May 20, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE / May 20, 2020
COVID-19 and physician compensation: Survey shows likely decline
DW Insights and Inquiries: Reopening the dermatologic surgery office in the COVID-19 era
Register for the Academy’s virtual meeting experience, AAD VMX
Race, equity, and the impact of COVID-19 on African Americans
Tell Congress how COVID-19 is affecting your practice and patients
COVID-19 and physician compensation: Survey shows likely decline
As a result of the pandemic, fewer patients are being seen, so productivity benchmarks are likely to be lowered and bonuses are expected to take a hit, according to Medscape Medical News. Salaries may be reduced by 10% to 30%, said Joel Greenwald, MD, a financial adviser in Minnesota. Before the pandemic, specialists saw a 1.5% increase in average earnings from 2019 to this year ($341,000 to $346,000). In April, the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) conducted a survey that found practices have reported an average 55% drop in income as well as an average decrease in patient volume of 60%. These drops have reversed a consistent upward trajectory of physician compensation. Of responding physicians who were asked if they would choose their specialty again, dermatologists tied for third with ophthalmologists (95% said they would) after orthopedists (97%) and oncologists (96%).
Check out the Academy’s COVID-19 resources.
Related content:
Coming down the payment pike – Dermatology World (February 2020)
Tips on improving your compensation package – Dermatology World (February 2020)
DW Insights and Inquiries: Reopening the dermatologic surgery office in the COVID-19 era
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents extraordinary challenges to the health care community, including dermatology and dermatologic surgery. Guidelines put forth by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American College of Mohs Surgery at the beginning of the pandemic recommended postponing all skin cancer surgery except urgent/aggressive cases. Now that states and localities are beginning to ease social distancing requirements implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19, physicians and health care systems will need to resume care that has been postponed, while prioritizing the health and safety of both our patients and health care workers.
Prior to reopening for non-emergent health care visits and procedures, most hospital systems recommend a 14-day decrease in the rate of new COVID cases. Resumption of services may also be delayed until authorization by the appropriate municipal, county, or state health authorities. Based on differences in regional COVID-19 infection rates, timelines and guidelines for reopening may differ. In this commentary we focus on protocols and considerations for reopening a dermatologic surgery practice. These recommendations are based on an academic dermatologic surgery practice and should be used as a framework. Keep reading!
Register for the Academy’s virtual meeting experience, AAD VMX
The Academy's virtual meeting experience, AAD VMX, will be held June 12-14, 2020. Participants will join the Academy for a three-day live and online experience from the comfort and safety of their home and/or office. AAD VMX offers at least 24 CME credits, more than 14 robust sessions on multiple clinical topics, live Q&As with presenters, 900 posters, a virtual exhibit hall, and more! Register now.
Race, equity, and addressing COVID-19’s impact on African Americans
AAD member Sacharitha Bowers, MD, vice chair of the Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement and Equity Council at SIU School of Medicine, is working relentlessly to get ahead of the curve of disproportionate COVID-19 infection and mortality rates among African American communities. Read Dr. Bowers’ full interview.
Tell Congress how COVID-19 is affecting your practice and patients
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Congress has worked quickly to support physicians, health care providers, and small businesses. However, more is needed to ensure dermatologists can continue treating patients and practices remain financially stable. Through the AADA Grassroots Action Center, dermatologists can quickly send a letter thanking Congress for what they’ve done to support physicians, but also asking them to sustain financial relief until practices can fully reopen, provide support for physicians through Medicare reimbursement, reinstate the Medicare Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program, and broaden liability protections for physicians.
