Advocacy Update Feb. 24, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 24, 2026
AADA leads joint meeting with FDA to protect access to patch testing
Dermatology advocates for patient-focused amendments to price transparency requirements
AADA opposed Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan modifier 25 policy
Advocacy win: New Mexico Senate blocks optometrists’ use of lasers
AADA submits comments to the FDA on mandatory cosmetic recalls
Regulatory Advocacy
AADA leads joint meeting with FDA to protect access to patch testing
On Feb. 20, the AADA led a joint meeting with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to safeguard patient access to patch testing. The meeting brought together the American Contact Dermatitis Society, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology to speak about the importance of preserving patient access to allergens.
During the discussion, we emphasized that any new regulatory framework should incorporate real-world clinical evidence, maintain comprehensive allergen panels, and enable the timely inclusion of newly identified allergens.
Regulatory Advocacy
Dermatology advocates for patient-focused amendments to price transparency requirements
The AADA urged government agencies to consider the unintended consequences that increased price transparency may have on patients and physicians. In a Feb. 19 letter (PDF), the Academy highlighted the need to address payer policies that can drive up health care costs for both patients and physicians, such as opaque and burdensome claim review processes or downcoding practices.
The AADA statement was in response to the CMS Transparency in Coverage proposed rule issued jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Treasury.
Reimbursement Advocacy
AADA opposed Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan modifier 25 policy
The Academy and Michigan specialty societies opposed a recent (PDF) modifier 25 payment reduction policy from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Effective May 1, the policy would reduce payment of the evaluation and management (E/M) service by 50% when reported with a minor procedure using modifier 25. The AADA has been actively coordinating a strategic response with the Michigan State Medical Society and the Michigan Dermatological Society.
State Advocacy
Advocacy win: New Mexico Senate blocks optometrists’ use of lasers
The New Mexico Senate blocked legislation that would have expanded optometry scope of practice to use lasers. The AADA urged (PDF) the New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee to oppose HB 213 but the committee did not consider the bill before the legislature session adjourned.
Regulatory Advocacy
AADA submits comments to the FDA on mandatory cosmetic recalls
On Feb. 16, the AADA submitted comments (PDF) in response to the FDA’s draft guidance on mandatory cosmetic recalls, including skin products. The letter urged the agency to finalize the guidance, noting that doing so would strengthen timely and robust public notification of adverse events and support the identification, reporting, and mitigation of emerging cosmetic product safety concerns.
AADA News
Support congressional dermatology champions through SkinPAC
As of Feb. 12, SkinPAC has raised $163,521 from 116 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 in Congress. 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.
