Dermatology and Medicare Coverage

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and is vital in protecting you from the outside world. As you age, your skin can become more susceptible to a variety of conditions, some of which may require specialized care.

Knowing the dermatology services Medicare covers helps you access the skin care you may need as you age. Let’s explore what dermatology services Medicare includes and how you can make the most of your coverage.

Does Medicare Cover Dermatology Appointments?

While Medicare doesn’t cover routine skin check-ups, it does help pay for dermatology visits that are considered medically necessary, such as those to diagnose or treat a medical condition.

Medicare Part B (your outpatient coverage) typically includes dermatology care for issues such as:

• Skin cancer: Medicare covers visits related to diagnosing and treating various forms of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
• Chronic skin conditions: If you have psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, or other chronic skin disorders that require medical attention, Medicare will help cover your dermatology appointments.
• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections that need medical treatment are covered when a dermatologist’s expertise is required.
• Suspicious lesions or moles: If you have a concerning growth that needs evaluation, Medicare will cover the appointment to determine if it’s cancerous or requires treatment.

To access your benefits under Original Medicare, schedule a visit with a provider who accepts Medicare patients. This helps ensure your visit is billed correctly and may help you receive benefits available under Medicare Part B.

Preventive Skin Care and Medicare

Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine skin check-ups, but it does include certain preventive services where skin issues might be detected.

During your first 12 months of Medicare Part B coverage, the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit is available. This initial wellness visit isn’t a physical exam; instead, it focuses on creating a preventive care plan. If you have an existing skin condition, make sure to discuss it with your doctor during the visit so they can recommend appropriate follow-up care or treatment options to help manage your condition.

If you’ve had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, you can get an Annual Wellness Visit, which can serve as an opportunity to discuss any skin changes with your doctor.

For those at higher risk of skin cancer, Medicare may cover more specific preventive measures. For example, if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, your doctor might be able to justify more frequent skin checks as medically necessary.

Are Cosmetic Procedures Covered by Medicare?

Medicare makes a clear distinction between medically necessary treatments and cosmetic procedures. Generally, Medicare does not cover dermatology services performed solely for cosmetic purposes.¹

Examples of cosmetic procedures that Medicare typically does not cover include:

• Anti-aging treatments: Botox injections, chemical peels, and other procedures aimed at reducing wrinkles or signs of aging are not covered when done for cosmetic reasons.
• Cosmetic surgeries: Face lifts, eyelid lifts, and other surgeries performed to improve appearance rather than function are excluded from coverage.
• Acne treatments: Unless severe and medically necessary, treatments for acne or acne scars are typically not covered.
• Removal of benign lesions: Medicare generally won’t cover removal of skin tags, benign moles, or other growths unless they’re causing medical problems, bleeding, or showing signs of becoming cancerous.
• Varicose vein treatment: Unless medically necessary due to pain or other symptoms, treatment for varicose veins is often considered cosmetic.

However, there are exceptions. If a procedure that’s typically considered cosmetic is medically necessary in your case, Medicare might provide coverage with prior authorization. For example, eyelid surgery might be covered if drooping eyelids significantly impair your vision.¹

Skin Cancer Treatments and Medicare Coverage

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and Medicare provides comprehensive coverage for its diagnosis and treatment.

Medicare Part B covers outpatient dermatology services for skin cancer, including:

• Biopsies: The removal and examination of skin tissue to diagnose cancer is covered.
• Mohs surgery: This precise surgical technique for removing skin cancer layer by layer is covered when medically necessary.²

Excisions: Surgical removal of cancerous tissue is covered.³

• Cryosurgery: Freezing cancer cells with liquid nitrogen is covered when medically appropriate.

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) covers inpatient care if you need to be admitted to a hospital for skin cancer treatment

Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may help with medications prescribed for skin cancer treatment, including topical chemotherapy creams.

How Much Does Dermatology Care Cost With Medicare?

Even with Medicare coverage, you’ll still have some out-of-pocket costs for covered dermatology services:

• Annual Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025)
• 20% coinsurance for covered services after meeting your deductible

For dermatology procedures not covered by Medicare, you’ll be responsible for the full cost of these services.

Knowing these costs in advance can help you plan and avoid surprises.

Supplemental Coverage Options for Dermatology

Beyond Original Medicare, there are several supplemental coverage options available for dermatology services:

• Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
  Medicare Supplement plans help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as coinsurance and copayments. Most plans cover all or part of the Medicare Part B deductible, and the specific benefits will depend on the plan you choose.
• Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
  Offered by private insurers, these plans must provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare and may include additional benefits, such as routine dermatology visits or expanded preventive services. Be sure to check your specific plan details and provider network.
• Veterans Benefits or Medicaid
  If you’re eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) health care or Medicaid, these programs may offer additional dermatology coverage or help reduce your cost-sharing obligations under Medicare.

Taking Care of Your Skin Health

No matter which dermatology services you need, staying proactive about your skin health is an important part of protecting your long-term well-being. Regular attention to skin changes and prompt medical care when needed can help detect issues early and maintain your overall health.

When thinking about how Medicare fits into your dermatology care, explore the full range of options. Reviewing your Medicare coverage for dermatology services helps you understand what’s available and plan for any out-of-pocket costs.

You might also find it helpful to explore the broader landscape of Medicare coverage options to ensure your skin care needs are fully supported. If you have questions or want help evaluating options, visit the Medicare Advice Center.

Medicare Dermatology FAQs

Q1. Does Medicare cover mole removal for medical reasons?

Yes, Medicare covers mole removal when it’s medically necessary. This includes suspicious moles that might be cancerous or moles that have changed in appearance, size, or color. Your doctor must document the medical necessity for the removal.

Q2. Are dermatology referrals required for Medicare coverage?

Original Medicare doesn’t require referrals to see specialists, including dermatologists. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may require referrals from your primary care physician before seeing a dermatologist. Check your specific plan’s requirements.⁴

Q3. Does Medicare cover skin cancer screenings and biopsies?
Medicare covers biopsies when they’re medically necessary to diagnose a condition. While Medicare doesn’t cover routine skin cancer screenings specifically, it will cover examinations of suspicious skin changes that might indicate cancer.

Q4. Are prescription medications for skin conditions covered by Medicare?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover most prescription drugs for outpatient use, including those for skin conditions. However, Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage can help pay for prescribed medications.

Sources

¹Medicare.gov. Article: Cosmetic surgery. Retrieved April 14, 2025, from www.medicare.gov/coverage/cosmetic-surgery

²Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Reference Page: Mohs Surgery. www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdId=33689

³Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Reference Page: Excisions of Malignant Skin Lesions & Cryosurgery. www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdid=33818

⁴Medicare.gov. PDF: Medicare and You Handbook 2025, page 11. Retrieved April 14, 2025, from www.medicare.gov/publications/10050-le-medicare-and-you0.pdf

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