Advocacy Update Sept. 16, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 16, 2025
Dermatology warns proposed policies further erode physician payment stability
Massachusetts dermatologists oppose dental hygienists administering Botox and fillers
SkinPAC Legislative Conference events honor VIP contributors
Medicare Physician Payment Reform
Over 200 members demand physician practice payment reform
If you weren’t able to join the Conference, you can still speak up for Medicare physician practice payment reform. Contact your legislators today.
Medicare Physician Payment Reform
Dermatology warns proposed policies further erode physician payment stability
On Sept. 12 the AADA submitted comments (PDF) to CMS on the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program. We warned that proposed policies would further erode physician payment stability and threaten patient access.
The AADA urged CMS to work with Congress on permanent reforms, including an inflationary update tied to the Medicare Economic Index and an increase to the budget neutrality threshold.
We also raised concerns about the creation of dual conversion factors, the proposed 2.5% efficiency adjustment, and changes to the practice expense methodology, among other issues.
CMS is expected to release the final rule by Nov. 1, 2025. For more information, visit our page on the proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for a detailed summary of the proposed rule and its impact on dermatology.
Regulatory Update
MAHA commission highlights reforms for sunscreen approvals
The Make America Healthy Again Commission has released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy (PDF), outlining reforms to improve children’s health. Among the highlights are the FDA’s efforts to modernize sunscreen approvals, with plans to promote innovation in the sunscreen market and improve regulatory processes for over-the-counter products, which have lagged those of other countries.
The report also emphasizes modernizing FDA drug and device approvals, aiming to reduce delays and support faster access to innovative treatments for patients.
The AADA has long advocated for the FDA to modernize the sunscreen approval process.
Regulatory Update
AADA meets with GAO on iPLEDGE changes
On Sept. 15, the AADA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) discussed issues regarding the FDA iPLEDGE program and concerns involving changes in the program’s third-party vendor. GAO is currently interviewing a variety of iPLEDGE stakeholders to better understand the associated changes and challenges in iPLEDGE third–party vendors. Because of the AADA’s advocacy, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 requires the GAO to complete a report no later than Dec. 31, 2026, on third-party vendors for iPLEDGE, including issues impacting patient access to these drugs.
State Advocacy
Massachusetts dermatologists oppose dental hygienists administering Botox and fillers
The Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology sent a joint letter (PDF) to the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opposing H. 4444 and S. 284, which would allow dental hygienists to administer Botox and fillers. The AADA, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society, and eight other groups joined the opposition letter. The Academy is expecting action later this fall on the final vote.
AADA News
SkinPAC Legislative Conference events honor VIP contributors
SkinPAC hosted two events during the 2025 AADA Legislative Conference, a reception and dinner. As of Sept. 11, SkinPAC has raised $889,872 from 795 individuals.
The reception was held Sept. 10 and was open to all FAADs who contributed $1,000 or more to SkinPAC in 2025 and AADA Graduate members who contributed $25 or more. The reception was attended by more than 100 AADA members and 8 members of Congress.
The dinner was the same evening in the Sky Room at the Hotel Washington. It was open to all 2025 SkinPAC Platinum members. The dinner was attended by 48 AADA members and 4 members of Congress.
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.
