What is the Cost of Mohs Surgery?

Mohs Surgery is a specific type of skin cancer removal surgery. It involves the precise and accurate surgical excision of skin tumors, without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.

While this surgery may sound expensive, it can be more cost-effective than alternative treatments for certain types of skin cancers.

In this article, we’ll look at the average cost of Mohs surgery and how it compares to other treatments for skin cancer. We’ll also explore payment options that could make this procedure more affordable.

Cost of Mohs Surgery

It is considered to be one of the most effective treatments for skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

The cost of this type of dermatologic surgery can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the tumor, as well as how complex it is to remove. The average cost of Mohs surgery is around $2,400.

For certain body parts such as eyelids or noses where there is less tissue available for reconstruction after removal, additional fees may apply due to increased complexity in performing these procedures safely and effectively.

Alternatives to Mohs Surgery

While there are no alternatives to completely replacing the Mohs technique, there are other treatments that may be used instead depending on the type and stage of skin cancer.

Traditional Surgery

Traditional surgery is often used as an alternative to Mohs surgery when the area affected is small and there isn’t much risk of recurrence. This procedure involves cutting out the skin cancer cells and some surrounding tissue, and then having it tested in a lab.

Cryosurgery

Also known as cryotherapy, this procedure involves the application of extremely cold temperatures directly on top of the cancerous cells, which instantly kills them off.

Curettage & Electrodessication

Also known as C&E or CED, this procedure involves scraping away the top layers of dead skin from the cancerous area with a curette or spoon-like instrument and then electrocauterization (burning) the remaining cancer cells in that same spot.

Photodynamic Therapy

Also called PDT, photodynamic therapy involves applying a photosensitizing drug (such as aminolevulinic acid) to the affected area, activating it with a light source, and exposing it to oxygen so that the drug can kill off any remaining cancer cells within the substance.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses proteins in order to help regulate your immune system’s response to diseases such as skin cancer by giving extra naturally-occurring molecules to boost your body’s defense systems and help fight off disease-causing agents like abnormal cancerous cell proliferation.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can be used to remove certain types of skin cancers without damaging surrounding healthy tissue, but typically yields better results on nonmelanoma skin cancers rather than melanomas due to their pigmentation properties causing them to absorb more heat from laser treatments than desired thus causing unwanted damage during treatment.

Cost of Mohs Surgery for Different Body Parts

The cost of Mohs surgery varies depending on what body part is being treated.

While a face or scalp can cost anywhere between $1,000 - $5,000, Mohs on the hands and feet are usually in the range of $1,200 - $2,800 depending on the complexity of accessing deeper tissues.

For skin cancer located around the eyes or nose, the cost can increase significantly to account for additional surgical techniques such as more complicated suturing techniques. 

It is important to remember that while prices do vary substantially around the country due to numerous factors such as insurance deductibles/co-pays and other specialty hospital costs - when seeking treatment it is best practice to ask your general practitioner or specialist what potential costs you should expect ahead of time so you have a clear understanding before committing yourself financially.

Cost of Mohs Surgery with Insurance

For those wondering the cost of Mohs surgery with insurance, it ultimately depends on your type of coverage and provider.

An insured patient can expect to pay something in the range of a few hundred dollars up to several thousand depending on the complexity of the surgery, geographic region, and number of skin layers that need to be removed.

And many insurance companies will require prior authorizations or referrals from a primary care doctor in order to cover these types of procedures.

Check your policy or call your insurance company directly for more information on what they will and won't cover in terms of surgery costs.

If you find that your insurance won’t cover certain aspects of your procedure then you should consult with a local physician about what payment options may be available such as flexible financing programs or potentially setting up an installment plan.

Cost without Insurance

The cost of Mohs surgery without insurance can reach as high as anywhere between $5,000 - $12,000.

The good news is that some medical facilities offer discounts if you pay in full at the time of service or make payment arrangements ahead of time. 

It’s important to ask about any potential discounts when discussing pricing with your doctor’s office prior to scheduling your appointment.

Some Mohs surgeon may accept payment plans which allow patients to spread out their payments over several months rather than paying up front.

