Advocacy Update April 21 , 2026
IN THIS ISSUE / April 21, 2026
Physician Registry Coalition highlights key considerations for comprehensive Medicare payment reform
AADA achieves clarity on billing, dermatology requirements for SRT
Payer Advocacy
Payer win: BCBS Michigan pauses modifier 25 policy
As a direct result of AADA advocacy in collaboration with the American Medical Association (AMA), Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), Michigan Dermatology Society (MDS), and other specialty societies, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) is pausing implementation of its modifier 25 payment reduction policy (PDF). Without strong and persistent advocacy from the Academy, the policy would have gone into effect on May 1, 2026, resulting in 50% payment reductions for E/M codes billed with modifier 25 on the same date as a minor procedure by the same physician for the same patient.
Upon learning of the proposed policy, the AADA immediately initiated coordinated advocacy responses with MSMS, MDS, and other medical societies. The AADA urged BCBSM to withdraw its policy (PDF) and signed onto a multispecialty coalition letter and participated in stakeholder calls to advocate for its rescission. While we are encouraged by BCBSM’s decision to pause the policy, we will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Administrative Burdens
Physician Registry Coalition highlights key considerations for comprehensive Medicare payment reform
The AADA joined (PDF) with 14 other members of the Physician Clinical Registry Coalition in sending an educational message to Reps. John Joyce, MD, FAAD; Greg Murphy, MD; and Kim Schrier, MD, on April 16. The message was directed to the bipartisan co-chairs of the House Republican and Democratic Doctors Caucuses as they continue developing comprehensive legislation to modernize the current Medicare physician payment system and reduce physician burdens associated with MIPS.
The coalition emphasized that any reforms must sustain clinical registry operations and participation, preserve the integrity of critical quality measurement tools, and mitigate the risks of unintended consequences. It also underscored that MIPS reform is a critical piece of comprehensive Medicare physician payment reform, along with revising budget neutrality rules and providing physicians with annual inflation-based updates.
Regulatory Advocacy
AADA achieves clarity on billing, dermatology requirements for SRT
Following persistent advocacy by AADA to CMS and the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), the MACs clarified dermatologist qualifications and billing requirements for superficial radiation therapy (SRT) for non-melanoma skin cancers. In response, the MACs updated their guidance. Importantly, during an April 16 call, MAC leadership confirmed that these updates are not meant to limit dermatologists from providing SRT.
The AADA continues to monitor MAC SRT policies.
AADA News
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