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Unpinch the symptomatic pincer nail
November 1st 2005Many a pincer nail can reside relatively unnoticed, curled in a nail bed and requiring no treatment, but when such nails become symptomatic, surgical treatment is necessary with a main goal of targeting the widened nail matrix, according to Nathaniel J. Jellinek, M.D., a dermatologist at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence.
Study shows ointments appear worthless for wound healing
November 1st 2005Atlanta — According to a recent study, placing ointment on surgical wounds before applying occlusive dressings provides no observable benefits; moreover, applying mupirocin ointment to clean surgical wounds is contraindicated given the potential for creating antibiotic resistance.
Tug-of-war continues in Medicare's SGR
November 1st 2005Legislation backed by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) to abolish the controversial sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula in the Medicare fee schedule contains provisions to implement a payment system based on "pay for performance," a plan to compensate physicians according to the quality of care they provide.
Committee: Separate entity could handle procedure credentialing
November 1st 2005National report — The most feasible road to procedure credentialing would likely involve setting up a separate entity comprised of dermatologic-associated societies and administering a credentialing system similar to the process of hospital privileging, according to the initial findings of a joint task force of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).
Moisturizing mechanism, MVEs; ph-balanced cleansers
October 21st 2005This seems like a very simple question, but in actuality is quite complex. Just walk up and down the drug store aisle and look at all of the moisturizers. Each manufacturer claims to have found the perfect method for skin moisturization, but in actuality, all companies are still searching for the complete answer. How do I know this? Simply because each year new moisturizers enter the market and older versions are withdrawn.
Choosing a partner wisely: Derms look at more than just resume
October 21st 2005A common analogy in the medical business today is that a group practice is like a marriage. Medical partners often spend more time together than many married couples, and may have as much financial intertwining as most spouses.
Katrina washes away lives-but not hope
October 21st 2005At press time, a portion of New Orleans had suffered more flooding from a second storm, Hurricane Rita. Federal officials said it would take two to three weeks to pump out the additional floodwaters. The Army Corps of Engineers estimates the city's system of levees won't be completely repaired until next June, according to news reports.
Dermatoscopy helps dermatologist recognize melanoma earlier
October 21st 2005Chicago —Although the increase in melanoma incidence shows no sign of stopping, the use of dermatoscopy will help dermatologists diagnose and treat it earlier and may therefore help lower the incidence of metastatic disease, according to Mark F. Naylor, M.D., in a presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology's Academy '05, here.