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A Jan. 4, 2006, article in USA TODAY contained a quote from a pharmacy consultant who referred to psoriasis as "cosmetic." In response to this inaccurate statement, the National Psoriasis Foundation sent a letter to the newspaper's editor. On Jan. 6, the consultant, Eric Michael of Mercer Health and Benefits, apologized for his comments.
The National Psoriasis Foundation appreciates Mr. Michael's apology and welcomes the opportunity to raise awareness about psoriasis in the community at large and, specifically, the insurance industry. The recognition of the seriousness of psoriasis helps to ensure that the millions of psoriasis patients who have this systemic and life-altering disease will continue to have access to the treatments they need.
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To the Editor:
Your Jan. 4, 2006 "Medicare expands tier pricing system" article was informative and brought to light important issues facing patients covered by Medicare, and other insurance providers. However, we must address pharmacy consultant Eric Michael's comment about drugs for "less serious use, such as for the cosmetic treatment of the rash caused by psoriasis."
It is a common misconception that psoriasis is a cosmetic condition. Misconceptions like this make life difficult for people with psoriasis and interfere with the ability to get appropriate treatment for a very serious disease. Psoriasis treatment should not be dictated by insurance tiers.
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, systemic disease that manifests itself in the skin. It is characterized by raised, painful, red lesions, appearing on any part of the body, that can itch, crack and bleed. The cause of psoriasis is unknown, although genetic, environmental and immunologic factors all influence disease susceptibility. Psoriatic arthritis, a painful inflammatory arthritis causing irreversible joint damage, is a component in 10 to 30 percent of psoriasis cases.
Psoriasis poses a substantial physical and psychological burden; it is a life-altering disease, affecting work, social life and relationships.
Because of its chronic and unpredictable nature, psoriasis presents a uniquely challenging situation for patients and their physicians. The disease is diverse and individual. A treatment that works for one person may not work another person, or may lose effectiveness over time. Often, treatments are used in combination, and each treatment carries a unique set of side effects. Access to the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time is critical for people with psoriasis.
The National Psoriasis Foundation is a patient advocacy organization dedicated to psoriasis education, advocacy and research. We will be in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 26-27, for our third annual Capitol Hill Day. We appreciate the opportunity to educate people about a disease that affects millions of people.
Gail M. Zimmerman
President and CEO
National Psoriasis Foundation
Portland, Ore.
www.psoriasis.org
Dear Ms. Zimmerman:
In response to Julie Appleby's article in the January 4th edition of USA Today - "Medicare expands tier pricing system" - a word I used to describe the debilitating disease of psoriasis was wrong and insensitive. While some individuals are able to bring their psoriasis under control with less expensive drugs, many others have a persistent and painful condition. In neither case is the condition "cosmetic."
I want to apologize to you, members of the Foundation, and to anyone taking offense at my comment.
Sincerely,
Eric Michael
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