Janelle Ball interviewed Dr. Kristi Hawley and Alena Chapman at the Patient Access Management Summit (PAMS) in Dallas, Texas in September 2024. This live recording featured a panel discussion about continuing education and how it impacts healthcare and patient access. Dr. Hawley, a dermatologist in Michigan, highlighted the importance of partnering with pharmaceutical representatives to gain insights into new drugs and their mechanisms of action. Alena, a biologic coordinator in Texas, emphasizes the value of seeking training and resources, such as attending conferences and utilizing social media platforms to follow dermatology news.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

There were four main themes of continuing education:

1. Staying Updated with Industry Changes: The dermatology field constantly evolves, with new treatments, drugs, and protocols emerging regularly. Dr. Hawley emphasizes the importance of keeping up with these changes to provide the best care for patients. She mentions that many physicians have fallen behind due to the fast pace of change, which can negatively impact patient outcomes.
2. Enhancing Patient Care: Alena highlights that continuing education equips staff with the knowledge to educate patients effectively. When coordinators and medical assistants are well-informed, they can confidently explain treatment options, procedures, and insurance processes to patients, fostering trust and understanding.
3. Networking and Resource Sharing: Alena and Dr. Hawley encourage professionals to connect and share knowledge and resources with others in their field at events like PAMS. This collaboration can lead to better problem-solving and support when facing challenges like navigating insurance approvals.
4. Utilizing Available Resources: Alena shares her experience leveraging relationships with pharmaceutical representatives and using platforms like LinkedIn to stay informed about new biologics and treatment options. This proactive approach to education allows her to advocate effectively for her patients and ensure they receive the medications they need.

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Dr. Nayan Patel's journey into the skincare industry was not a direct path. Initially aspiring to be an engineer, he transitioned to pharmacy due to the limitations he faced as a first-generation immigrant. His passion for physical chemistry led him to explore the intricacies of medicine, ultimately guiding him toward developing the Auro Wellness skincare products. The realization that skin health is as important as heart or brain health sparked his interest in creating a skincare line that addresses the fundamental needs of the skin.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Dr. Patel's work significantly focuses on glutathione, the master antioxidant. He emphasizes that glutathione is vital to detoxification and overall skin health. His initial goal was to enhance glutathione levels to improve immune function and detoxification. However, through user feedback, he discovered that his glutathione-based serum had remarkable effects on skin health, improving skin tone, texture, and overall vibrancy.

One of Dr. Patel's key messages is simplifying skincare routines. He advocates using fewer, more effective products rather than overwhelming the skin with multiple layers of different creams. His approach encourages users to focus on nourishing the skin with high-quality ingredients that enhance skin health.

Dr. Nayan Patel's chemistry and pharmacy background is the foundation for his skin health and care approach. By focusing on the science of skin health, simplifying skincare routines, and prioritizing nutrition, individuals can achieve healthier, more vibrant skin. His journey from pharmacy to skincare innovation is an inspiring example of how passion and knowledge can lead to meaningful advancements in health and wellness.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners.

Diane Omdahl is a registered nurse and the founder and president of i65. 65 Incorporated is an organization that educates individuals about Medicare without selling insurance. The organization focuses on helping people understand their options, including whether they need to enroll in Medicare based on their current healthcare coverage.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Diane shares her journey from bedside nursing to becoming a Medicare advocate, highlighting her experiences in hospital education and long-term care. On That’s Derm Good!, Diane Omadhl sheds light on dermatology patients' challenges regarding specialty medication access during Medicare open enrollment.

The first step to understanding Medicare is knowing whether or not you should enroll. The United States has employer-sponsored plans and individual health plans.

• Employer-Sponsored Plans: If someone is employed by a company with 20 or more employees, their employer's health plan is considered primary.
• Individual Health Plans: For those with individual health plans, such as those obtained through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), these plans become secondary to Medicare after age 65. Therefore, individuals must enroll in Part A and Part B to ensure complete coverage.

Diane Omdahl highlights the critical need for education and awareness regarding Medicare. As open enrollment approaches, individuals must take proactive steps to understand their options, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure they are making informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.

To make informed decisions, individuals should consider the following steps:

1. Review Current Coverage: Understand how existing health plans will interact with Medicare.
2. Consult Resources: Utilize resources like the Medicare plan finder on medicare.gov to compare options and understand costs.
3. Seek Guidance: If needed, seek help from Medicare educators or financial advisors who can clarify the complexities of Medicare enrollment.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners.

Effective organization and communication are essential for biologic coordinators, especially during high-demand periods like "blizzard season." Racheal Cooley and Janelle Ball discuss the busiest season for dermatology offices, which can overwhelm even the most seasoned professionals. Rachel shares her insights and strategies for navigating this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of organization and proactive communication.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Importance of Communication

1. Provider Relationships: Effective communication with healthcare providers is vital. Rachel points out that coordinators must cultivate strong relationships with providers to ensure all necessary information is included in patient notes for prior authorizations. This collaboration streamlines the approval process and reduces the likelihood of denials.
2. Team Coordination: Communication extends beyond providers. Rachel stresses the importance of engaging with nurses and back-office staff, as they play a crucial role in documenting patient information and addressing patient inquiries. A well-informed team can better support patients and ensure everyone is aligned regarding treatment plans.
3. Patient Interaction: Rachel also highlights the significance of direct communication with patients. By providing her contact information, she ensures that patients have a reliable point of contact for any questions or concerns. This approach fosters trust and helps patients feel supported throughout their treatment journey.

