Advocacy Update Apr. 15, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Apr. 15, 2025
Leading medical societies call for action on Medicare physician payment reform
AADA continues pressing CMS on CLIA Lab Director requirements
CIGNA participating dermatologists: Check your specialty designations
CMS declines Medicare Advantage AI guardrails in 2026 MA and Part D final rule
AADA invites FDA collaboration following Commissioner Makary’s appointment
Want to get more involved in advocacy? Become an AADA Advocacy Key Contact
Medicare Physician Payment Reform
Leading medical societies call for action on Medicare physician payment reform
The AADA joined the 14 largest national medical societies — including the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Cardiology, and the American Academy of Family Physicians — to demand that Congress and the administration take urgent action on Medicare physician payment reform (PDF). The statement, led by the American College of Surgeons, specifically calls on Congress and the administration to preserve and strengthen patient access to care by adding an annual payment adjustment tied to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) or inflation. It also calls for reforming budget neutrality requirements that cause instability in the physician payment system.
The AADA continues to advocate for Medicare physician payment as its sole federal advocacy policy.
Regulatory Affairs
AADA continues pressing CMS on CLIA Lab Director requirements
Following the Academy’s meeting with CMS last month to address the current CLIA lab director requirements, the AADA urged CMS to amend the rule to recognize certification by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology (AOBD) as qualifying credentials. The Academy is also scheduling a follow-up call with CMS on this matter. In addition, the AADA CLIA Workgroup held its first meeting on April 3 to develop strategies for advocacy and member education around the lab director qualifications. The group also discussed opportunities to coordinate efforts with key stakeholders, including the ABD, AOBD, and the College of American Pathologists.
The AADA will continue to advocate for dermatologists in CLIA labs.
Payer Update
CIGNA participating dermatologists: Check your specialty designations
The AADA recently caught up with Cigna to review its Cigna Care Designation (CCD) program and learned that it does not include subspecialty categories for dermatology. As a result, subspecialties such as Mohs surgery and dermatologic immunology are classified under the primary designation of general dermatology, which unfortunately, affects the cost-efficiency rating. Cigna is aware of this issue and the Academy’s concern and is working on refinement to its categorization process.
In the interim, Cigna-network dermatologists are encouraged to review and update their specialty designations by emailing intake_pdm@evernorth.com with the physician’s name, NPI, TIN, and a specific request to update the primary specialty.
By ensuring their specialty classification is correct, dermatologists will be positioned for more appropriate evaluation and designation so they can receive proper recognition for their expertise and help patients find the right specialists in their health plan physician networks.
Regulatory Affairs
CMS declines Medicare Advantage AI guardrails in 2026 MA and Part D final rule
On April 4, CMS declined advancing artificial intelligence (AI) compliance regulation for Medicare Advantage (MA) in its 2026 MA and Part D final rule, despite the AADA’s advocacy. The guidance would ensure that MA plans comply with the Social Security Act when using AI or other automated tools to make coverage decisions. However, the agency expressed interest in addressing AI guidance in future rulemaking.
The AADA expressed support to CMS for the AI guardrails (PDF) initially introduced by the Biden administration. The AI guardrail’s goal was to protect beneficiaries by ensuring fair access to medically necessary care and prevent discrimination based on health status or other factors.
Transition Update
AADA invites FDA collaboration following Commissioner Makary’s appointment
The Academy expressed support (PDF) to Martin Makary, MD, MPH, for his recent confirmation as the new Commissioner of the FDA and shared its commitment to working together on issues impacting patients and the specialty. The AADA also reiterated its dedication to advancing policies that foster innovation, reduce barriers to care, and ensure continued access to safe and effective therapies.
AADA News
Want to get more involved in advocacy? Become an AADA Advocacy Key Contact
Are you looking to bring your advocacy efforts to the next level? Consider becoming an AADA Advocacy Key Contact.
AADA Advocacy Key Contacts are grassroots advocates who foster relationships with their lawmakers and help to tell the story of how health care policies impact patients and physicians every day. Advocacy Key Contacts receive resources and support from AADA staff. Check out the Key Contact program for more information.
Want to get started now? Meet with your Member of Congress in their district office! The AADA has made it easy —just use this tip sheet (PDF) to schedule and prepare for a meeting with your representative, and reach out to grassroots@aad.org for the latest talking points on Medicare physician payment reform.
AADA News
Support dermatology congressional champions through SkinPAC
As of April 10, SkinPAC has raised $574,046 from 572 individuals. Help us keep up the momentum as we advocate for Medicare physician payment reform! SkinPAC helps strengthen our relationships on Capitol Hill and reinforces our grassroots and lobbying efforts.
Contribute online at www.skinpac.org or by texting SkinPAC to 71777. Email skinpac@aad.org with any questions.
The political purpose of the American Academy of Dermatology Association Political Action Committee ("SkinPAC") is to solicit and receive contributions to be used to make political campaign expenditures to those candidates for elective office, and other federal political committees, who demonstrate understanding and interest in the view and goals of the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Contributions to SkinPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to SkinPAC must be made from your funds and may not be reimbursed. SkinPAC cannot accept contributions from corporate accounts. Any recommended contribution amount is merely a suggestion. All AADA members have the right to contribute more or less or refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits us from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, physical address, occupation, and name of the employer whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.
