Daniel M. Siegel, MD, is a clinical professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, and is the former president and honorary member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Discussing Billing Challenges in Dermatology, With Daniel Siegel, MD

The effects of EMR, ICD-10, and coding changes on 

 were highlighted in a new talk presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii conference, held at the Grand Wailea Hotel in Maui from January 25 - 29.

The session was presented by Daniel M. Siegel, MD, clinical professor at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, and Mark Kaufman, MD, associate clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Siegel spoke in a new 

 interview on-site at Maui Derm about key takeaways from the talk, highlighting the process and procedures involved in ICD-10 billing.

“The biggest challenge, really, is getting paid, because payers often don't pay you, even if your documentation is well done,” Siegel explained. “...There was actually an effort in 2021 to simplify things..The effort began in about 2019, when there was a joint RUC, which stands for ‘resource-based relative value update committee,’ of the American Medical Association.”

Prior to 2021, the list of notes needed was described by Siegel as too much paperwork. While steps were taken to simplify evaluation and management (E/M) documentation beginning in 2021, insurers, and especially private payers, were described by Siegel as often failing to reimburse physicians correctly.

Such documentation shifts stemmed from a multiyear collaboration involving the American Medical Association, the CPT Editorial Panel, and the RUC. Siegel noted how, prior to these shifts, dermatologists were essentially incentivized to formulate lengthy, overly detailed notes by counting “bullet points” in reviews of systems, histories, and physical exams to excuse increased billing

Siegel later noted this practice commonly led to over-stuffed electronic medical record (EMR) notes, obscuring the clinical rationale for patient visits. Under the updated rules from 2021, clinicians did not require documentation of every possible exam element for straightforward conditions, such as well-controlled acne.

“The reality is that most acne is not the dramatic stuff you can see treated with an interesting combination of meds; it's fairly straightforward and handled well with topicals or oral tetracycline or other things,” Siegel said.

Although he notes this shift has diminished administrative burden and allowed for more practical documentation, Siegel added his belief in the system’s imperfection and inconsistency. He pointed out insurers have not uniformly adapted to these new documentation requirements, highlighting Medicare’s role in developing the updated guidelines and generally adherence to them. Many private insurers, Siegel explained, were not part of the process.

As a result of this, dermatologists may follow the current rules correctly and still see claims denied or downcoded. In such cases, Siegel expressed, the only response can often be time-consuming appeals. This disconnect between policy changes and payer behavior remains a major source of frustration and financial problems for dermatology practices

For any additional information on this topic, view the full interview with Siegel posted above.

The quotes contained in this interview were edited for clarity.

Siegel did not report any relevant disclosures.

Siegel D, Kaufman M. How To Maximize Your Billing Effectiveness in the Era of Dwindling Reimbursements and ICD-10. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29.

Videos

In this interview, Siegel highlights key points presented in his Maui Derm 2026 talk, 'How To Maximize Your Billing Effectiveness in the Era of Dwindling Reimbursements and ICD-10.'

Dermatology

The HCPLive dermatology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on skin disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for dermatologic conditions, and more.

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 conference coverage page features articles, videos, and expert-led live coverage from major medical meetings throughout the year.

Victoria Johnson joined the MJH Life Sciences in 2020 and has written for NeurologyLive, CGTLive, and now HCPLive. You can reach her at vjohnson@mjhlifesciences.com

Welcome to HCPLive's 5 Stories in Under 5—your quick, must-know recap of the top 5 healthcare stories from the past week, all in under 5 minutes. Stay informed, stay ahead, and let’s dive into the latest updates impacting clinicians and healthcare providers like you!

Interested in a more traditional, text rundown? 

Top 5 Healthcare Headlines for January 18-24, 2025:

Phase 2 Data Show NS002 Intranasal Epinephrine Acts Faster Than EpiPen

Interim phase 2 data suggest NS002 intranasal epinephrine may provide more rapid systemic exposure than intramuscular autoinjectors, supporting its potential as a needle-free option for anaphylaxis management.

AHA 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: Progress and Pitfalls, With Latha Palaniappan, MD, MS

The AHA’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics highlight persistent gaps in cardiovascular prevention and outcomes despite advances in treatment, with continued emphasis on heart disease and stroke as leading causes of mortality in the US.

