Advocacy Update July 22, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / July 22, 2025
Dermatologists urge Massachusetts lawmakers to pass truth in advertising legislation
AADA submits comments to HHS on Medicare payment reform and drug shortages
Regulatory affairs
AADA nominates dermatologist for CDC Advisory Committee
On July 14, the AADA submitted nomination materials (PDF) recommending AADA Dermatopathology Committee Chair Alina Bridges, DO, FAAD, for membership on the CDC’s Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD). The ACD advises the director of the CDC and the secretary of HHS on strategies to fulfill the CDC’s mission and “provides guidance to help CDC work more effectively with its various private and public sector constituents to make health protection a practical reality.”
Payer advocacy
Aetna expanding E/M downcoding policy
Aetna announced plans to expand its claim and code review program, which results in the downcoding of certain level 4 and 5 evaluation and management (E/M) claims.
Initiated in select pilot states, the program will now include all Aetna commercial states except Louisiana. Further expansion to Aetna Medicare Advantage plans is planned for later in 2025. This follows Cigna’s planned implementation of its pre-payment review of level 4 and 5 E/M codes.
The AADA payer advocacy team is obtaining details on both carriers’ programs, including the methodology and criteria, to assess their impact on dermatologists. The AADA has also been in communication with the AMA on advocacy strategies.
The Academy offers a variety of resources to help members report E/M codes successfully, including an interactive E/M coding tool.
Truth in advertising
Dermatologists urge Massachusetts lawmakers to pass truth in advertising legislation
AADA worked with the Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology to support three health care transparency bills considered during a hearing in the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Health. H.2513, S.1500, and H.2512 would limit the use of medical specialty titles in advertisements and clinical settings to physicians and would require physicians and non-physician clinicians to disclose in advertising and through photo identification their name, the type of state-issued license, and expiration.
The Joint Committee received supportive testimony from several groups, including the Massachusetts Medical Society, ophthalmologists, gastroenterologists, and otolaryngologists.
Step therapy
Step therapy reform enacted in Alaska
A step therapy and prior authorization reform bill enacted in Alaska will require insurers to establish a streamlined prior authorization process that minimizes administrative burdens on physicians.
The AADA supported the legislation, which will require insurers to provide decisions within 72 hours for standard requests and 24 hours for expedited requests. A prior authorization for a chronic condition will be valid for a period of not less than 12 months while the covered person remains insured and at least 90 days for other conditions. The legislation sets forth a clear and convenient process for requesting exceptions to step therapy protocols and conditions for automatic approval of step therapy exemptions.
The legislation, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, includes provisions of the model bill drafted by the AADA and other members of the State Access to Innovative Medicines Coalition.
Regulatory affairs
AADA submits comments to HHS on Medicare payment reform and drug shortages
The AADA submitted comments (PDF) on July 10 in response to an HHS Request for Information (RFI) aimed at identifying and eliminating outdated or unnecessary regulations. The AADA’s comments addressed key dermatology-related concerns including Medicare payment and drug shortages.
AADA News
Contribute to SkinPAC
As of July 17, SkinPAC has raised $753,681 from 669 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.
