The 9% (and Rising) Cut — What Every Dermatologist Needs to Know Now

In this special bonus episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, Dr. Patti Farris sits down with Dr. Sandra (Sandy) Johnson — private practice dermatologist in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and member of the American Academy of Dermatology's Board of Directors — for an urgent conversation on the CMS reimbursement cuts threatening the future of dermatology.

Dr. Johnson breaks down the three major proposals from CMS that could devastate dermatology practices nationwide: a proposed cut to the 25-modifier that would penalize combined evaluation-and-procedure visits, a potential overhaul of indirect practice expense calculations that could hit dermatology harder than most specialties, and an effort to remove the AMA's RUC representation — stripping physicians of their voice in how reimbursement values are set.

Beyond the policy breakdown, Dr. Johnson shares what the AAD is doing to fight back and exactly what members can do right now: submitting the 30-second advocacy letter through Voter Voice, rallying staff and patients to do the same, donating to SkinPAC, and attending this year's Legislative Conference in Washington, DC before the mid-September deadline.

This is a call to action for the entire dermatology community — because a united voice is the specialty's best defense.

Topics covered:

• The proposed 9–25% CMS reimbursement cuts
• The 25-modifier and what it means for combined visits
• Indirect practice expenses and why dermatology may be hit hardest
• Efforts to remove the AMA from the RUC
• How to take action: Voter Voice, SkinPAC, and the AAD Legislative Conference