Advocacy
IAD Action Center
The Indiana Academy of Dermatology (IAD) brings Indiana dermatologists together to advocate before lawmakers and regulators on issues that affect them and their patients. The IAD alerts members when it's time to weigh in on a policy decision and guides them on how to respond. It also encourages the public to protect their skin and to see a board-certified dermatologist.
Methods of Advocacy
Government Outreach
The IAD's leaders and members testify before Indiana General Assembly committees and meet with Indiana's members of Congress during the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) Legislative Conference. The IAD also points members to advocacy resources from the AADA and the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA).
Member Alerts
The IAD emails members when a proposed law or rule needs a response from dermatologists, with a link to act and any deadline.
Public Education
The IAD supports public education on skin health and sun safety in Indiana communities. Past initiatives have included a statewide Sun Safety Poster Contest for Indiana students, co-sponsored with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), and sponsorship of a shade structure at Boone Meadow Elementary School in Zionsville.
Top Issues
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
The IAD is asking members to help the AADA fight the proposed 2027 Medicare payment cuts. The AADA estimates that the proposed 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule would cut dermatology payments by 11% in one year. Much of that comes from a 50% cut to office visits billed on the same day as a procedure. That's the visit where a dermatologist finds a suspicious spot during a skin check and treats it in the same appointment.
Sign the Save Skin Cancer Care community statement, then ask your patients, staff, and family to sign it too. The AADA also has prewritten letters to Congress for dermatologists, practice staff, and patients.
Check out AADA advocacy resources
Explore ISMA advocacy opportunities
Access to Medications
Prior authorization rules and drug prices can delay the treatments dermatologists prescribe. The IAD's members have met with Indiana's members of Congress about both.
Sun Protection for School Kids
Because of Indiana SEA 24 (2018), students in Indiana public and charter schools can carry and use over-the-counter, non-aerosol sunscreen at school without a doctor's note, and they don't have to keep it in the nurse's office. The IAD worked with Senator Liz Brown and the ASDSA to introduce the bill, and Dr. Lori Sanford and Dr. Carrie Davis testified in its favor.
Dr. Carrie Davis (top row, second from right) attends SEA 24 bill signing ceremony with Senator Liz Brown (bottom left) and Governor Eric Holcomb (bottom right).
Dr. Lori Sanford testifies before the Indiana House Committee on Education.
Tanning Bed Use by Minors
Because of Indiana SEA 50 (2014), no one under 16 can use a tanning bed at an Indiana tanning salon, even with a parent present.
IAD members Carrie Davis, MD (third from right), A. David Gerstein, MD (second from right), and Keeter Sechrist, MD (far right) attend the ceremonial signing of Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 50. Also pictured: state senator and bill author Senator Patricia Miller (far left), Governor Mike Pence (second from left), and patient Katie Donnar (third from left).
Step Therapy Exceptions
Some insurance plans make patients try other drugs before they'll cover the one their doctor prescribed. Indiana SEA 41 (2016) requires insurers, HMOs, and the state employee health plan to give patients a way to request an exception and to decide within set time frames.
A. David Gerstein, MD (right), testifies in favor of Indiana Senate Bill 41, step therapy legislation, in February 2016.
Additional Advocacy Efforts
AADA Legislative Conference
Members of the IAD visited Capitol Hill to meet with Indiana's members of Congress about patient care and the practice of medicine.
L–R: Chris Obeime, MD; Dara Spearman, MD; Janice Smith; Kathleen Gilbert, MD; Drew Anderson, MD; Carrie Davis, MD; and A. David Gerstein, MD.
IAD members and Indiana advocates meet with Senator Todd Young about streamlining prior authorization for Medicare patients.
IAD members discuss drug price transparency and affordable medications with Senator Joe Donnelly.
IAD members meet with Representative Trey Hollingsworth on a U.S. Capitol balcony to discuss regulatory relief.
Dermatology resident and IAD member Dr. Kathleen Gilbert meets with Representative Susan Brooks about pharmacy benefit manager transparency and drug pricing.