Bob Gatty is a former congressional aide, covers Washington for a number of business and professional publications.
Skin cancer diagnosis spurs congressman to advocate for more research, funding
September 1st 2012Dermatology has a committed ambassador in Capitol Hill, but it's tragic as to why. Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) and his youngest daughter, Briana, both have been diagnosed with skin cancer and are speaking out about it to encourage others to prevent and detect skin cancer early. The congressman has co-sponsored the Melanoma Research Act of 2012, which would provide funding for skin cancer research.
Dermatologists speak out against provisions of the Affordable Care Act
August 1st 2012Dermatologists who strongly oppose key provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in late June, continue to turn their attention to Congress in the hopes of obtaining some relief.
FDA delays sunscreen labeling rules; task force urges more education
July 1st 2012Two important Washington developments regarding sunscreen have taken place this summer, but neither will do much to help adults who need guidance in protecting themselves during this year's sunbathing season. Early in May, the Food and Drug Administration announced it is delaying until December implementation of new sunscreen rules that had been scheduled to take effect in June.
Investigation uncovers indoor tanning's efforts to mislead public, report shows
June 1st 2012Although the risk of melanoma is especially high for youth and young adults who engage in indoor tanning, tanning salon workers across the nation have told congressional undercover investigators that indoor tanning is safe and the idea that indoor tanning can cause skin cancer is false.
President, Congress continue to posture on healthcare reform
April 1st 2010The Senate on March 2 voted again to delay the 21.2 rate cut caused by the sustainable growth rate formula, delaying it to April 1. The extension should allow lawmakers to pass yet a third extension, this one reportedly slated for seven months, to give Congress more time to come up with a better solution.
Congress and sustainable growth rate formula - a temporary reprieve
January 1st 2010Once again, dermatologists and other physicians face the prospects of huge reductions in their Medicare reimbursement rates because of the inability of Congress to resolve the problems imposed by the sustainable growth rate formula (SGR) and must count on, yet again, another temporary reprieve.
Medicare and fairness: Will a new healthcare reform bill address the SGR formula?
December 1st 2009It has become increasingly likely that even if Congress approves some form of healthcare reform this year or early next, it will not include significant reform of the formula on which physician Medicare payments are calculated, which is disappointing news for dermatologists and every physician who serves Medicare patients.
Spelling relief: Advocates of medical malpractice reform urge action now
November 1st 2009As the healthcare reform debate unfolds, most of the headlines have focused on whether there would be a "public option" and, to a lesser extent, how the various proposals would affect Medicare, including patients and providers.
Climbing the Hill: Derms face off with nation's leaders on healthcare reform
September 1st 2009At press time, lawmakers were still inching toward meeting a Sept. 15 deadline set by the Senate Finance Committee to reach a bipartisan compromise on healthcare reform. Dermatologists from across the country were expecting to be on Capitol Hill that day to let lawmakers know face-to-face their concerns about this sweeping legislative initiative.
System overhaul: AAD urges lawmakers not to follow Medicare model
August 1st 2009With comprehensive healthcare reform moving through Congress, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is urging lawmakers not to use Medicare as a model for any public health insurance option that may be included in the final plan.
Legislative: Healthcare reform: 2009 may be a critical year for Medicare programs
December 1st 2008Not long ago, a dermatologist from the southwestern United States who works in a busy six-physician practice received a check in the mail from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It was his share of more than $36 million in bonus payments made by CMS for satisfactorily reporting quality information under the 2007 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI).
Reductions in Medicare reimbursement slated for 2008
January 1st 2008Dermatologists once again find themselves at the mercy of the politicians in Washington, facing significant reductions in Medicare reimbursement for 2008, unless Congress once again comes to the rescue - and President Bush signs whatever legislation is passed.
Physicians face Medicare payment crunch
April 1st 2007Dermatologists and other physicians who participate in the Medicare program are facing a tighter financial squeeze as federal officials seek to control costs while giving patients more information about the performance of their healthcare providers.
Proposed guidelines for formularies
October 1st 2004Washington - Dermatologists should be aware that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is in the process of developing "standards and processes" under the new Medicare drug discount program that takes full effect in January, 2006. The legislation will have a major impact on what drugs are covered and for how much.
Medicare reform law carries hidden costs
January 1st 2004While Medicare recipients now have some help in covering the cost of prescription drugs, the new Medicare reform law passed by Congress carries some hidden costs that may result in difficulties in obtaining care for some patients. This applies, in particular, to physicians who administer drugs in their offices.
Insurers' losses are 'greatest contributor' to rising rates
November 1st 2003Congress has been told by its chief investigative agency that increasing medical malpractice awards, indeed, are contributing to skyrocketing premium costs for many physicians, but that fact is not having a widespread impact on patients' access to health care.