Seeing a dermatologist can help with skin conditions, acne, rashes, eczema, and even skin cancer screenings, but the cost varies depending on whether it’s a routine checkup, cosmetic procedure, or medical treatment.
Let’s break down the typical costs of a dermatologist visit, insurance coverage, and ways to save money on skin care treatments.
Average Cost of a Dermatologist Visit
Type of Visit |
Cost Without Insurance |
Cost With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Initial Consultation |
$100 – $300 |
$20 – $75 copay |
Follow-Up Appointment |
$80 – $200 |
$20 – $60 copay |
Full-Body Skin Exam (Cancer Screening) |
$150 – $400 |
$20 – $100 copay |
Acne Treatment Visit |
$100 – $250 |
$20 – $75 copay |
Cosmetic Consultation |
$100 – $250 |
Not covered |
Minor Procedures (Skin Biopsy, Mole Removal, Cryotherapy) |
$150 – $1,500 |
$50 – $500 |
For medical skin conditions like acne, eczema, or infections, insurance typically covers part or all of the visit, but cosmetic treatments must be paid out of pocket.
What Affects the Cost of a Dermatologist Visit?
- Type of Visit – General checkups and acne treatments cost less than surgical procedures.
- Insurance Coverage – Most medical visits are covered, while cosmetic procedures are not.
- Location – Prices are higher in large cities and lower in smaller towns.
- Specialist vs. General Dermatologist – Highly specialized dermatologists charge more.
Cost of Common Dermatology Procedures
Procedure |
Cost Without Insurance |
Covered by Insurance? |
|---|---|---|
Mole Removal (Benign) |
$150 – $500 |
No |
Mole Removal (Cancerous Biopsy) |
$500 – $1,500 |
Yes |
Cryotherapy (Wart or Skin Tag Removal) |
$100 – $500 |
Sometimes |
Chemical Peel (Cosmetic) |
$200 – $1,000 |
No |
Botox (Per Session) |
$200 – $600 |
No |
Laser Acne Treatment |
$300 – $3,000 |
No |
Medical procedures like mole biopsies are usually covered, while cosmetic treatments like Botox or laser therapy are out-of-pocket expenses.
Dermatologist Costs by Location
Location |
Average Cost Per Visit |
|---|---|
$200 – $400 |
|
Los Angeles |
$180 – $350 |
Texas |
$120 – $300 |
Florida |
$130 – $280 |
Midwest (Rural Areas) |
$100 – $250 |
Larger cities generally have higher prices, while rural areas tend to be more affordable.
Does Insurance Cover Dermatology Visits?
Insurance Type |
Coverage for Medical Visits |
Coverage for Cosmetic Procedures |
|---|---|---|
Employer Health Insurance |
Usually covered |
No |
Medicare |
Covers medical conditions |
No |
Medicaid |
Often covered |
No |
Private Insurance (Marketplace Plans) |
Covered after deductible |
No |
Insurance will cover medical dermatology visits for skin conditions like acne, eczema, and suspicious moles, but cosmetic treatments must be paid out of pocket.
Ways to Save Money on a Dermatologist Visit
- Check if insurance covers your visit – If it’s for a medical reason, your plan may help.
- Go to a dermatology school clinic – Some schools offer lower-cost services by supervised students.
- Ask for generic prescriptions – Dermatologists often prescribe expensive skin medications, but generic versions are cheaper.
- Look for discount programs – Some clinics offer financial assistance for uninsured patients.
- Use a telehealth service – Online dermatology consultations can be more affordable than in-person visits.
Final Thoughts
A dermatologist visit can cost anywhere from $100 to over $1,500, depending on the reason for the appointment.
- Routine checkups and acne treatments are typically $100 – $300.
- Medical procedures like mole removal or biopsies can exceed $1,000.
- Cosmetic treatments are not covered by insurance and must be paid out of pocket.
If you’re concerned about skin health, it’s best to check insurance coverage, shop around for pricing, and explore telehealth options to reduce costs.
Have you seen a dermatologist recently? Share your experience in the comments.
For real-world healthcare pricing insights, visit CostHowMuch.com.