New CHEST Recommendations Guide Biologic Use for Severe Asthma

CHEST released updated guidance to help clinicians individualize biologic selection for severe asthma based on patient characteristics, disease phenotype, and available evidence.

Topical Steroid Concerns in Dermatology Highlighted in Nationwide Survey

A nationwide survey underscores widespread patient and caregiver concerns about long-term topical steroid use in chronic inflammatory skin diseases and a perception that current management strategies are largely reactive rather than preventive.

Amlitelimab Effective, Safe for Atopic Dermatitis in Patients 12 Years and Older

Phase 3 data show amlitelimab was effective and well tolerated in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, supporting its role as a targeted, non–T-cell-depleting biologic option.

Articles

Recent healthcare updates include promising interim phase 2 data on NS002 intranasal epinephrine, which may offer faster systemic exposure than traditional EpiPens. The AHA's 2026 statistics reveal ongoing challenges in cardiovascular prevention despite treatment advances. CHEST has issued new recommendations for biologic use in severe asthma, emphasizing personalized treatment. A survey highlights concerns over long-term topical steroid use in dermatology. Lastly, phase 3 data support amlitelimab as an effective and safe treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in patients aged 12 and older.

An audio recap of the top 5 stories in healthcare news from the week of 01/18-01/24.

HCPLive 5 Stories in Under 5: Week of 01/18

Henry Lim, MD, is the senior vice president of academic programs at Henry Ford Health. He previously served as chair of the department of dermatology.

Expert Consensus on Knowledge Gaps in Dermatology for Skin of Color, With Henry Lim, MD

 and clinical care for patients with skin of color have been highlighted by a recent international consensus panel, underscoring areas where underrepresentation continues to impact disease outcomes.

The authors of these data sought to point out any deficiencies across 4 major domains: skin diseases, photoprotection, hair, and aesthetic procedures. Henry Lim, MD, the former chair of dermatology and current senior vice president of academic programs at Henry Ford Health, spoke with 

 about the panel and its most significant findings.

“Well, it is a long-standing interest of mine, as well as the group of co-authors in there, and right now, we know that there is a significant gap,” Lim expressed. “So that's why we're trying to close.”

Lim and the other members of the international expert panel reviewed PubMed-indexed articles published between September 2019 - September 2024. These articles were evaluated to provide a broad overview of contemporary research trends and limitations. Inflammatory skin diseases, Lim et al found, including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea, are common among individuals with skin of color but often present differently than in lighter skin tones.

In their research, Lim and colleagues noted pigmentary disorders such as melasma and acne-related hyperpigmentation were shown to have a notable effect on quality of life, with treatment necessitating careful selection to avoid pigmentation issues. Another notable finding was the widespread, unregulated implementation commonly seen with skin-lightening products containing potent corticosteroids, posing potentially serious safety concerns.

Lim spoke on a variety of issues the panel noted are important to consider for patients with skin of color, including conditions as common as acne.

“In dark-skinned individuals, it takes some training and some adjusting and getting used to being able to detect the redness in this group of patients,” Lim explained. “[For] post inflammatory hyperpigmentation…in dark skinned individual, it is the blemishes that are very bothersome to the patient, because they have these brown spots on the skin that may take a few years to go away.”

In his team’s work, skin cancers in skin of color were highlighted as frequently diagnosed at more advanced stages, given diminished awareness and atypical presentations.

 Additionally, the investigators noted hair disorders need tailored approaches given distinct hair characteristics.

“Skin cancer detection is very important, because otherwise it'll be a delayed diagnosis,” Lim noted. “Photoprotection, again, is something that we need to continue to emphasize…[and] there's a special tinted sunscreen which is the one that they will need to use.”

To learn more about Lim and coauthors’ findings, view the full video interview posted above.

The quotes contained in this summary were edited for clarity.

Disclosures: Lim reported investigator and research grant to institution from Incyte, L'Oreal, Pfizer, PCORI, serving as a consultant for ISDIN, Beiersdorf, Ferndale, L'Oréal, Eli Lilly, Zerigo Health, Skinosive, Kenvue, Cantabria Labs, and NAOS, and serving as a speaker at a general educational session for La Roche-Posay, Cantabria Labs, Pierre Fabre, NAOS, Uriage, Pfizer, and ISDIN.

Lim HW, Zhang C, Taylor M, Dlova NC, Conceição K, Jablonski N, Gupta N, Wangari-Olivero J, Alexis A. International Expert Consensus on Knowledge Gaps in Care for Dermatologic Disorders in Skin of Color. Int J Dermatol. 2026 Jan;65(1):41-56. 

. Epub 2025 Nov 6. PMID: 41195756; PMCID: PMC12712774.

Hogue L, Harvey VM. Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Cutaneous Melanoma in Skin of Color Patients. Dermatol Clin. 2019 Oct;37(4):519-526. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2019.05.009. PMID: 31466591.

This interview with Lim highlights knowledge gaps examined by an international expert panel reviewing existing literature on dermatologic disease in skin of color.

Welcome to The HCPFive, your go-to roundup for the latest healthcare news and breakthroughs, curated specifically for busy healthcare professionals.

Each week, we highlight 5 key developments or headlines from healthcare that you need to know—whether it's a cutting-edge treatment, regulatory updates, or innovations shaping the future of medicine. This week's top stories include new phase 2 data on NS002 for the treatment of 

, the publication of the 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics from the American Heart Association (AHA), new clinical guidance from the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) on biologic management in severe 

, findings from a national survey on topical steroid use in dermatology, and data from 2 phase 3 studies of amlitelimab for the treatment of patients ≥ 12 years of age with moderate-to-severe 

With The HCPFive, you'll get the essential takeaways to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Here’s your quick dive into the top stories for the week of January 18, 2026—let’s jump in!

On January 20, 2026, Nasus Pharma announced positive interim results from its phase 2 clinical study of NS002, the Company's investigational intranasal epinephrine powder formulation for the treatment of anaphylaxis. Results showed NS002 achieved faster absorption, higher peak concentrations, and greater early epinephrine exposure compared to intramuscular EpiPen® autoinjector.

The 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics from the AHA spotlight heart disease and stroke as being among the leading causes of death in the US, with heart disease remaining the leading cause of death and stroke moving up to the #4 spot.

CHEST released a new clinical guideline on biologic management in severe asthma, offering 7 evidence-based recommendations to provide a framework for pulmonologists, allergists, and immunologists to implement in their own practice. The document examines existing biologics and provides evidence-based recommendations for which biologics to consider for different patient populations.

ON January 21, 2026, Arcutis Biotherapeutics announced results of 

Skin Insights: Steroid Perceptions in Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases

, a nationwide survey of adults and parents of children with plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Results showed nearly 9 in 10 adults and parents of children with plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis being treated with topical steroids are concerned about side effects, and nearly 8 in 10 adults and parents agreed that their or their child's treatment plan focuses on reactively “taming a flare” rather than proactive long-term solutions. Additionally, when their skin condition is uncontrolled, nearly all adults and children experience emotional, mental, and daily life challenges

On January 23, 2026, Sanofi announced results from 2 global phase 3 studies – SHORE and COAST 2 – of amlitelimab, a fully human non-T cell depleting monoclonal antibody that selectively targets OX40-ligand, for the treatment of patients 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. In these two phase 3 studies amlitelimab was well-tolerated and the safety profile was consistent with previously reported data.

Nasus Pharma's phase 2 study of NS002 shows faster absorption and higher peak concentrations than EpiPen for anaphylaxis treatment. The AHA's 2026 statistics highlight heart disease as the leading cause of death, with stroke now fourth. CHEST's new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for biologic management in severe asthma. A nationwide survey reveals significant concerns about topical steroid side effects in dermatology. Sanofi's phase 3 studies demonstrate amlitelimab's efficacy and safety for treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in patients aged 12 and older.

Stay updated with the latest healthcare breakthroughs, including new phase 2/3 data and updated asthma guidelines, in this week’s essential news roundup.

Allergy

Allergy condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on allergic and inflammatory diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for food and seasonal allergies, as well as allergic asthma and related conditions.