Effective communication is a recurring theme in Episode 46 of That’s Derm Good! Rachel emphasizes the need for coordinators to maintain open lines of communication with providers, nursing staff, and pharmacy personnel. This collaboration is vital to ensure that all necessary information is documented correctly and that patients receive their medications without unnecessary delays.

Building solid relationships with providers and office staff is essential for successful prior authorization processes, as clear communication can prevent delays and denials in patient care.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners.

Rachel Strauss, the self-described ‘PBM Princess,’ is also the Vice President of Strategy for EHIM powered by ProCare. Rachel shares her unique journey into pharmacy benefit management (PBM), a field many may not be familiar with. With a love of pink and glitter and a passion for making the PBM world more approachable, Rachel explains the value of PBMs and how she was introduced to this role.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

A Pharmacy Benefit Manager is an intermediary between health insurers, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers. They manage prescription drug benefits for health plans, negotiating prices and determining which medications are covered. Rachel explains that most people are unaware of PBMs and their significance, often assuming that their health insurance provider is solely responsible for their prescription coverage. In reality, many insurance companies outsource their pharmacy benefits to PBMs, which handle the logistics of drug pricing and distribution.

For patients navigating the complexities of their pharmacy benefits, Rachel offers several strategies:

1. Understand your plan and familiarize yourself with the company's health insurance plan and the specific pharmacy benefits it offers. This includes knowing who the PBM is and what medications are covered.
2. Communicate with HR or Brokers if you need clarification on your coverage.
3. Explore Cost-Saving Options like international drug options or patient assistance programs. Many manufacturers offer assistance regardless of income level, which can help patients afford their medications.
4. Be Proactive: Patients should take the initiative and seek clarification about their medications, especially regarding prior authorizations and potential out-of-pocket costs.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners.

Dr. Zehra Murthy, the founder and lead scientist of Belfiore Herbal, is a passionate advocate for using natural, plant-based ingredients in skincare products. Her extensive cellular and molecular biology background has deepened her understanding of how these ingredients can benefit the skin at a cellular level, promoting overall health without the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Dr. Murthy emphasizes that the skin is the body's largest organ, and maintaining health is crucial for enhancing inner beauty and confidence. She points out that many conventional skincare products contain synthetic chemicals that can potentially harm the skin by mutating genes or causing other long-term damage. In contrast, her formulations are designed to be free from these harmful substances, relying instead on the natural properties of plants.

The key ingredients used in many Belfiore Herbal products are lavender, turmeric, sunflower oil, vitamins A and C, calendula, ashwagandha, and shea butter.

Dr. Murthy's commitment to using clean, plant-based ingredients stems from her extensive cellular and molecular biology background. Zehra advocates avoiding synthetic chemicals and animal-derived products, which can harm the skin and overall health. Instead, her formulations focus on physiologic oils that nourish the skin rather than merely sitting on its surface.

Dr. Zehra Murthy's commitment to natural ingredients extends beyond product formulation and encompasses ethical considerations. She sources shea butter from women farmers in Ghana, ensuring that 20% of the profits are reinvested to support these communities. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also empowers women in agriculture.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners.

Dr. Ramiz Hamid’s early exposure to medicine because of his brother's health issues inspired him to become a doctor and surgeon. Dr. Hamid shares the intricate process of Mohs surgery, from the initial biopsy to the final reconstruction. Patients who qualify for Mohs surgery undergo a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment based on factors such as tumor location and aggressiveness. Interestingly, this surgery does not take a set amount of time because the process evolves once the surgeon begins to remove the cancer.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

In addition to the surgical aspect of Mohs surgery, Dr. Hamid shares the crucial role of reconstruction for skin cancer patients. Each Mohs surgeon works closely with the patient to design a reconstruction plan that restores the skin's appearance and preserves its function, utilizing plastic and reconstructive surgical techniques to minimize scarring and enhance the overall aesthetic result for patients.

Mr. Ramiz Hamid is also involved with the Treatment iTASC's efforts to bridge the gap in access to care for underserved patients with aggressive skin cancers, which are commendable. By offering free Mohs surgery treatment through a network of volunteer surgeons, the organization significantly impacts the lives of individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford or access this essential medical care. iTASC's commitment to expanding its services to reach more regions and eventually becoming a nationwide platform demonstrates its dedication to addressing the unmet needs of vulnerable populations facing skin cancer.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners.

Growing up in a dermatology office, Brie Hutchings witnessed the impact of patient education and immediately understood its value. Brie's mother, who also works in dermatology, instilled in her the importance of caring for patients and ensuring they receive the necessary support.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Brie discusses the challenges patients face when starting biologic treatments, such as the need for regular injections and potential side effects. Brie emphasizes the role of the biologic coordinator in guiding patients through the process, addressing their concerns, and providing reassurance. Biologic coordinators play a vital role in ensuring patients feel supported and empowered throughout their treatment by offering patients a safe space to ask questions, express their fears, and seek guidance.

Collaboration and communication among office staff, including front desk, medical assistants, and providers, are essential for ensuring a smooth process for patients seeking treatment. The importance of teamwork and coordination within the dermatology office to provide the best care for patients explains Brie Hutchings in Episode 42 of That’s Derm Good!

Brie highlights the crucial role of each team member in the patient care process. She mentions the significance of front desk staff in creating a positive and welcoming patient environment. Despite facing challenges and frustrations, Brie acknowledges the importance of front desk staff in being empathetic and understanding towards patients who seek help for their skin conditions.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners.