{"id":53623,"date":"2022-09-20T13:56:46","date_gmt":"2022-09-20T17:56:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=53623"},"modified":"2025-12-12T19:34:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T00:34:56","slug":"does-medicare-cover-dermatology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-medicare-cover-dermatology\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Medicare cover dermatology?"},"content":{"rendered":"

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, according to the <\/span>Skin Cancer Foundation<\/span><\/a>. Even though Melanoma only accounts for about 1% of skin cancers, it causes a large portion of skin cancer deaths, according to the <\/span>American Cancer Society<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 The risk of melanoma increases as people age, according to the American Cancer Society, which also reports the average age of people when melanoma is diagnosed is 66.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Given the above statistics, it\u2019s crucial that Medicare beneficiaries understand what\u2019s covered regarding dermatology care. Does Medicare cover dermatology screening and visits? What else is or is not covered by Medicare?<\/span><\/p>\n

Medicare does not cover <\/span>routine skin checkups<\/span><\/a> or routine dermatologist visits. Cosmetic services and treatments are also not covered by Medicare. However, Medicare will cover a visit if there is a skin problem in need of Medicare-covered treatment. Read on to learn more about which parts of Medicare cover dermatology.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Medicare cover dermatology?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Original Medicare coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n

Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) covers medically necessary dermatology services to prevent, diagnose, and treat skin disorders. However, the federal Medicare program doesn\u2019t cover any cosmetic services or treatments. Original Medicare does not typically require referrals from primary care doctors for <\/span>specialists like dermatologists<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Medigap coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n

A Medicare supplement plan will pay for part or all of the costs remaining after Medicare has covered their portion. They were created to work alongside Parts A and B as a cost-sharing program to alleviate out-of-pocket costs for subscribers. If you get an outpatient laser surgery to remove a tumor, Part B will likely cover 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. Your Medigap plan will likely pick up the remaining 20%. <\/span><\/p>\n

Medicare Advantage coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) must cover the same services as Original Medicare. However, it\u2019s up to the private insurance company how much of that fee they will pay for. This means your out-of-pocket costs won\u2019t be the same as they would be if you had Original Medicare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike Original Medicare, many Medicare Advantage plans will require a referral to make a dermatology appointment and will require utilizing the plan\u2019s network of providers. They may have higher out-of-pocket costs for dermatology services and treatments than compared to Original Medicare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medicare Part D coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n

A Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan may cover the prescription medications prescribed by your dermatologist. Enrollment in a Part D plan is not automatic and must be selected by the beneficiary. The costs of Part D will vary depending on the medications prescribed.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does Medicare cover for dermatology?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If considered medically necessary, Medicare will cover the following dermatology procedures:<\/span><\/p>\n