Few situations are worse than a skin cancer diagnosis and facing surgery. It’s scary, and the last thing you need to worry about is how to pay for surgery. You’ll encounter so many expenses, and it’s a good idea to know what to expect. What factors influence how much skin cancer surgery costs? What are the prices of various surgery options? If you’re wondering, “Will my insurance cover skin cancer surgery,” here’s what you should know.
Do I Have to Pay for Skin Cancer Screenings?
If you choose to see a general practitioner or dermatologist, you can expect to pay between $100 to $200 for a cancer screening. If you have health insurance, the cost might be covered partially or in full. You may find local programs offering free skin cancer screenings, so take advantage when you do.
What Skin Cancer Surgeries Are Available, and How Much Do They Cost?
When answering, “Will my insurance cover skin cancer surgery,” you should first have at least an idea about the cost of different treatment options.
While you may find prices outside of the following ranges, here is an idea of how much common treatments cost:
Surgical Skin Cancer Treatments
- Curettage and electrodesiccation: Average cost around $400
- Excisional surgery: Varies between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the size of the lesion and where the procedure is performed
- Mohs surgery: Depends on the size of the lesion and the complexity of removal, average cost around $2,400
Non-Surgical Skin Cancer Treatments
- Cryotherapy: Average cost around $1,000 but depends on the number of lesions to be treated
- Immunotherapy: Can cost up to $100,000 per year
- Radiation: Depends on the type and amount of radiation used, averages between $2,000 to $4,000
- Topical chemotherapy: Around $300 to $400
- Systemic chemotherapy: Can range from $10,000 to $50,000 per course
So, Will My Insurance Cover Skin Cancer Surgery?
While health insurance does usually cover at least part of the cost of skin cancer surgery, you should always check with your insurance carrier for specific details regarding your health plan.
Before you call, write down your questions so you don’t forget. Not sure what to ask your insurance carrier about skin cancer treatment? Start with these questions!:
- What type of plan do I have?
- What dermatologists are in my network?
- Are cancer screenings covered?
- What cancer medications are and are not covered?
- What therapies outside of surgery are covered?
- Do I have a copay?
- What are my costs if I choose an in-network dermatologist?
- What are the costs if I choose outside the network?
- Are virtual appointments covered?
- What tests are covered?
- Will my follow-up appointments be covered?
- Do I need a referral from my primary care provider to see a dermatologist for skin cancer?
What Affects the Cost of Skin Cancer Surgery?
The entire cost of skin cancer treatment and surgery will depend on the type of skin cancer you are diagnosed with. Additionally, where on your body it is located, and how advanced it is. Typically, the earlier skin cancer is caught, the cheaper it is to treat. It is cheaper to treat non-melanoma cancers including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) than melanoma.
With regard to location, it may be more expensive to remove skin cancer on the face than on a larger area such as the back. The reason for this is that it is more important to save tissue on the face than it is in other areas. The surgery is a bit more complex and therefore incurs higher costs.
Does Skin Cancer Treatment Have Any Hidden Costs?
It is quite possible you will have out-of-pocket expenses. Depending on the type of surgery you have and your recovery, you might need to factor in time off work, help at home, daycare, and meal deliveries just to name a few. If you are traveling for surgery, you should consider travel expenses such as gas, lodging, and meals.
How Do I Find the Right Dermatologist for a Skin Cancer Screening or Treatment?
For insurance purposes, most people do start with their carrier and ask for a list of in-network dermatologists. If you do not have insurance, you might want to ask people you trust who have been through a similar experience.
No matter how you start your search, there are some basic steps you should take. Be sure to verify a dermatologist’s credentials. Take a look at their background, special training, and certifications. Look for board certification, years of experience, and evidence of continued education.
Read online reviews to see what their patients have to say. Testimonials are very helpful when looking for a dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer if you don’t know anyone who has gone through this experience and can refer you to a trusted provider.
Book Your Skin Cancer Screening or Treatment With the Area’s Top Skin Cancer Surgeon Today!
If you’ve discovered a suspicious mole or lesion, please do not hesitate to have it checked. Early detection not only saves money in the long run, but it can also save your life, which is priceless!
We invite you to contact us at 678-505-8030 as soon as possible to schedule your appointment with Dr. Johnathan Langston Chappell here at Acworth Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. Dr. Chappell is a double board-certified dermatologist who specializes in Mohs surgery and other state-of-the-art skin cancer treatments.
You’ll find the compassionate care you deserve at Acworth!