Advocacy Update Oct. 7, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Oct. 7, 2025
Federal News
Government shutdown impact on Medicare claims and telehealth visits
Despite the ongoing government shutdown, Medicare will continue processing and paying claims, and dermatologists should not experience significant disruptions. In some cases, payments may be briefly delayed for up to 10 business days, but claims can still be submitted during this period.
As of Oct. 1, most Medicare patients are no longer eligible for telehealth visits. Practices should prepare to transition Medicare patients back to in-person care or other covered options, and clinicians may consider issuing Advance Beneficiary Notices of Noncoverage when appropriate.
Congress would need to act to pass legislation to keep the telehealth flexibilities for Medicare beneficiaries.
Truth in Advertising
Truth in advertising win in California
Due to a coordinated legal effort, a federal court in California upheld California’s truth in advertising law. The court held that the use of “Dr.” or “doctor” by non-physicians in clinical settings is “inherently misleading” commercial speech and not protected under the First Amendment. The California Medical Association and the American Medical Association (AMA) filed a joint amicus curiae brief in support of California’s law.
The court used evidence that patients often assume “doctor” means physician and noted that even the nurse plaintiffs acknowledged such confusion occurs. The court also cited survey evidence from AMA’s truth in advertising campaign demonstrating patient confusion.
Three nurse practitioners who hold Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees argued that the law violated their First Amendment rights. The judge stated, “The record indicates that Plaintiffs’ particular form or method of advertising has in fact been deceptive, and thus the speech enjoys no First Amendment protection.”
AADA News
Support dermatology champions through SkinPAC
As of Oct. 2, SkinPAC has raised $900,834 from 804 individuals. Contribute online at www.skinpac.org or by texting SkinPAC to 71777. 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.
