All
ICD-9-CM, CPT, conversion factor changes for 2005
December 1st 2004Many reliable sources will be providing physicians and staff input regarding all the changes set forth by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for fiscal year 2005. Based on the display copy of the Nov. 2, 2004 Federal Register, the 2005 AMA CPT book, and the ICD-9-CM Book for 2005 published by the World Health Organization, pertinent changes for dermatology practices are summarized below:
New AK therapies offer tx choices
December 1st 2004National Report - With the rapid onset of new therapies available for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK), Stacy Smith, M.D. of Therapeutics Clinical Research in California, has demonstrated that efficacy, tolerability and cost play a combined role in the approach used to treat AK.
New AK therapies offer tx choices
December 1st 2004National Report - With the rapid onset of new therapies available for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK), Stacy Smith, M.D. of Therapeutics Clinical Research in California, has demonstrated that efficacy, tolerability and cost play a combined role in the approach used to treat AK.
Community-acquired MRSA leaps upward among children
December 1st 2004National report - The number of cases of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CAMRSA) among healthy American children has risen exponentially over the past few years, and resistant strains of S. aureus appear to be more virulent than non-resistant strains.
NMSC requires more aggressive screening, treatment, doctor says
November 1st 2004Zurich - Although data on the incidence and prevalence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) remain limited, Dr. Rolf-Markus Szeimies of the department of dermatology, University of Regensburg Hospital, Germany, has compiled epidemiologic data demonstrating an increased incidence of actinic keratosis (AK), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
Targeting inflammatory mediators in acne
November 1st 2004New York - With an increased understanding of the inflammatory response in acne, Diane Thiboutot, M.D., Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, has reviewed data demonstrating the role of the toll-like 2 receptors in inflammatory acne as well as the effect of retinoids in targeting inflammatory mediators.
Rosacea's gender misconceptions discussed
November 1st 2004National report - The lack of a definitive marker indicative of rosacea leads many dermatologists to debate who has, or does not have, the condition, particularly among patients with only the erythematotelangiectatic form - a form more commonly present in women, according to Mark V. Dahl, M.D.
Nonparticipating Medicare providers can reap many benefits
November 1st 2004The scenario of decreased reimbursements, increased overhead and dermatologists working harder and taking home less money is only too familiar to most of us. In the past, I have discussed methods of decreasing overhead and have avoided the topic of decreasing reimbursements, as it was one area that I thought we had little or no control.
Physicians' lack of business training threatens private practice success
November 1st 2004Newport Beach, Calif. - The courses of study required of medical students are thorough, focused and exhaustive, which they should be. It's safe to say that the vast majority of medical students graduate from their respective institutions thoroughly prepared to enter into a career that requires commitment, long hours and frequent continuing education courses to keep up with the constant advances in surgical procedures, treatments and pharmaceutical discoveries.