Advocacy Update Feb. 18, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 18, 2025
AADA, house of medicine demand reversal of Medicare cut and provide a pay boost
Dermatology addresses new CLIA requirements for lab directors
Legislators reject pharmacists’ effort to treat skin conditions
Medicare Payment
AADA, house of medicine demand reversal of Medicare cut and provide a pay boost
In a letter to congressional leadership (PDF), the group urged them to include a fix to the 2.83% Medicare physician fee schedule cut and demanded that Congress provide for an inflationary update to the Medicare physician fee schedule. The letter specifically asks Congress to adopt H.R. 879, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, as part of the forthcoming legislation to fund the government beyond mid-March.
Hundreds of physicians attended the event, including AADA President Dr. Desai; incoming Vice-President-elect Larry Green, MD, FAAD; AMA Dermatology Section Council Chair Marta Van Beek, MD, MPH, FAAD and Vice Chair Klint Peebles, MD, FAAD; Dermatopathology Committee Chair Alina G. Bridges, DO, FAAD; and State Policy Committee Chair Aliya C. Hines, MD, PhD, FAAD among other AADA members. Congressional speakers included AADA member Rep. John Joyce, MD, FAAD (R-PA); Ami Bera, MD (D-CA); Mike Kennedy, MD (R-UT); Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-IA); Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC); Jimmy Panetta (D-CA); Raul Ruiz, MD (D-CA); and Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA).
Medicare Payment
AADA highlights need for Medicare physician payment reform at House Committee on Ways and Means hearing
The Academy highlighted the dire need to reform Medicare physician payment during the Feb. 11 U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing titled “Modernizing American Health Care: Creating Healthy Options and Better Incentives.” The hearing examined ways to promote healthy living with more options, greater flexibility, and better incentives for patients.
The AADA submitted a statement (PDF) emphasizing the need for Medicare physician payment reform. The AADA stressed how cuts threaten patients with reduced access to affordable, high-quality dermatologic care that best meets their needs.
Regulatory Affairs
Dermatology addresses new CLIA requirements for lab directors
The Academy is currently advocating its concerns with the new Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements that will impact dermatologists as lab directors of CLIA- and College of American Pathologists-accredited high-complexity labs. While current lab directors may be grandfathered in, the AADA is seeking clarity from CMS on the new requirements related to board certification, experience, and training. Once the Academy has clarity, we will forcefully advocate on behalf of dermatologists who are unique among non-pathology physicians for their training in laboratory medicine.
State Advocacy
Legislators reject pharmacists’ effort to treat skin conditions
The AADA sent an action alert on Feb. 10 to Indiana dermatologists urging them to contact their state senators and ask that they reject legislation that would authorize pharmacists to diagnose and treat undefined “minor” skin conditions. On Feb. 12, the Indiana Senate Health and Provider Services Committee removed the bill from being heard in response to concerns raised by dermatologists and other physicians.
AADA News
Add your voice and 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. They are a trusted resource to their elected officials on policy issues affecting dermatologists and the specialty.
Learn more about the Advocacy Key Contact program and to how sign up. Already have a relationship with your member of Congress? Contact AADA staff at grassroots@aad.org.
AADA News
Contribute to SkinPAC
As of Feb. 13, SkinPAC has raised $186,220 from 153 individuals. Contributing to 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.
