Mohs Surgery (cont.)
What are alternatives for Mohs surgery?
It is important to understand that
there are alternative treatments and options to Mohs. Additional treatment
choices include (but are not limited to) local radiation, prescription topical
creams, plastic surgery, curettage and desiccation (scrape and burn), regular
surgery, chemotherapy creams or injections, cryosurgery (deep freezing),
photodynamic therapy (uses a type of light and a light-activated chemical called
a photosenzitizer).
You may decide to have regular surgery with a
plastic surgeon instead of having Mohs.
Alternatively, you may also choose a hybrid option where your Mohs surgeon
removes the tumor and clears it for you and then you have the plastic surgeon
fix up the wound and stitch it up for you.
If you prefer to have your plastic surgeon repair the wound, you will want to
let your plastic surgeon and dermatologist know ahead of time and plan that into
your Mohs schedule.
What about insurance coverage and costs?
Mohs surgery is generally
considered a medical service and is not considered cosmetic. Currently, most
insurance plans cover the procedure under their provided benefits. However, with
the many changes in insurance plans, it is always advisable to contact your
insurance carrier prior to scheduling surgery and confirm your eligibility and
benefits.
Mohs, like any surgical procedure, will result in additional procedure
charges above the routine office-visit fees. These surgical fees may range from
$1,000-$2,000 depending on the area, number of Mohs levels, and
the type of closure or repair required. The greater the number of levels required, the
higher the cost. Surgical centers and hospitals usually have a much greater
costs associated with a facility fee in addition to the surgery fee.
Insurance benefits vary and reimbursement depends on what benefits you have
contracted for with your company. Currently, Medicare generally covers 80% of
Mohs cancer surgery. If you have a secondary insurance plan, that may help take
care of the remainder 20% not covered by Medicare.
Commercial or non-Medicare insurances currently generally cover a large
percentage of your surgery unless you have to meet an out of pocket deductible
first. You may want to get to know and understand your insurance benefits before
having surgery. In many cases, you may also ask the billing office at the
medical center or hospital for an approximate estimate of your charges before
scheduling the procedure.
Next: How do I prepare for my surgery? »
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