May 16, 2024

To my valued patients:

On June 5, 2024, Alpine Dermatology, LLC will suspend services.

My collaborating physician is retiring and despite three years of efforts, I have been unable to secure a replacement.  There just aren’t enough dermatologists in the United States, let alone Alaska. I will continue to seek another dermatologist, but until I do, I must suspend services.

An opportunity for Alpine Dermatology, LLC to continue to provide services in Juneau was being considered by the Alaska Legislature.  Senate Bill 115 was the next step for modernizing physician assistant practice in Alaska, and would have eliminated the legal requirement for a specific relationship between a PA, physician, or any other healthcare provider.  This would have allowed PAs to practice to the full extent of their education, training, and experience.  It could have created a modernized practice environment, helping Alaska to recruit and retain more qualified healthcare providers.  Unfortunately, this bill was killed by the chair of the house rules committee, Rep. Craig Johnson.  This bill must now be reintroduced.

I encourage you to look into Senate Bill 115. If you would like to take part in improving the availability of quality healthcare in Alaska, contact your legislators and urge them to take action to modernize PA practice statutes and increase the availability of health care for all Alaskans.

For patients needing follow up. Anchorage Dermatology and Cosmetics, and Alaska Center for Dermatology provide service in Anchorage.  I have also worked closely with Virginia Mason Dermatology in Seattle.

For patients wanting their medical records, please contact:

Clary Document Management.  5600 Pioneer Creek Drive.  Maple Plain, MN 55359.  Phone: 763.548.1320.  fax: 763.548.1325

Email: chartcontrol@clarydm.com

Your medical records are confidential, and a copy can be transferred only with your written permission. We have chosen Clary Document Management as the custodian of your records.

It has been my privilege to care for you.

Sincerely,

Kris Miller PA-C