AADA VP-elect pushes for Medicare payment reform through SkinPAC
On July 22, AADA Vice President-elect Larry Green, MD, FAAD, represented dermatologists on behalf of SkinPAC at an event in Washington, D.C., with his U.S. Representative, Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), to urge support for Medicare physician payment reform.
Wondering how the proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) rule may affect your practice? The AADA reviewed the CMS proposal and developed updated reimbursement estimates based on the two proposed conversion factors. The impact on reimbursement will depend on your site of service, services provided, and your patient population.
The AADA is continuing its in-depth analysis of the proposed rule and will submit formal comments to CMS.
Medicare Advantage
AADA outlines Medicare Advantage concerns in statement for House Ways & Means Subcommittees hearing
On July 22, the House of Representatives Committee on Ways & Means held a Joint Hearing with the Health and Oversight subcommittees titled Medicare Advantage: Past Lessons, Present Insights, Future Opportunities. The hearing examined lessons learned after more than two decades of the modern Medicare Advantage (MA) program, the challenges and opportunities associated with the rapid growth in MA enrollment, and targeted improvements that would allow MA to continue facilitating quality outcomes for beneficiaries and value for taxpayers.
The AADA submitted a statement (PDF) outlining dermatologists’ concerns with Medicare Advantage including declining Medicare physician payment, which is a downward influence on MA rates. The Academy also outlined concerns with MA network adequacy, support for reducing administrative burdens, and the need for guardrails for artificial intelligence. You can watch video of the hearing on the House’s website.
Regulatory affairs
CMS clarifies CLIA lab director requirements favorable to dermatologists
Due to the Academy’s ongoing advocacy, CMS recently clarified that it would exercise “enforcement discretion” for dermatologists on new requirements for CLIA lab directors. A recently updated AAD page on CLIA requirements includes new information and FAQs clarifying what the CMS enforcement discretion means for dermatologists.
As a result of the dialogue established by the Academy, CMS is committed to working with individual dermatologists experiencing issues in applying as CLIA lab directors. AAD members are encouraged to report issues to regulatory@aad.org.
State advocacy
Dermatologists urge passage of Massachusetts sunscreen-access-in-school legislation
AADA joined the Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology and 14 other organizations in a letter (PDF) supporting S. 334, H. 600, and H. 619, which would allow students, parents, or school personnel to possess and use a topical sunscreen while on school property or at a school-related event or activity without a physician’s note or prescription. AADA member Abigail Waldman, MD, FAAD, testified before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Education on July 21.
The bill has been considered for five legislative sessions. If passed, Massachusetts would be one of the 31 jurisdictions (including D.C.) to pass the legislation.
Legislative Conference
August 1: AADA Legislative Conference registration deadline
The AADA is committed to continuing the fight for fair Medicare physician payment, but we need your help. Have your voice heard and ensure that Congress understands how Medicare physician payment cuts impact health care access. The 2025 Legislative Conference, Sept. 7–9, offers a unique opportunity to convey the impact of Medicare physician cuts on health care with members of Congress.
Register by this Friday to join your colleagues in Washington, D.C.
SkinPAC
Contribute to SkinPAC today
As of July 24, 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.
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.
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Registration begins today at 12 pm noon (CT) for physician members, life members, and honorary members.
