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TAKEAWAY: Using patient satisfaction surveys to influence patient adherence, part 2
August 21st 2014There are a number of factors that influence whether a patient will adhere to a treatment regimen. In part 2 of our discussion on adherence, Dermatology Times editorial adviser, Elaine Siegfried, M.D., and adherence expert, Steven Feldman, M.D., discuss physician-patient relationships as a critical component.
Expert advice on aesthetic procedures for adolescents
August 20th 2014What’s right and wrong in terms of cosmetic procedures for teens is not black and white, experts say. There don’t seem to be formal guidelines to determine whether a teen should or shouldn’t have a cosmetic procedure. So, often, it’s left up to the discretion of the physician consulting with the patient.
Researchers ID genetic alterations, shedding light on hereditary melanoma
August 18th 2014Identifications of mutations such as those that lie in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter area are shedding light on hereditary melanoma, according to the Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Center and Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
Considerations for hair washing frequency
August 18th 2014This is the second most difficult question to answer in dermatology behind how often should I wash my face. I am not sure that all dermatologists would agree on the frequency of hair washing, and perhaps this is due to the fact that shampoo is to wash the scalp and beautify the hair.
Physicians shouldn’t shy away from social media
August 14th 2014In a recent article by David Shaywitz, M.D., Ph.D., he describes four reasons why physicians are concerned about the increase in popularity of social media and online search. After reading these concerns it occurred to me, that there may be a significant gap on the part of the medical community surrounding the potential benefits associated with online search and social media.
Latest updates on advanced BCC treatment research
August 13th 2014Advanced basal cell carcinoma (aBCC) is a term used to describe a subset of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) that have extensive, invasive or metastatic involvement; are located near vital and sensitive areas; or are recurrent despite multiple treatments. The diagnosis of aBCC is dependent on many patient specific factors, some of which are subjective and may be open to interpretation by both the patient and provider.
How to master office efficiency, flow
August 13th 2014One of my employees recently visited another physician office as a patient and remarked “Oh, Dr. Palm, their office was nothing like ours. I realize how lucky our patients are.” She recounted her experience including an extended wait in the reception area, her lack of pre-visit counseling, a mountain of paperwork, and the brusque and cursory manner of the office staff.
Harnessing ‘smell’ to heal skin
August 12th 2014Olfactory receptors in the nose that allow us to smell are also present on the surface of keratinocytes. According to new research, stimulating a particular receptor with a specific synthetic sandalwood oil causes those keratinocytes to proliferate and migrate, processes that are essential to wound healing and skin regeneration.
Dermatopathology sits in healthcare reform crosshairs
August 11th 2014If dermatologists don’t more effectively police themselves, experts say, they may lose their ability to perform in-office dermatopathology. Dermatopathology also faces competitive pressures and aggressive fee reductions, these experts add.