That's Derm Good!

This episode features Jennifer Roberge, the owner of The Eczema Company, YORO Naturals, and Itchy Little World, discussing her journey with starting multiple eczema-focused companies. She shares the story of her son's severe eczema and the struggles they faced with traditional treatments before finding a more holistic approach. 

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.

Through her experience, Jennifer discovered the power of natural medicine, clean eating, and identifying food triggers for her son's eczema. Implementing an elimination diet and removing specific food triggers significantly improved her son's skin. This revelation led Jennifer to explore holistic and natural treatments further, eventually leading her to create YORO Naturals, a company offering products tailored to individuals with eczema. YORO Naturals is unique because it provides specialty medications that can be sold by her retail company, The Eczema Company. 

Jennifer Roberge highlights the significance of keeping a journal to record the outcomes of various treatments. By documenting the effects of different products, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments, individuals can gain insights into what triggers their eczema and what helps alleviate symptoms. This systematic approach allows individuals to track patterns, identify potential triggers, and assess the effectiveness of different interventions over time.

Jennifer's experience with her son's eczema led her to create resources like the Itchy Little World blog, The Eczema Company, and YORO Naturals. These platforms allow parents and individuals with eczema to connect, share experiences, and find support. By sharing her story and providing information on alternative treatments and natural skincare products, Jennifer empowers others to explore different options and not lose hope in their journey towards managing eczema. Connect with Jennifer Roberge:

https://eczemacompany.com/

https://itchylittleworld.com/

https://yoronaturals.com/

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

Dr. Faranak Kamangar, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermGPT, discusses how AI is integrated into dermatology and healthcare. The conversation with host Janelle Ball delves into Dr. Kamangar’s journey from engineering to healthcare, highlighting the fascinating intersection of technology and medicine. 

DermGPT, has brought about a paradigm shift in the field of dermatology. Dr. Kamangar explains how this AI-powered tool is like having a second-year medical student assist you by leveraging machine learning algorithms to mimic the decision-making processes of human dermatologists, providing accurate and evidence-based recommendations for skin conditions. 

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.

DermGPT holds the potential to revolutionize processes within the field. As discussed in the podcast episode, DermGPT is a language model that has been trained on over 3000 publications and writings from the dermatology field, ensuring precise and accurate information without errors or hallucinations commonly seen in other AI models. One of the critical benefits of DermGPT is its ability to assist with prior authorizations, streamline the process and reduce the time and effort required by physicians and staff. This can lead to faster medication approvals, improving patient care by ensuring timely access to necessary treatments.

AI is infused into everything, from healthcare to marketing, entertainment, and education. As we navigate this new era of technology, it is essential to embrace the opportunities that AI presents while also being mindful of the potential challenges and ethical considerations that come with it. With the right approach, Dr. Faranak Kamangar's AI has the potential to revolutionize our world and shape a brighter future for generations to come.

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

Kimberly Bailey, partner and owner of KRK Value-Based Consulting, speaks with host Janelle Ball about implementing MIPS (Merit-Based Incentive Payment System) and its impact on physician reimbursement under Medicare. They also discuss the points system in MIPS and the minimum requirement of 75 points to avoid a negative adjustment. MIPS consultants like Kimberly Bailey and her KRK consulting team can help medical practices navigate the program and maximize their performance.

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.

Kimberly Bailey explains the origins of MIPS, detailing how it emerged as a solution to the unsustainable Medicare reimbursement model based on the sustainable growth rate. MIPS, which stands for Merit-Based Incentive Payment System, is a data program implemented by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) to shift from fee-for-service to value-based care. She highlights the shift from fee-for-service to value-based care, emphasizing the program's focus on data collection and preventative care to improve patient health and reduce Medicare spending.

One crucial aspect of the MIPS program is the requirement for thorough documentation. While MIPS can be complex and time-consuming, it offers the potential for increased reimbursement for medical practices. Physicians can improve patient outcomes and enhance their financial viability by focusing on value-based care and meeting the program requirements. Kimberly Bailey proves she is an expert by explaining MIPS practically and without jargon. 

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

Jason Zemcik, a representative from Mercallis, formerly known as Trial Card, discusses how the company rebranded and evolved from a co-pay card company to a comprehensive patient support services provider. Host Janelle Ball and Jason discuss significant court cases related to copay accumulators and government drug pricing rules and how Jason balances his intense workload by writing about Pittsburgh sports teams.

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 this episode, Jason Zemcik emphasizes the importance of breaking down the complexities of healthcare and helping clients and patients understand the intricacies of copay cards, accumulators, and maximizers. Jason also highlights the need for diligence and thoroughness in explaining these topics, given the general population's low health literacy and understanding.

