American Academy of Dermatology Association Disappointed in Failure of Congress to Protect Access to Specialty Care for Medicare Patients

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Mar 01, 2010, 11:36 ET

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., March 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) is disappointed that the United States Congress has failed to approve legislation preventing the implementation of a 21 percent cut in payments for physicians who treat Medicare patients.

"For more than a decade, the AADA has been advocating that Congress repeal the flawed sustainable growth rate formula rather than continue to use temporary extensions," stated dermatologist David M. Pariser, MD, FAAD, president of the AADA. "Our message has been clearly delivered by AADA members and patients who have taken their concerns directly to their representatives. Congress knows the correct answer to this problem and it is time for them to act."

A federal law requires Medicare payments to physicians to be modified annually using the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. Because of flaws in how the law was designed, the formula has mandated physician fee cuts almost every year for the past decade. Short-term congressional fixes have stopped the cuts, yet without a permanent solution, the cuts grow deeper each year. The cost to fix the problem has skyrocketed, thereby jeopardizing access to high-quality care for Medicare patients.

Inaction by Congress threatens more than just patient access; it threatens jobs. The 21 percent cut may force physician practices to reduce professional and office staff, or shutter their doors completely.

The incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, continues to rise, and people who are 55-75 years of age are most likely to be stricken by this terrible disease. Untreated or late detection of skin cancer in the Medicare population will result in increased mortality and morbidity. "The impact of these cuts on Medicare patients could be devastating. It is critically important that seniors maintain access to timely, high-quality dermatologic care to ensure detection of skin cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages," said Dr. Pariser.

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association, serves as a resource for government affairs and practice information for dermatologists, and works with policymakers to formulate policies that enhance the delivery of quality dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the Academy at 1 (888) 462-DERM (3376) or visit www.aad.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology