Advocacy Update Feb. 25, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 25, 2025
Advocacy victory: Regence BCBS rescinds modifier 25 payment policy
AADA urged Nebraska legislators to support prior authorization reform
Payer Advocacy
Advocacy victory: Regence BCBS rescinds modifier 25 payment policy
As a direct result of AADA advocacy (PDF), Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield rescinded its modifier 25 payment reduction policy.
Without strong advocacy by the Academy and state dermatology and medical societies, the policy would have gone into effect on March 1, resulting in reduced payment for non-preventive E/M services by 50% when billed with a procedure code with a 0- or 10-day global surgery period. Upon learning of the proposed policy, the AADA immediately initiated coordinated advocacy responses with state derm societies in Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and the respective state medical societies. Last year, the AADA defeated similar policies in California and North Carolina.
Regulatory Affairs
AADA ensures access to patch testing
The AADA engaged in several advocacy efforts to address regulatory issues surrounding patch testing. Recently, the AADA expressed concerns to the FDA following a meeting involving patch testing and other related regulatory issues, including the recent announcement of Import Alert 57-15, flagging certain allergenic products.
The AADA’s letter highlighted concerns (PDF) and reiterated our commitment to serve as a resource while affirming our support for the FDA’s efforts to ensure safe and effective allergen extracts for patch testing.
The AADA is committed to working with the FDA and other stakeholders to resolve patch-testing policy issues and ensure continued access to these essential diagnostic tools.
If you have encountered issues with access to allergenic products or would like more information, please contact the Academy’s Regulatory Policy team at regulatory@aad.org.
State Advocacy
AADA urged Nebraska legislators to support prior authorization reform
The AADA and the Nebraska Dermatology Society urged (PDF) the Nebraska Banking, Commerce and Insurance committee to support a prior authorization reform bill. Spearheaded by the Nebraska Medical Association, the bill would prohibit artificial intelligence-only denials and would require a standardized review form and adverse physician-led determinations.
AADA News
Get involved as an AADA Key Contact
AADA Advocacy Key Contacts are grassroots advocates who foster relationships with their lawmakers and help to tell the story of how healthcare 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
Support dermatology congressional champions through SkinPAC
As of Feb. 20, SkinPAC has raised $246,384 from 216 individuals. 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.