ADVERTISER: Looking to equip your dermatology office staff better? Work with BC Educators offers in-office training and virtual biologic coordinators to create a single point of contact for everything from prior authorizations to prescription acquisition and patient follow-up. To ensure patients have access to the medications they need, visit bceducators.com.

In the healthcare industry, recognizing potential and giving back is particularly important. Jason’s company, Policy Reporter, operates in the market access intelligence space, tracking payer policy changes and developments. Their goal is to provide timely and accurate information to their clients. By doing so, they empower manufacturers and practice staff to navigate the complex healthcare access and coverage landscape.

Efficiency and productivity are crucial in healthcare; tools like Policy Reporter can significantly improve both. By eliminating the need for manual research and documentation, healthcare providers can save valuable time and allocate their resources more effectively. This episode is about how healthcare advocates can improve and the value of advocacy because everyone is a patient at one point. 

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

Stephanie Philpot is an entrepreneur and visionary. Being diagnosed at a young age, Stephanie and her brother both struggled with severe eczema and food allergies. When her condition persisted into adulthood, Stephanie unexpectedly started a business to provide skincare samples for people with sensitive 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.

Visiting a dermatologist in Australia helped Stephanie Philpot establish a link between anxiety and eczema. Stephanie emphasizes how mental health profoundly affects day-to-day life and overall quality of life, underscoring its importance alongside medical treatments for skin conditions.

During the summer of 2020, Stephanie searched for suitable sunscreen for her sensitive skin, contacted a brand, and asked if they had sunscreen samples. Although the companies didn't have samples, they offered a refund if she didn't like the product. While this was a common practice for many brands, it didn't sit well with Stephanie. She realized that throughout her life, she had often wasted money and time on full-sized products that didn't work for her eczema-prone skin. So, Stephanie did something about this common issue: she began to offer skincare samples to people with sensitive skin.

Through her blog and the Eczema Sample Store, Stephanie hopes to empower others with eczema to embrace their whole selves and find products that work for them. Stephanie's entrepreneurial venture is a testament to the power of personal experiences and her desire to positively impact others facing similar challenges.

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

Julia Regan believes in affordable and quick access to specialty medications, particularly in complex disease states. Julia is the CEO of RxLightning, which supports over 1,600 medications across various specialties, including oncology, GI, RA, and dermatology, focusing on streamlining the process for patients and healthcare offices. Find out how Julia is revolutionizing medication access.

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 key part of this interview is a discussion between Julia Regan and Janelle Ball about making patients feel supported rather than treated as a number. When people think about technology and tech, they anticipate robotic or impersonal. RxLightning continuously evolves from its initial focus on dermatology to include various specialties, including oncology, transplant medications, and rare diseases. This expansion ensures that healthcare professionals across various specialties can benefit from the platform's features and streamline the access process for their patients. 

ADVERTISER: Looking to equip your dermatology office staff better? Work with BC Educators offers in-office training and virtual biologic coordinators to create a single point of contact for everything from prior authorizations to prescription acquisition and patient follow-up. To ensure patients have access to the medications they need, visit bceducators.com.

Streamlining specialty medication access is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare offices. RxLightning, with its innovative platform, is playing a significant role in revolutionizing the access journey for specialty medications. By providing transparency, simplifying processes, and connecting stakeholders, RxLightning makes it easier and faster for patients to access their needed medications. Julia Regan is meeting her goal of expanding medication access. Improving patient satisfaction also allows healthcare professionals to focus on delivering quality care. With the continuous expansion and evolution of the platform, RxLightning is set to make a lasting impact in the field of specialty medication access.

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

Jerilyn Arneson is a Medicare access expert. She emphasizes the crucial role of healthcare professionals in educating themselves about available resources to assist patients in accessing medication and support. Jerilyn and host Janelle Ball discuss the importance of biologic coordinators (or access coordinators) knowing these resources to help patients obtain necessary medications effectively.

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.

This episode is special because Jerilyn shares how her military experience instilled self-discipline and self-responsibility, which has proven beneficial in their professional role. Jerilyn Arneson explains that the military constantly pushed them to go the extra mile and take the initiative rather than relying on others. This mindset of proactivity and personal accountability became ingrained during their time in the military and is invaluable in healthcare.

Jerilyn Arneson received free training on 19 Medicare modules during this volunteer work. However, the most valuable part of the experience was the opportunity to train with certified Medicare benefits counselors for four hours a week. Jerilyn listened to these counselors as they assisted new Medicare patients in enrollment. Through this training and observation, Jerilyn gradually grasped Medicare better and realized the importance of breaking the information into manageable portions to make it accessible to everyone. Jerilyn’s current goal is to demystify Medicare and help others feel empowered to learn and understand it.

