survey
Taking the MGMA's Compensation and Production Survey ensures dermatology is represented in industry-leading benchmarking data. Participants are eligible to receive a complimentary, participation-limited license and access the report via MGMA DataDive. Participate now! The survey closes Feb. 14, 2020.
If you do not have an MGMA account, create one for free by clicking “Sign up now” on the data.mgma.com login page. Creating an account is required to ensure confidentiality of submitted data.
Video education, simulation improves surgical training among dermatology residents
According to a study published in JAAD, researchers saw an increase in surgical skills after implementing a video-based and simulation surgical curriculum. A total of 31 first- and second-year dermatology residents had in-personal lectures replaced with instructional videos for at-home viewing followed by three hands-on sessions using simulated skin models.
Before and after the new curriculum, an assessment was performed on a simulated elliptical excision with intermediate repair. Among the 31 residents who completed the curriculum, 97% thought simulation added to the surgical teaching received in clinics, and 83% of second-year residents believed that simulation training would have been helpful if taught earlier in residency.
Read about how technology trends have shifted the learning landscape for physicians in Dermatology World.
