Advocacy Update Oct. 28, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 28, 2025
Advocacy win: Elevance expands coverage for home-based light therapy
AAD statement on FDA safety alert for RF microneedling devices
2026 Advocate of the Year Award nominations due this Friday, Oct. 31
Government Shutdown
CMS lifts hold on Medicare claims
After weeks of confusion, CMS instructed all Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to lift the hold and begin processing most claims with dates of service on or after Oct. 1, 2025, including claims under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, ground ambulance transport, and Federally Qualified Health Centers services. The only remaining holds apply to certain telehealth services (those not clearly identified as behavioral or mental health) and acute Hospital Care at Home claims.
Without congressional action, Medicare will no longer pay for certain telehealth services after Oct. 1, 2025. Physicians who continue providing these services should consider issuing an Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage. The AADA continues to monitor this situation closely. If you’re experiencing any issues related to the government shutdown or have questions, please contact regulatory@aad.org. For the latest information, physicians should monitor their MAC website and this CMS webpage.
Payer Advocacy
Advocacy win: Elevance expands coverage for home-based light therapy
As a result of AADA’s advocacy, Elevance Health revised its policy to now cover home-based light therapy for vitiligo. Previously, coverage was limited to psoriasis. This change followed coordinated efforts by the Academy, including feedback from AADA-identified subject matter experts and a formal correspondence to the carrier. As a result, Elevance Health now considers home-based light therapy for vitiligo medically necessary when certain criteria are met. View the updated policy.
Regulatory Affairs
AAD statement on FDA safety alert for RF microneedling devices
President Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, issued a statement acknowledging the FDA’s recent safety communication, reaffirming AAD’s commitment to ensuring safe, high-quality dermatologic care for all patients, and encouraging individuals considering cosmetic treatments to consult a board-certified dermatologist to discuss their goals, treatment options, and expected outcomes.
The FDA safety alert addressed complications related to certain uses of radiofrequency (RF) microneedling devices, which are used in common cosmetic procedures to improve skin texture, and to address acne scars, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines. The agency reported receiving reports of adverse events involving RF devices and is evaluating whether surgical repair or other medical interventions may be necessary to treat resulting injuries.
The FDA is encouraging physicians to report patient problems or complications related to RF microneedling procedures to the agency.
AADA News
AADA nominates Alina Bridges, DO, FAAD, for Medicare clinical diagnostic laboratory test advisory panel
The AADA nominated Alina Bridges, DO, FAAD, to serve as a member (PDF) of the Medicare Advisory Panel on Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Tests (CDLT). The CDLT Panel advises the secretary of HHS and the administrator of CMS on issues related to clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, including payment rates, coverage, and other policy considerations for these services.
AADA News
2026 Advocate of the Year Award nominations due this Friday, Oct. 31
Nominations for the Advocate of the Year are closing this Friday. Each year, the AADA recognizes outstanding grassroots advocacy efforts through the Advocate of the Year Award.
The goal of the award is to promote year-round advocacy and acknowledge the positive effects of a single advocate. Nominations close this Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. ET.
AADA News
Support congressional dermatology champions through SkinPAC
As of Oct. 22, SkinPAC has raised $923,194 from 823 individuals. Contribute online at www.skinpac.org or by texting SkinPAC to 71777. 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.
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.
