Pediatric Dermatology

As might be expected with any new cosmetic procedure, suture suspension, popularly known as "thread lift," has engendered significant media attention. Thread lift has been promoted on "Oprah," "Today" and "Good Morning America" as a "lunch-time facelift." More recently, articles in The New York Times and Allure magazine have questioned the predictability and longevity of results, and the potential for complications.

I have tried unsuccessfully to find a single reference which describes the natural history of Bowen's disease.

National report - Biologic agents will not necessarily be more effective than current drugs used for dermatological conditions, but will produce less toxicities, says the professor and chairman of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N. C.

Washington -- Two separate studies show that two companies have developed human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines that appear to be highly effective in preventing vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer and genital warts.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- A Malaysian study has found that the vitamin derived from antioxidant-rich palm oil is more potent than other forms of vitamin E when used to accelerate healing of dermal wounds.

Buenos Aires, Argentina — WorldNow reports that researchers in Argentina have successfully tested a new vaccine to prevent recurrence of melanoma.

National report — Minimally invasive procedures provide a wealth of lift options for patients, and the trend will continue, Sorin Eremia, M.D., tells Dermatology Times.

Permanent fillers ... remain a tough sell as doctors increasingly consider the ever-changing structure of the face as it ages.

National report — Women dermatologists contacted by Dermatology Times say they chose their specialty because it permits a manageable schedule, enabling them to immerse themselves in creative, artistic medicine while maintaining quality of life — in parenting and otherwise — outside of their profession.

National report — Experts tell Dermatology Times that in addition to learning to do more with less, dermatologists face financial challenges unique to their specialty.

Vancouver, British Columbia — The vertical growth phase of melanoma presents as a tumor nodule or tumor-infiltrating lesion.

Advances in genome-scanning technology, coupled with the human genome sequence, allow researchers to pinpoint candidate genes that are altered in the cancer.

Buenos Aires, Argentina — WorldNow reports that researchers in Argentina have successfully tested a new vaccine to prevent recurrence of melanoma.

Sydney, Australia — A report by Ninemsn notes that an instrument designed to automatically diagnose melanoma is more accurate than general practitioners, according to one study.

National report — Misdiagnoses and misconceptions can hinder treatment when pediatric dermatology emergencies occur, an expert says.

Baltimore — Currently, 15 percent to 25 percent of children in industrialized countries suffer from atopic dermatitis (AD), representing an increase over the past two to three decades, according to Bernard A. Cohen, M.D., director of pediatric dermatology at Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore.

Dermatologists are working to demonstrate physician competency through more rigorous recertification processes.

2006 is shaping up to be a year that will see an important battle over how physicians, dermatologists included, are reimbursed for serving Medicare patients.

I believe only a complete dermatological examination is a complete examination by a dermatologist.

Counterfeit prescription drugs pose a "potentially serious health threat" in the United States — one that can result in serious or deadly consequences for patients because of unscrupulous acts of profiteers who take advantage of a lack of uniform regulation and enforcement.

Hire, train and properly supervise a physician assistant.

Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia — According to Robert Sidbury, M.D., two of the most important pediatric studies published this year investigated the alleged connection between isotretinoin and depression, thoughts of suicide and even suicide itself among some teenage users being treated for acne.

Counterfeit prescription drugs pose a "potentially serious health threat" in the United States — one that can result in serious or deadly consequences for patients because of unscrupulous acts of profiteers who take advantage of a lack of uniform regulation and enforcement.

I am certain that most of you have heard the following comments made by a well-meaning patient: "I first saw a dermatologist for my problem. I then went to a doctor for further evaluation."

Vancouver, British Columbia — What causes regression to occur in melanoma and what is the significance of regression when it does occur?

Q. Why can't I find a shampoo that combines salicylic acid with tar for my seborrheic dermatitis patients?

National report — From griseofulvin to terbinafine, oral medications to rid patients of fungal disease have evolved to treat a broader spectrum of disease, with fewer side effects. Topical medications have improved, as well, but still are not nearly as effective as oral prescriptions.

National report — Categorizing urticaria and following up with effective treatment can prove to be very challenging to the clinician, according to Aniko Kobza Black, M.D., attending physician, St. John's Institute of Dermatology and St. Thomas Hospital, London.

Using layered effects — changing parameters and going back over some areas such as scars — brings a little more efficacy to those areas.

Q I billed Medicare for the following services. All of the Mohs procedures were denied. Patient was in a 90-day postoperative period for a flap that was done 20 days earlier. Tell me how I should have coded to avoid the denials of my Mohs services?