Dermatology Appropriate Use Criteria Developed

The first appropriate use criteria (AUC) for any test or treatment within the field of dermatology were developed recently for Mohs surgery. The goal is to provide evidence-based guidance on which types of skin cancer cases are most appropriate for this surgery.

The benefits of the AUC are expected to include clinical decision support, facilitation of discussions with referring physicians and patients, support for research, and the development of educational and quality improvement tools. Mohs surgeons, dermatologists, primary care physicians, and others need an understanding of how Mohs surgery can best be used for skin cancer, and development of the AUC is an important first step, it was noted.

The new AUC represent a collaborative effort involving the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and American Society for Mohs Surgery. A manuscript copublished in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery outlines the new criteria.