Do you use phototherapy in your practice? If so, for what skin conditions? If not, why not?

We just started and will be seeing patients primarily for psoriasis but most likely will also see them for vitiligo and other conditions that respond well to light therapy.

yes. we use phototherapy for Vitiligo, Psoriasis. Atopic Dermatitis, Lichen Planus and Alopecia Areata.

This is great news. The Photodynamic therapy, for these skin conditions, is fantastic. I hope to see more and more Dermatologist use phototherapy in their practice. In the 80's insurance pulled their support for these treatments, can you tell me where the insurance company stands with supporting it for 2013? Do they reimburse for these treatments yet?

I use phototherapy,UVA and UVB, for Vitiligo, Psoriasis. Atopic Dermatitis, & Alopecia Areata. Unlike UVB, UVA is relatively ineffective unless used with a light-sensitizing medication psoralen, which is administered topically or orally( PUVA) . plaque or guttate psoriasis, and psoriasis of the palms and soles are most responsive to PUVA treatment.

Thank you for the detailed feedback. It is so great to hear the success of Phototherapy and UVA, UVB treatments. This means a lot of patients have a chance to lead normal lives. I have a couple of questions; after treatments, what kind of product do you recommend or prescribe for post treatments? Does the insurance companies support these (all 3) treatments? Do you use a pre designed light settings device, or do you use a device you can program the settings yourself?(example: 460nm- 760nm LED's 780nm-UVA).Thank you for your time and expertise.

In Italy therapies are paid by the national health system and therefore are totally free. is required only the prescription of a dermatologist.

Do insurance companies here in the US cover these treatments?

sykes, I think as far as insurance goes it is going to depend on your type of practice and coding. If you are a Medical Spa you will have to find out what the codes are and have the patient submit themselves. If you are a Derm. or have a Derm. as your Medical Director, it would be different. It is going to depend on what state you live in, what type of insurance it is and definitely go through the preapproval prcoess! The last thing that you want to do is the service and then not get paid. I hope this was helpful.