Skin cancer may affect people of any race or ethnicity, so it’s important to be checked out by a dermatologist at least once a year or more often if you’re at risk. If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, your chances of survival might be greatly improved with early detection.
As part of an annual wellness visit, skin cancer screenings are typically covered by most health insurance policies. However, health plans can vary from person to person. Here are some questions to ask your insurance provider.
Are Skin Cancer Screenings Covered by Insurance?
In addition to asking your insurance provider if a skin cancer screening would be covered, consider getting more information about the following:
- How much of the skin cancer screening cost is covered by insurance?
- What are the out-of-pocket costs for any potential follow-up appointments or testing, and will they be covered by the health plan?
- Is pre-approval required before scheduling a skin cancer screening?
If your health insurance plan classifies your dermatologist as a specialist, you may have to pay a greater copayment (share of the cost of treatment) than you would with your primary care physician.
In the long run, staying on top of your health and finding skin cancer in its earlier stages can help you avoid expensive treatments.
What Happens During a Skin Cancer Screening?
When screening for skin cancer, your dermatologist will conduct a thorough examination for very particular signs in the spots on your body, such as abnormal coloring or size, irregular borders, asymmetry, and precancerous growths. The examination typically takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
Where to Find Skin Cancer Screenings in San Antonio, TX
Stone Oak Dermatology provides skin cancer screenings in San Antonio, TX that put your comfort, wellness, and convenience first. In addition to thorough screenings, Stone Oak Dermatology also provides effective surgical and non-surgical treatment for certain skin cancers.
Dr. Linda J. Banta, M.D., FAAD, and Steven Blakeley, PA-C, together with their aestheticians and staff, take great pride in providing each patient with individualized attention and care. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Banta or a member of her team, contact (210) 494-0504 today.