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

In this episode of That's Derm Good, host Lacey interviews Lacey Varnon, the VP of NAMAPA (National Association of Medication Access and Patient Advocacy) and a biologic coordinator in the field of allergy. Janelle Ball and Lacey Varnon discuss the connections between the roles of allergy, asthma, dermatology, and biologic coordinators in these specialties. They also talk about their initial meeting at the Healthcare Advocates Summit and the impacts they are making in their respective fields. Overall, this episode showcases Lacey's journey in the medical field and her insights into the interconnectedness of asthma, allergy, and dermatology.

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.

The episode also delves into the potential isolation that can accompany the coordinator role. The speaker acknowledges that only some in the workplace have a partner, and some coordinators may feel they are navigating their work alone. Because of the potential for isolation, Lacey works hard to bolster the camaraderie among team members through regular communication and conversations to build relationships and stay engaged with each other. 

ADVERTISER: Looking to equip your dermatology office staff better? Work with BC Educators offers in-office training and virtual biologic coordinators to create a single point of contact for everything from prior authorizations to prescription acquisition and patient follow-up. To ensure patients have access to the medications they need, visit bceducators.com.

Overall, Lacey's experience with the buy-and-bill process is a testament to the importance of continuous learning and growth in the medical field. It highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be adaptable and willing to take on new challenges. Lacey's journey demonstrates the positive impact that can be made when individuals are given opportunities to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new responsibilities.

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

Janelle Ball welcomes Dr. Scott Drew, a dermatologist and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Dr. Drew explains the history and philosophy behind osteopathic medicine, which focuses on treating the whole body rather than just individual ailments. He discusses how this approach is particularly relevant in dermatology, as the skin can often provide clues to underlying systemic diseases. Dr. Drew also highlights the growing number of dermatology residency programs at DO hospitals and medical schools. Tune in to learn more about the unique perspective that osteopathic medicine brings to dermatology.

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. Drew emphasizes the importance of treating the whole body in dermatology rather than just focusing on specific skin conditions. He explains that dermatologists are trained to look for cutaneous signs of systemic diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which may manifest on the skin. This holistic approach allows dermatologists to identify underlying health issues and provide comprehensive patient care.

One reason dermatology profoundly impacts patients' lives is the visible nature of skin conditions. Dr. Drew mentions that dermatologists often see patients initially diagnosed by primary care physicians or OB/GYNs. Skin conditions like melanoma, which can be life-threatening, are often first detected by non-dermatologists. Therefore, dermatologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these conditions, ensuring early intervention and improved outcomes.

Dr. Drew acknowledges that careful planning and coordination are essential in medical missionary work to ensure that you address the community's specific needs. Going with a group that includes experienced veterans and newcomers creates a balance of knowledge and fresh perspectives that contribute to the mission's success. You can trust Dr. Drew when he advises about best practices for mission work; after all, he has traveled on more than 30 international trips, including trips to Kenya, Peru, Uganda, and Sierra Leone.

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

Listen as Zeinub Alber, an RN, former biologic coordinator, and field reimbursement specialist. They discuss the importance of process and access in healthcare and how they can make a difference in patients' lives. Zeinub emphasizes the need for resources and different ways of learning and praises the host for creating a platform to share valuable information.

NOTE: Zeinub Alber is sharing her opinions and thoughts about healthcare; her comments do not reflect the opinions of her employer. 

Zeinub highlights the importance of comprehensive documentation as good clinical practice. Additionally, this documentation serves as a means to revisit and evaluate the efficacy of treatments or interventions that benefit the patient.

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.

Zeinub saw the emergence of field reimbursement specialists (FRMs) and the importance of pharmaceutical sales reps in her education and patient care. She realized these roles impacted her ability to navigate the system and help her patients receive the needed therapies. Inspired by their work, she became an FRM, aiming to touch more lives and support healthcare professionals like her.

The discussion between Janelle Ball and Zeinub Alber addresses the role of insurance companies in questioning the treatments or interventions being administered. Zeinub challenges the idea that insurance companies create obstacles or seek reasons to deny coverage. Instead, ask questions of patients and providers to ensure that the treatments or interventions are supported by evidence and are safe and effective.

ADVERTISER: Looking to equip your dermatology office staff better? Work with BC Educators offers in-office training and virtual biologic coordinators to create a single point of contact for everything from prior authorizations to prescription acquisition and patient follow-up. To ensure patients have access to the medications they need, visit bceducators.com.

Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers recognizing the significance of biologics in a patient's journey and making them accessible in their offices. It acknowledges the challenges office staff face in accessing and understanding biologics but also highlights the increasing availability of resources and support. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in decision-making and stay informed about their insurance coverage.

Zeinub’s story also demonstrates the importance of education and networking in overcoming these challenges. By actively seeking out opportunities for learning, attending dinner programs, and engaging with sales reps and FRMs, Zeinub enhanced her knowledge and improved patient outcomes. She recognized the value of collaboration and leveraging the expertise of others in the field.

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