Cardiology

Cardiology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for heart disease and cardiovascular events, as well as associated diabetes, renal failure, and more...

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 01/18

Mauro D'Amato, PhD, is Ikerbasque Research Professor and head of the Gastrointestinal Genetics Lab at CIC bioGUNE.

From Physiology to Genetics: A New Lens on Gut Motility, With Mauro D’Amato, PhD

Gut motility plays a central role in digestive health, yet the biological mechanisms that regulate how frequently the bowel moves and why this varies so widely among individuals remain incompletely understood. This challenge is especially pronounced in disorders of gut–brain interaction, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where symptoms like constipation and diarrhea reflect underlying dysmotility but arise from complex, multifactorial processes.

, Mauro D’Amato, PhD, Ikerbasque Research Professor and head of the Gastrointestinal Genetics Lab at CIC bioGUNE, and colleagues took an unconventional approach to this challenge, examining gut motility as a physiological trait. Specifically, they analyzed stool frequency as a measurable outcome across large populations, with the goal of identifying genetic mechanisms that influence bowel movement patterns and could ultimately be targeted therapeutically.

“The problem in studying these diseases, I do genetics, so I try to identify what could be the eventual genetic causes or partial cause of these diseases, is that they're very complex. There are so many factors playing a role,” D’Amato explained to 

. “Instead of looking at the actual disease, we had the idea to look at the physiology, with the idea that if we identify genes that are relevant to gut motility, we identify mechanisms relevant to gut motility, and then eventually we can target these mechanisms to cure or treat alterations of the of the gut motility and peristalsis.”

He and a team of investigators performed a multiancestry genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of stool frequency in 268,606 European and East Asian individuals. Heritability and genetic correlations with other traits were estimated, and Mendelian randomization was used to test causal relationships. GWAS signals were fine-mapped and functionally annotated to prioritize candidate genes and pathways. Findings implicating thiamine metabolism were followed-up with dietary interaction analyses in UK Biobank.

Results showed strong genetic correlations with gastrointestinal and psychiatric disorders (rg=0.18–0.47), and causal effects on IBS. Novel correlations with cardiovascular traits (rg=0.12–0.14) were supported by drug signature enrichment analyses.

They identified 21 independent loci, including 10 novel signals implicating bile acid synthesis (

). Fine-mapping converged on vitamin B1 metabolism, highlighting single-variant causal effects at 

, a phosphate exporter essential for thiamine activation.

In 98,449 UK Biobank participants, thiamine intake was positively associated with SF (

 genotype score significantly modulated this effect (

“I’ve already heard people saying ‘Oh, well, how much vitamin B? What should I eat every day now?’ We're not there yet, at least this is not what we do in the lab,” D’Amato explained, describing the need for future animal studies and eventual human clinical trials to determine whether vitamin B1 supplementation can meaningfully improve real-world outcomes.

He additionally pointed to study findings highlighting both established and unexplored compounds behind the regulation of gut motility, the latter of which offers a potential next wave of candidates to be tested.

Editors’ Note: D’Amato reports no relevant disclosures.

Díaz-Muñoz C, Bozzarelli I, Lopera-Maya EA

Genetic dissection of stool frequency implicates vitamin B1 metabolism and other actionable pathways in the modulation of gut motility. 

CIC bioGUNE. DNA ties gut motility to vitamin B1. EurekAlert! January 20, 2026. Accessed January 23, 2026. 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1112772

D’Amato explains his research on the biological mechanisms that control bowel movements and vitamin B1’s potential role in gut motility.

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on digestive and GI conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for 

, IBS and IBD, Crohn's disease, and more.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

On the HCPLive irritable bowel syndrome page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into IBS can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on IBS, IBD, and more.

Logan Briggs is a senior urology resident at Mayo Clinic Arizona.

The first scoping review of kidney cancer pre/ rehabilitation suggests psychological support outdoes exercise and nutrition. 

Nephrology

The HCPLive nephrology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on kidney disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in nephrology, and more.

