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Advocacy Update
Welcome!

American Academy of Dermatology Association voices concern that final 2027 Medicare payment rule threatens skin cancer care

Statement from Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD, President, American Academy of Dermatology Association

ROSEMONT, Ill. (Nov. 5, 2026) — The 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule minimally addresses several concerns raised by physicians. However, we are disappointed that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has chosen to move forward with changes that will bring clear harm to patients and practices following consistent warnings from dermatologists and other physicians across medical specialties.

We appreciate the Trump Administration for hearing the AADA’s concerns during the rulemaking process and for taking steps to mitigate the rule’s impact on our patients.

Unfortunately, CMS did not go far enough. The reductions finalized for same-day care, compounded with the practice expense adjustments, disproportionately impact services we rely on every day to detect and treat skin cancer at its earliest stages. Once implemented, these policies will result in the largest cut ever imposed on skin cancer care, with serious consequences for many patients.

When caught early, melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, has an almost 99% survival rate compared with just 35% when melanoma is caught late. Delayed care is especially significant for rural Americans, who already face challenges accessing healthcare.

The Academy will continue to work with Congress and the Trump Administration to address these concerns and protect our skin cancer patients.

# # #

Contact

Shelby Homiston, shomiston@aad.org 

mediarelations@aad.org

About the AAD

Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 21,500 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care because skin, hair, and nail conditions can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow @AADskin on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube, and @AADskin1 on Instagram.