Regarding the article in your September 2004 Skin & Aging publication titled, “Are Pathologists Trying to Prevent Dermatologists from Doing Dermatopathology,” I am writing to correct some information contained in the article.
In the portion of the article that addresses the recent history related to anatomic pathology billing in North Carolina, reference is made to legislation on this issue. In fact, there has not been any legislation to date in North Carolina. Rather, the issue of anatomic pathology billing mark-ups was addressed by the North Carolina Medical Board.
The matter came up as a result of a complaint from a pathologist that any mark-up of anatomic pathology services by the referring physician is inappropriate and that the Medical Board should adopt a position to that affect and discipline its licensees that are found to be in non-compliance.
The NC Medical Board discussed the matter and concluded that a blanket policy was not in order but that instances of alleged inappropriate billing would be investigated on a case-by-case basis.
I hope this information is helpful.

Alan Skipper
Executive Director
North Carolina Dermatology Association

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