Advocacy Update March 10, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE / March 10, 2026
AADA, DermCAC urge targeted revisions to allergy diagnostic testing
Academy advocates against scope expansion, for sunscreen access in New Hampshire
Regulatory Advocacy
AADA, DermCAC urge targeted revisions to allergy diagnostic testing
The AADA and the Dermatologic Medicare Contractor Advisory Committee (DermCAC) asked five Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to update the new guidelines for patch testing that reflect current literature and accept professional testing standards for certain allergy testing.
In the letter (PDF), the AADA and DermCAC asked that the newly proposed Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for allergy diagnostic testing include access to comprehensive, individualized patch testing when clinically indicated. The comments recommended targeted revisions to ensure the proposed policies reflect the most current clinical standards and evidence for comprehensive patch testing, including updating sections that rely on older literature that could work to restrict access to medically necessary comprehensive patch testing.
Regulatory Advocacy
Dermatology hammers to stop SRT LCD policy
The Academy also continues to advocate for changes to Medicare LCDs governing the use of superficial radiation therapy (SRT) for the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancers.
The policies, which took effect March 1, and were issued by five MACs — NGS, WPS, Palmetto, Noridian, and CGS — recognize dermatologists as qualified physicians to perform SRT but include a requirement that training be obtained exclusively through residency or fellowship programs.
The Academy has continued to raise concerns that this restrictive language does not reflect how dermatologists commonly learn new and evolving technologies and could unnecessarily limit dermatologists’ ability to provide SRT and reduce patient access to care.
The AADA and DermCAC have formally requested reconsideration of the LCDs and have followed up with the MACs urging action. The Academy also requested a meeting with CMS to request that the agency work with the MACs to halt and revise the policy.
In the interim, dermatologists should evaluate their individual clinical and business circumstances when determining whether to provide SRT to Medicare beneficiaries. When Medicare payment is expected to be denied, physicians should use the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) form to inform patients and obtain acknowledgment prior to treatment.
State Advocacy
Academy advocates against scope expansion, for sunscreen access in New Hampshire
The AADA continues its fight against scope expansion and for sunscreen access in schools.
In New Hampshire, the Academy urged (PDF) Governor Kelly Ayotte to veto HB 349, which would authorize optometrists to use lasers to perform surgery.
Additionally, in a joint letter with 21 other organizations, the AADA urged (PDF) the New Hampshire House Committee on Education Policy and Administration to support legislation that would allow sunscreen in schools and camps and establish a skin cancer prevention education program.
The legislation passed the New Hampshire Senate.
AADA News
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