Advocacy Update Feb. 17, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 17, 2026
Medicare Physician Payment Reform
AADA underscores impact of current federal health payment policies on physician burnout at Senate hearing
On Feb. 11, the Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing on physician burnout where Chairman Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) highlighted how administrative and regulatory burdens have contributed to physician burnout.
The Doctor Is Out: How Washington’s Rules Drove Physicians Out of Medicine hearing examined the widespread physician burnoutand workforce shortages, including how federal policy factors contribute to these issues, such as administrative burdens and payment pressures.
The AADA submitted a statement highlighting the need for Medicare physician payment reform (PDF), as lagging reimbursement has contributed to the consolidation and closure of physician practices.
Reimbursement Advocacy
Dermatologists advocate for delay of efficiency adjustment
The AADA and the American College of Surgeons support legislation (PDF) to address cuts to physician payment. The Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act (H.R. 7520) would delay implementation of an across-the-board 2.5% reduction to work Relative Value Units and intra-service time. The “efficiency adjustment” applies to all non-time-based codes, and CMS intends to reapply this adjustment every three years.
The bill was introduced by Reps. Ron Estes (R-KS) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY). The AADA opposed the cut and joined the physician community (PDF) to urge Congress to stop the implementation of CMS’s proposal.
AADA News
New study outlines safe preparation of buffered lidocaine
The AADA has tirelessly advocated for access to compounded medications and in-office preparations to support dermatologists and their patients. As a result of years of work by the AADA Compounding Workgroup, in partnership with the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS), American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), and American Society for Mohs Surgery (ASMS), a landmark independent study was conducted for safe in-office preparation of buffered lidocaine with epinephrine. The data support assigning a beyond-use date (BUD) of seven days under refrigeration and 24 hours at room temperature.
Current requirements set forth in United States Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapter <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding – Sterile Preparation limit immediate-use compounded sterile preparations to administration within four hours, creating significant barriers for dermatology practices where buffered lidocaine is routinely prepared in advance of patient visits.
This study results from a 2018 meeting with the USP, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to discuss the AADA, American Medical Association, ACMS, ASDSA, and ASMS’ concerns with USP’s revisions to Chapter 797 and its impact on patient access to buffered lidocaine.
Dermatologists and clinical staff should consult the AADA, ACMS, ASDS, and ASMS Joint Position Statement on Safe In-Office Preparation of Buffered Lidocaine for additional guidance on safety standards as well as the FDA Sanitary Guidance and USP.
AADA News
Maryland dermatologists host skin cancer check
Shown in the photo from left to right are Russ Kujan, executive director, Maryland Dermatological Society; Sean Wu, MD, FAAD; Juris Germanas, MD, PhD, FAAD; Lane Neidig, MD, FAAD; and Christine Ambro, MD, FAAD.
AADA News
Support dermatology champion candidates through SkinPAC
As of Feb. 12, SkinPAC has raised $96,382 from 56 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. Your contribution today will help ensure we have the resources we need to ramp up our fight to reform Medicare physician payment. Email skinpac@aad.org with any questions.
Editor’s Note
iPLEDGE announcement clarification
The original breaking news alert email regarding iPLEDGE contained a discrepancy. The AADA would like to clarify the recent update concerning the removal of the 19-day lockout requirement. If a person who can get pregnant does not pick up their prescription within the 7-day window, a repeat pregnancy test may be done immediately without an additional waiting period.
We apologize for any confusion the initial communication may have caused and appreciate your attention to this clarification.
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.
