Articles

Features

• Countering Myths of Surgical Dermatology

  In follow-up to last month’s discussion of medical dermatology myths, a surgeon uncovers persistent myths in the surgical realm.

  By James M. Spencer, MD, MS

• An Update on Hair Transplantation

  For the dermatologists interested in expanding the service menu or offering the best advice to patients, here’s an update on the latest advancements in hair transplantation.

  By Jerry E. Cooley, MD

• Natural Ingredients and Their Applications in Dermatology

  Understanding the role of natural ingredients in therapeutic regimens may help physicians to harness these agents for maximum effect.

  By Patricia K. Farris, MD

• The Contract: A Tool for Mapping the Future

  Many physician extenders focus on compensation and benefits without recognizing the importance of the contract in anticipating the “What ifs” in practice.

  By Paul Winnington, Editorial Director

Departments

• Editor’s Message

• Coding Checklist: Coding and Billing Changes for 2010

  Two months into the new year, be certain you and your staff are aware of these important changes.

  By Sharon Andrews, RN, CCS-P

• Business Advisor: Financial Benchmarking for Dermatology Practices

  Successful practices use benchmarking to compare their performance to other practices, to assess their own performance over time, and for long-term planning.

  By Robert Thorne, CPA, and Edward Wynne

• Oncology Watch: Progress in the Fight to Reduce Indoor Tanning…Finally

  For years dermatologists have been arguing for tighter restrictions and reduced use of UV lamps. Recent developments suggest someone is listening.

• Residents’ Reports: Use of the 595nm Laser as a Treatment for Purpura

  At short pulse durations, the pulsed dye laser can produce purpura, at long pulse durations, it may actually treat the condition.

  By Brian O’Neal, DO, MPH and Eric C. Parlette, MD

• Cosmetics Challenge: A Practical Primer for Dysport Part 4: The Icing on the Cake—More Strategies for Success with Integrative Rejuvenation of the Upper Face

  Advanced techniques and an appreciation of the nuances of our newest neurotoxin allow creative clinicians to achieve success and satisfaction when rejuvenating the upper face.

  By Hema Sundaram, MD

• Lasers in Practice: Integrating Energy Based Devices for Medical Applications

  An experienced specialist highlights the top five medical conditions where energy based devices play a role.

  By Vic A. Narurkar, MD

• Clinical Focus: Acne: Back in the Spotlight: Effective Options for Truncal Acne

  Data suggest that patients may be unlikely to report truncal acne. Clinicians must assess chest and back involvement and be prepared to offer effective treatments.

  By Joseph Bikowski, MD

• Dermatology Q&A: First Head-to-Head Data Highlight Safety and Efficacy of Biologics

  A lead investigator on the first head-to-head trial of biologics shares insights on the future of biologic research and therapy.

  By Ted Pigeon, Senior Associate Editor

• Ask an Expert: Checks and Balances: More on Staff Hiring and Management

  Tips on employee screening and managing office Internet use.

  By Joel Schlessinger, MD

• Therapeutics Update

• Take 5: Strategies to Fight Skin Cancer Trends

  On the 25th anniversary of the renowned ABCDE’s of Melanoma, a contributor to the guidelines shares strategies to improve detection and bolster prevention efforts.