A skin exam, or a skin cancer screening, is a preventive procedure used to detect certain types of skin cancers. Annual skin exams are conducted by a medical professional by doing a visual examination of your entire body, including your scalp, face, trunk, limbs, hands, feet, eyes, eyelids, ears, fingers, and toes. Here’s what you need to know about the importance of skin exams and whether or not your insurance may cover them.
What Happens During Skin Exams?
During your skin exam, your doctor will evaluate your skin for any moles, birthmarks, or other markings that may have an abnormal color or size. Additionally, they will identify any areas that require ongoing observation or examination.
The Importance of Skin Checks
In the United States, skin cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers among millions of individuals. The most prevalent kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, both of which are non-melanoma skin cancers.
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancer can typically live normal and healthy lives if they receive an early diagnosis through a skin exam, as well as prompt treatment. However, when these skin cancers are neglected, they may produce serious localized symptoms, including bleeding and pain. These symptoms may become harmful to underlying and surrounding structures, such as the eyes, nose, and ears.
Are Skin Exams Covered by Insurance?
According to the guidelines set by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), skin cancer screenings are not considered to be covered as preventive services. However, a skin cancer screening conducted during a routine annual exam may be considered a form of preventive care.
Many health insurance plans include coverage for skin cancer screenings as part of an annual wellness visit. This means that some or all of the cost of the exam may be covered by your insurance policy. In certain situations, insurance may cover the cost of skin exams if they are deemed medically necessary. In general, however, health plan policies can differ among individuals.
To find out if you are eligible for coverage for annual skin exams, reach out to your insurance provider directly. Additionally, for more information about skin exams and other procedures and treatments for your skin, reach out to us at Skin & Beauty Center in Pasadena, CA.
Schedule Your Annual Skin Exam in Pasadena, CA
Skin & Beauty Center is a comprehensive dermatology practice that offers the best quality care and an extensive range of medical, surgical, and cosmetic services that include skin exams in Pasadena, CA.
To schedule your annual skin exam with one of our highly trained and experienced providers, contact us today at (818) 842-8000. In addition to Pasadena, we also proudly serve multiple locations across Southern California.