The American Dermatological Association affirms the pressing need to address the defects that exist in the current medical infrastructure which prevent equal access, and consequently equitable medical outcomes, for all patients with dermatologic disorders. Issues limiting access to dermatology care are highlighted here and should urgently be addressed.
Skin cancer and skin infection are significantly more likely in solid organ transplant patients compared to patients with normal immune system function. Almost 40,000 organ transplants were performed in the United States in 2019, a 9% increase over 2018.
Access to healthcare has been at the forefront of social and political debate for decades. Reliable and equitable access to provider prescribed medications is tantamount to the delivery of appropriate healthcare, and the lifecycle of medication manufacturing, distribution, pricing and procurement has been shrouded in an incomprehensible array of transactions and involved stakeholders. Among the middlemen interspersed between pharmaceutical manufacturers and patients are pharmacy benefit managers (PBM). Initially tasked with administering drug plans for health insurers,1 the role of PBMs has expanded over time. They currently function in a lightly regulated area,2,3 with few requirements for business transparency. Three PBMs, CVS Caremark, Optum RX, and Express Scripts, control distribution of nearly ¾ of the medications in the United States.
Dermatologists routinely engage in the care of patients with mucocutaneous manifestations of Human Papillomavirus infections [HPV]. HPV is associated with protean medical illnesses including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as warts
The American Dermatological Association joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in their recommendation for Shingles vaccines in appropriate patients over the age of 50.