Does Medicare cover a full-body skin exam?

Full-body skin exams are a preventative health service where a dermatologist checks the skin, hair, and nails for melanoma or other types of cancer. But does Medicare cover a full-body skin exam?

This will vary depending on the Medicare plan type. Below, we’ll look at the details for each plan type to give you an idea of whether you might be covered or not.

Learn more about Medicare Medigap plans in our guide, What are Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (Medigap)?

If you need help finding health insurance, use our free tool above by entering your ZIP code to compare health insurance quotes in your area.

Does Medicare cover a full-body skin exam?

Because full-body skin exams are preventative, original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) will usually not cover them, unless they are being done by a dermatologist due to concern over a new skin growth, varied pigmentation, or some other potential sign of a skin disorder.

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) may cover full-body skin exams as a preventative measure and/or due to concerns. This will depend on your individual policy, so it is best to check with your policyholder regarding this question.

There are also some programs that offer free skin cancer screenings, such as the SPOT me Skin Cancer Screening Program.

What dermatology services does Medicare cover?

Medicare will usually cover dermatology services that are medically necessary, meaning that they are being used as a treatment for a specific reason.

Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage will usually cover a skin biopsy if there is the presence of any suspicious signs or symptoms of skin-related disorders.

Medicare will also usually cover treatments for disorders, such as rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema. If you are prescribed medication for these disorders, Medicare Part D should cover them as long as they are on the approved drug list.

Regardless of what Medicare will cover, you will most likely have some out-of-pocket expenses, including your premium, deductible, and coinsurance or copayment.

You can get a better understanding of what your costs may be by reading our guide, What is the maximum out-of-pocket expense with Medicare?

Conclusion

As a preventative measure, original Medicare will usually not cover a full-body skin exam. However, it may cover them if they are being done as a screening for skin cancer or a potential sign of a skin disorder.

Medicare Advantage may cover full-body skin exams, both as a preventative measure and/or due to concerns, but you should check with your policyholder to make sure.

If you need help finding a dermatologist, check out our guide, Best Dermatologists That Will Accept Medicare.

If you need help finding an affordable healthcare plan in your area, use our free comparison tool below by entering your ZIP code.