Regular visits to the dermatologist are essential as they can help identify problems, such as skin cancer, early. If, like most people, you rarely visit the dermatologist, you might be wondering how much a dermatologist visit costs without insurance.
Well, the cost of seeing a dermatologist without insurance varies depending on various factors, such as the type of treatment you need and the location of your provider. Generally speaking, an initial consultation will cost about $221.
In this article, we’ll discuss the cost of visiting a dermatologist without insurance, when to see a dermatologist, and some helpful tips for saving on cost.
What Does A Dermatologist Visit Cost Without Insurance?
Studies show that about 31.6 million Americans are uninsured. Do you fall under this category? Then you might be wondering how much your upcoming visit to the dermatologist will cost.
On average, people who pay out-of-pocket spend about $221 for every visit. This excludes other direct and indirect costs associated with the visit.
Let’s take a look at the additional costs of visiting a dermatologist.
Procedure Costs
Aside from the initial consultation fees, you might have to pay for other procedures. Your dermatologist might order some procedures such as cryosurgery to treat various non-cancerous and cancerous growths.
The cost of the procedures varies based on factors such as the methods and durations they take.
Here are some common dermatologist procedures and how much they cost without insurance:
- Cryotherapy to remove abnormal tissue: up to $425
- KOH Test for diagnosing a fungal infection: up to$9.89
- Mohs micrographic surgery treatment for skin cancer: up to$5000
Prescription Costs
Once your dermatologist completes a check-up, they might prescribe medication, such as creams, ointments, and antibiotics. Prescription costs will vary depending on the type and dosage of drugs prescribed to you.
Aside from type and dosage, other factors also affect the cost of prescription drugs such as inflation and drug patents and exclusivity. This means that if your dermatologist prescribes a drug that’s patented, it might cost you more. The reason being that companies that make generic drugs cannot make a patented drug.
Let’s look at the price range of common prescriptions without insurance:
- Benzoyl Peroxide: up to $28
- Minocycline Er 55 mg: up to $1002
- Clindamycin: up to $400
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Dermatology Appointments
Other indirect factors, such as your insurance plan, can also affect the overall cost of your appointment. Here are a few factors that can influence pricing:
Frequency Of Visits
Healthy individuals might only need to see a dermatologist once or twice a year. You might visit a dermatologist more often if you have the following:
- A stubborn rash
- Eczema
- Recurring skin infections
- Severe acne
- Skin cancer
Regular visits mean you’ll have to pay multiple fees per year, which can be expensive if you don’t have insurance coverage.
Location
The area a dermatologist practices in contributes to how much they charge for a visit. For example, dermatologists in rural areas usually charge less than those practicing in major cities as major cities require higher rent and wages. Also, a location with several dermatologists might have more competitive prices.
According to a report by the American Association of Medical Colleges, there’s a growing nationwide shortage of medicine sub-specialists, including dermatologists. By 2034, the shortage is expected to be about 13,000 doctors.
This means that people will have to wait long durations to get an appointment, and those in rural areas may have to spend more on fuel to travel to the nearest dermatologist.
Specialties
Dermatologists who specialize in rare skin conditions charge more for their services. Specialist and subspecialist dermatology are less competitive than general dermatology, which means these specialists usually charge higher fees than general dermatologists.
When To See A Dermatologist
Your skin is the number one guard against infection and bacteria. Therefore, any time is the best time to see a dermatologist for preventative care and overall skin health. But, if you notice inflammation or something unusual on your skin, get it checked out immediately.
When you go in for an exam, the dermatologist might diagnose your skin condition by just looking at it. Alternatively, they may conduct a full skin examination and use a dermatoscope or a handheld lens to further examine your scalp, nails, and skin.
Here’s when you should see a dermatologist:
Skin Tags And Moles
Skin tags and moles can get in the way of you having clear skin, but they are usually nothing to worry about.
Often, they don’t require medical care. However, if you notice a change in the shape, color, and size of your moles or skin tags, it’s best to see a dermatologist immediately.
Such changes could be symptoms of skin cancer – and with cancer, the earlier you begin treatment, the better.
Stubborn Rashes Or Itchy Hives
Stubborn rashes or itchy hives on your legs, hands, or any other part of your body can signify an infection or an allergic reaction. A dermatological check -up can help determine the right course of treatment.
Skin Or Nail Infections
Do you get skin infections regularly? These infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms living on your skin.
If you notice warts, fungal infections, or something else on your nails, visiting a dermatologist can help determine the issue and how to treat it.
Hair Loss
If you find more hair in your hair brush, pillow, or shower than usual, you might need preventative care for hair loss before it worsens. Let a dermatologist assess what’s going on, determine the cause of your hair loss, and prescribe a treatment plan, such as laser therapy.
Stubborn Acne
If you have stubborn or severe acne, it is best to see a dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment.
Trying at-home remedies might worsen the acne or lead to lots of scarring. This is because at-home remedies don’t guarantee safety and fail to address the root cause of the acne. Your dermatologist might prescribe oral antibiotics or topical creams that could help clear up your skin.
Age Spots And Wrinkles
If you’d like to keep your skin supple, consider seeing a dermatologist as soon as you notice age spots or wrinkling.
Dermatologists can recommend therapies, creams, and serums that will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sun damage, and sagging skin while boosting collagen production. These include chemical skin peels, light therapy, and laser skin resurfacing.
Tips for Saving Costs When Choosing a Dermatologist
Would you like to save on costs when choosing a dermatologist? Healthcare costs can add up quickly, even when you have insurance. Luckily, there are many ways that you can save some money when seeing a dermatologist.
The following tips could help you keep the cost of a dermatologist visit as low as possible:
- Research prices and services before scheduling an appointment. Doctors don’t charge the same fees for their services, meaning you can find one whose prices are within or close to your budget. Ensure you compare various pricing models to find the best one for your needs.
- Take advantage of free screenings or discounts. Many clinics offer free or discounted screenings for their services. Ask your doctor if they offer any discounts and take advantage of them.
- Use telemedicine platforms. Consider video and phone visits with a dermatologist if you don’t need to get examined in person. Telemedicine platforms are usually much more affordable than traditional in-person visits and can help you save on travel costs.
- Payment plan settlement. Go for a dermatologist who accepts sliding scale fee payment plans, medical credit programs, or installments. With such plans, you can pay for your visit over some time rather than at once, which may be more manageable for your budget.
- Find financial assistance. Check out health programs in your area that provide financial assistance for those who need medical care but cannot afford it, such as free clinics.
Conclusion
The best way to save on dermatological costs is by having insurance coverage. Insurance gives you access to discounts on treatment and medication costs.
If you’re looking for the best insurance plan to meet your personal needs, let Enhance Health help you. We provide advice and help people throughout the insurance application process. Get in touch with us today to enjoy the best healthcare coverage.
