Practical Pearls in This Issue

"Signature on file" is the term applied to insurance claims to indicate that the patient has signed a form authorizing the practice to file claims and be paid on his or her behalf. Many practices do not properly acquire signatures, because they often fail to obtain signatures authorizing billing of Medigap plans. When a patient has both Medicare and a Medigap plan, there must be a separate signature on file for the Medigap assignment, and it must be insurer specific. Read More…



Letting potential male patients know that you offer cosmetic services for them can be as simple as using inclusive language, where appropriate, in marketing materials. In waiting room brochures and practice communications, be sure to indicate your expertise in meeting the aesthetic needs of women and men in your community. Read More…



As fractional devices provide more range and possibility, Tess Mauricio, MD observes that there will be more options allowing treatment to move beyond the face to address the body. "There are a multitude of directions into which fractional RF technology can be taken and harnessed effectively, such as skin tightening for post-childbirth, post-liposuction, and weight loss. Additionally, we will better address aging on hands and arms and scarring anywhere on the body." Read More…



Luminecescence with a Wood's Lamp reveals a coral pink fluorescence that confirms the presence of C. minutissimum and supports the diagnosis of erythrasma. The diagnosis may be missed if the patient has bathed in the preceeding 24 hours; bathing may wash away coproporphyrin III, the pigment produced by C. minutissimum that causes fluorescence. Read More…



Dermatologists must continue to educate patients about the role and potential benefits of full body skin exams (FBSE). Given the positive influence of education on patient acceptance of exams, written educational materials in the waiting areas and exam rooms may be particularly useful. Consider adding information about FBSE to your practice website. Read More…



To the extent that people experience relaxation and/or improved moods from UV light, sunless tanning will be a less helpful alternative, according to Sherry Pagoto, PhD. "We need more research to help us understand what factors besides the tan itself do tanners experience from tanning that reinforce their tanning behavior." Read More…



When an erythematous patch, including acneiform papular lesions restricted to the patch, is not responding to topical steroid treatment, tinea incognito should be suspected. A KOH will confirm the diagnosis. Read More…



Among recent published data Dr. Eichenfield pointed out an evidence-based review indicating that less frequent applications of corticosteroid may be comparable to common dosages. "The study reviewed 11 randomized controlled trials and found no evidence for better efficacy of twice vs. once daily application of established corticosteroids," he says. Read More…