This option should only be considered after exploring all other avenues first since interest rates tend to be high and late fees can add up quickly if payments are not made on time each month.

How Much Does Medicare Pay for Mohs Surgery

Medicare covers many medical services and treatments, including Mohs surgery. The amount that Medicare pays for it depends on the type of procedure being performed and the location where it is being done.

The amount Medicare pays for a first-stage Mohs procedure on the head, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia can range from $156.70 to $639.70. For any subsequent stages, the payment amount is between $140.20 and $395.20.

Cost of Mohs Surgery for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It is a slow-growing form of cancer that can be treated with Mohs surgery, a specialized procedure used to remove BCC and other types of skin cancers.

The typical Mohs surgery for BCC costs between $1,000 and $2,000.

If you have health insurance coverage then it’s likely that some portion of your Mohs surgery will be covered by your plan; however it’s important to check with your provider beforehand so that you know exactly what they will cover before going ahead with treatment.

Medicare may also provide partial coverage for certain types of skin cancer treatment such as Mohs Surgery; however again it’s best to check in advance so that you understand what is covered under their policy before proceeding with treatment.

Cost for Mohs Surgery Out of Pocket

The cost without insurance will depend on several things such as the size and location of the lesion being treated, whether or not anesthesia is required, and any additional treatments that may be necessary after the procedure.

The average cost for Mohs surgery out of pocket ranges anywhere from $1500-$5,000. However, this price range can increase significantly if more than one lesion needs to be removed or if there are other associated costs such as anesthesia fees or pathology charges.

How Can I Minimize Out-of-Pocket Expenses?

It’s important to understand your financial obligations ahead of time so you can properly budget for any potential costs. To help maximize savings potential and reduce out-of-pocket expenses, consider these tips:

• Check with your health insurance provider to determine if they cover all or part of the cost for treatment via Mohs surgery
• Look into payment plans offered by local healthcare providers
• Compare prices from multiple doctors in your area to find competitive rates
• See if there are any discounts available through charitable organizations or government programs like Medicaid and Medicare

FAQs in Relation to Cost of Mohs Surgery

Is Mohs surgery expensive?

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized surgical procedure used to treat skin cancers that go deep into the layers of the skin. 

Because it is a highly effective, precise treatment, it often costs more than other forms of skin cancer treatment.

The cost varies significantly depending on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the complexity of the procedure. Typically, it costs anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000.

Insurance may cover some or all of the cost of Mohs surgery depending on your specific plan or policy.

Is Mohs covered by insurance?

Mohs surgery is typically covered by insurance, depending on the type of policy and plan you have. 

If a doctor has determined that Mohs surgery is medically necessary for treating a skin condition or disease, then it should be covered under most health insurance plans.

However, it's always best to check with your specific insurer to make sure that Mohs surgery is included in your coverage before undergoing any treatment.

Is Mohs surgery overkill?

No, Mohs surgery is not overkill. It is a specialized surgical technique that has been developed to treat certain types of skin cancer with the highest cure rate possible versus traditional surgical excision.

The procedure involves removing thin layers of tissue from the affected area and examining them under a microscope until all cancerous cells have been removed.

This ensures that no healthy tissue is damaged while still providing an effective treatment for skin cancer. Mohs surgery is often the preferred treatment for skin cancer, as it offers a higher cure rate than other treatments.

How much does it cost to remove a squamous cell carcinoma?

The cost of removing a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as any additional treatments that may be required.

SCC removal through Mohs procedure can average around $2,400 or more depending on the complexity of the procedure. 

The cost also includes pre-operative tests and post-operative care such as wound dressing changes and follow up visits with your dermatologist.

Conclusion

At Dermatology & Skin Health, we are dedicated to helping our patients look and feel their best. We understand the financial burden that can come with medical treatments like Mohs surgery and want to help make it more accessible for those who need it.

That's why we offer flexible payment options, discounts on services, and affordable financing plans so everyone can get the care they deserve without breaking the bank. Contact us today to learn how you can take advantage of these cost-saving opportunities!