The skin is not only the largest organ in our body, but it’s also a complex system of layers that protects our internal systems while also helping us regulate body temperature and more. Yet, most of us rarely pay any attention to it from a medical point of view.
What’s even more worrying is that our medical system is perpetuating this idea that, if you want healthy skin, you have to pay out of your own pocket for screenings and treatments (and it’s not cheap!).
As a result, many Americans are reluctant to go to the doctor when they have a rash or a new sunspot develops.
According to Statista, in 2018, under 20% of Americans of all ages paid a visit to a dermatologist.
On the other hand, according to Skin Cancer Foundation Statistics, one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Plus, studies show that one in every three diagnosed cancers is a type of skin cancer!
Yet, because the initial consultation with a dermatologist can be costly, Americans are not paying enough attention to the health of their skin.
The Price of a Dermatology Visit with/out Insurance
In the US, the overall cost of your dermatology visit is highly influenced by the type of insurance plan you have (if you have one). Based on recent data, 30 million Americans don’t have health coverage, but of those who do have it, dermatology costs are not always on the list.
Some plans, such as Medicare (read here to check if your Medicare covers dermatology) only cover the dermatology visits and treatments under certain conditions. Also, other plans don’t cover it at all, so you’ll need a referral from a primary care doctor in order to avoid paying the whole bill out of your pocket.
In summary, if you have an insurance plan that covers dermatology costs, the co-pay is between $20 to $40. On the other hand, uninsured people may have to pay around $150 for the initial visit with a dermatologist!
Factors that Influence the Cost of Dermatology Clinic Visits
It’s important to know that the cost of dermatology clinic visits differs from one location to another. Even more, in the same location, two patients may have differently priced bills, depending on their health state and needs.
Overall, the final amount that’s printed on your bill (whether the insurance takes care of it or not) is influenced by three main factors:
- Geographic Location - The area where a dermatology clinic is situated will influence the amount doctors charge per visit/treatment. Factors such as cost of living, available competition, economic conditions, and more influence the price. For instance, in rural areas where the competition is scarce, you can expect that dermatology costs will be higher. However, the price will also be high in an expensive area where office space is pricy.
- Doctor’s Speciality - If your doctor is specialized in a niche within the field of dermatology, you may have to pay a steeper price. This usually happens with niched specialties since they don’t have that much competition.
- Your Medical Needs - If you’re just going in for a regular checkup, you may not have to pay as much. However, if your skin condition requires special, extensive treatment, you may end up paying a small fortune. It all depends on your medical needs and history.
Wrap Up
Sadly, until we manage to open the door for universal healthcare, Americans will have to get creative when it comes to finding affordable dermatological care. However, it’s important to know there are options and, even if you may have to drive a little longer, you should find a clinic that works for you. So don’t miss your regular dermatologic checkup and make sure to keep up with other medical investigations as well!
