Screening for skin cancer

Dermatologists frequently see patients for skin checks, to examine their skin for signs of pre-malignant or malignant lesions. Some of these patients have a personal history of malignant skin neoplasms, and some do not. They may be scheduled annually or bi-annually.

Will insurance pay for screening for skin cancer?

Medicare and private insurances are mandated to pay for screening services that have an A or B rating from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Skin screening currently has a rating of “I” explained as:

“The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of the service. Evidence is lacking, of poor quality, or conflicting, and the balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined.”

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