Advocacy Update Sept. 30, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 30, 2025
Arizona dermatologists advocate for changes to medical assistants’ use of local anesthetics
AADA urges Department of Defense to address military shaving waiver concerns
Federal News
Government shutdown impacts on dermatology
With the potential failure of Congress to pass a funding package, the federal government will face a shutdown at midnight on Sept. 30. What does that mean for Medicare payments for dermatologists?
In the near term, CMS will still process Medicare claims, and dermatologists will receive their reimbursement payments for patient services.
However, some Medicare telehealth flexibilities are also scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, reverting to pre-COVID-19 policies. Geographic and location restrictions will apply again, meaning most patients will no longer able to receive telehealth services from home. Dermatologists will be forced to cancel Medicare telehealth appointments they have starting Oct 1.
Depending on the length of the shutdown, Medicare reimbursement functions could be disrupted, including a delay in payments until MACs receive additional funding.
The AADA will provide more information as it becomes available.
State Advocacy
Arizona dermatologists advocate for changes to medical assistants’ use of local anesthetics
The AADA joined a letter (PDF) asking the Arizona Medical Board to allow medical assistants (MAs) with the proper training to administer local anesthetic injections under the direct, on-site supervision of a board-certified dermatologist.
While Arizona law authorizes MAs to inject a number of substances, including narcotics, the language does not specify anesthetics. However, an Arizona Medical Board guidance document explicitly states that MAs cannot inject anesthetics, presenting confusion for dermatologists and the MAs they supervise.
The Arizona Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Society, the Arizona Anesthesiology Society, and the Arizona State Medical Association, represented by dermatologist David Baltazar, DO, FAAD, developed a consensus document that will be discussed by a task force in the coming weeks.
Regulatory News
AADA urges Department of Defense to address military shaving waiver concerns
The AADA sent a letter to the Department of Defense (DoD) in response to recent revisions to shaving waiver policies across military branches (PDF) that may adversely affect service members with skin conditions such as pseudofolliculitis barbae. The changes to the shaving waiver policies may negatively impact the performance and career progression of these service members. The Academy outlined its concerns and urged DoD to rely on evidence-based solutions that support the best possible care for service members.
AADA News
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As of Sept. 25, SkinPAC has raised $895,313 from 802 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!
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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.
