Skip to main content

6 Recent Developments Changing the Dermatology Billing Landscape

April 2, 2015

Dermatology_billing_developments 
Improper medical coding can have drastic effects on incoming revenue for many dermatological practices. From payment delays due to incorrect coding to outright losses in claim submissions, mistakes in the billing process can result in serious problems for your practice. With technology advancing at such a rapid rate, new treatments, procedures and medications are constantly on the horizon. Here are six exciting recent developments in the dermatology landscape that could potentially affect medical coding.

#1 – OnabotulinumtoxinA and Crow’s-Feet

OnabotulinumtoxinA, or Botox, has become an effective and well-tolerated treatment for people with moderate to severe crow’s-feet, alone or associated with glabellar lines. Following a double-blind, seven-month study of almost a thousand patients, the results showed statistically significant differences. Improvements in appearance were greater when crow’s-feet and glabellar lines were treated simultaneously

#2 – Sclerotherapy Treatment

According to new guidelines from the ASDA (American Society of Dermatological Surgery), appropriate patient evaluation, proper choice of technique and post-procedure compression are all essential to successful sclerotherapy for telangiectatic and varicose leg veins.

#3 – FDA Approves Filler for Acne Scars

Bellafill has recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne scars, according to an announcement by the manufacturer, Suneva Medical. The filler is designed to add volume to the skin to smooth out pitted acne scars through an in-office injection procedure with little-to-no downtime.

Download: Dermatology Practice Turn Around Case Study

#4 – Change in Botulinum Toxin Type B

Changing the pH level in the acidic solution of botulinum toxin Type B has shown less injection-site pain and efficacy was not compromised according to studies. Researchers reviewed clinical evaluation data and computer analysis of photographs to confirm the efficacy of different dilutions of botulinum toxin Type B in a series of three patients. 

#5 – Restylane Silk Launched

Restylane Silk is a smooth gel designed to restore a more natural youthful definition and symmetry to the lip and mouth area, according to a press release from the manufacturer, Galderma. This newly approved filler is indicated for lip enhancement and for the treatment of wrinkles around the mouth.

#6 – FDA Approves Further Evosyal Studies

The FDA has approved protocol for a phase 3 clinical study and further testing of Evosyal for the treatment of glabella lines announced the Alphaeon Corporation. The company acquired exclusive US and certain international distribution rights through its acquisition of competitor Evolus.

Whether some of these, none of these, or all of these changes and developments in the world of dermatology could potentially affect medical billing remains to be seen. Physicians and billing agents alike must keep their fingers on the pulse of new developments in other to be successful. Let our teams of industry experts answer any questions your practice may have about these new developments. For more information on outsourced medical billing and how M-Scribe can help your business, please feel free to contact us at any time.

{{cta(’39a5381b-9ccb-43fb-a2eb-ddef8c57a968′,’justifycenter’)}}

Get the Latest RCM News Delivered

Receive practical tips on medical billing and breaking news on RCM in your inbox.

Get in Touch