 Kidney Cancer Survivors Benefit From Increased Psychological Support, With Logan Briggs, MD

Vivian Fonseca, MD, is professor of medicine, assistant dean for clinical research, and the Tullis-Tulane Alumni Chair in Diabetes at Tulane University School of Medicine.

Fonseca explains the structure and goals of the ongoing trial, which has enrolled its first patient to clofutriben treatment against hard-to-control T2D.

Endocrinology

The HCPLive endocrinology page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on endocrine system conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for diabetes, hormonal disease, and more.

Type 2 Diabetes

CAPTAIN-T2D: New Trial Investigates Treating Elevated Cortisol in T2D, With Vivian Fonseca, MD

New data show heat- and pressure-treated peanuts significantly reduce IgE binding, skin test reactivity, and oral challenge severity in allergic patients.

Food Allergy

Anaphylaxis

The HCPLive anaphylaxis page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on acute allergic reactions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for preventing anaphylaxis, and more.

Autoclaved Peanuts Reduce IgE Binding, Improve Tolerability, With Casey Cohen, PhD

Carly Maucione, MD, a resident physician at Washington University in St. Louis

Study investigator Carly Maucione, MD, discusses how artificial intelligence could support laboratory workflows while emphasizing education as a near-term solution.

Hematology

Blending Education, Machine Learning to Detect IV Fluid Contaminated CBCs, With Carly Maucione, MD

This first episode of 2026 highlights ways to advocate for change in healthcare, empowering each other and patients while navigating systemic challenges.

The Medical Sisterhood, with Mona Shahriari, MD

The Medical Sisterhood, hosted by Mona Shahriari, MD, is a podcast dedicated to empowering female physicians by providing a platform for shared experiences, mentorship, and support. 

Each episode delves into the unique challenges women in medicine face, including work-life balance, leadership roles, and overcoming gender biases. Shahriari aims to inspire women to lead fulfilling professional and personal lives on their own terms through candid discussions and expert interviews. 

e as we foster a community where women can uplift and support each other in achieving their goals!

Podcasts

podcasts page features a feed of medical news and interview podcast series, including DocTalk, Lungcast, Derm Discussions, and Heart Trials.

The Medical Sisterhood: Advocacy and Systemic Change, With Kristi Hawley, DO

Spyridon Fortis, MD, from the division of pulmonary, critical care, and occupational medicine at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Fortis discusses new data that challenge the use of bronchodilator response as a tool for distinguishing asthma from COPD.

Pulmonology

Infectious Disease condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on respiratory health. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, COVID-19, and more.

COPD

COPD condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on COPD research, treatment, and drug development.

Bronchodilator Response Predicts COPD Risk, With Spyridon Fortis, MD

Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team in 2022 and is currently an associate editor for HCPLive. He is also the executive producer of two podcasts: Skin of Color Savvy and The Medical Sisterhood. Previously, he was the producer of the Lungcast podcast. He graduated from UC Berkeley and worked in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. You can contact him at tsmith@mjhlifesciences.com.

However, key secondary endpoints, including measures of erythema, were not met in all analyses.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis condition center page, audiences can find a variety of coverage mediums for medical news and updates, including articles, video interviews, podcasts, and breaking news on dermatitis research, treatment, and drug development.

Niels Lund, MSc is the vice president of Changing Diabetes at Novo Nordisk.

Lund discusses a recent study detailing the comparatively lower greenhouse gas emissions caused by preventive care versus diabetes management.

Managing Prediabetes Lowers Carbon Footprint Compared to T2D Care, With Niels Lund, MSc

GRI-0621 shows promise as a safe, effective treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, improving biomarkers and lung function in a Phase 2a trial.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

GRI-0621 Well-Tolerated, Shows Positive Biomarker and FVC Data in IPF

In these new phase 3b/4 data from LEVEL UP, findings on switching from dupilumab to upadacitinib in patients with atopic dermatitis are explored.

Latest News

Discussing Billing Challenges in Dermatology, With Daniel Siegel, MD

HCPLive 5 Stories in Under 5: Week of 01/18

Expert Consensus on Knowledge Gaps in Dermatology for Skin of Color, With Henry Lim, MD

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 01/18

From Physiology to Genetics: A New Lens on Gut Motility, With Mauro D’Amato, PhD