Quick Answer
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary dermatology services including visits to a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, skin cancer screenings when there is a clinical reason, mole removal for cancerous or suspicious growths, skin biopsies, and treatment of skin cancer. Cosmetic dermatology procedures (Botox for wrinkles, cosmetic mole removal, etc.) and routine full-body skin exams without a clinical reason are not covered.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatologist visits (medically necessary) | Covered | Covered under Part B at 80%; you pay 20% coinsurance after Part B deductible |
| Skin cancer screenings (with clinical reason) | Covered | Covered when there is a clinical reason (suspicious mole, lesion, etc.) |
| Mole removal (cancerous or suspicious) | Covered | Covered when medically necessary; cosmetic mole removal is not covered |
| Skin biopsies | Covered | Covered under Part B when medically necessary to diagnose a condition |
| Cosmetic dermatology (Botox, wrinkle treatment) | Not Covered | Not covered; considered cosmetic, not medically necessary |
| Routine full-body skin exam (no symptoms) | Not Covered | Not covered without a clinical reason or symptoms |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Original Medicare (Part B)
Covers medically necessary dermatology servicesMedicare Part B covers medically necessary dermatology services when provided by a Medicare-participating dermatologist. This includes visits to a dermatologist for the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions such as skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and other medical skin conditions.
Medicare covers skin cancer screenings when there is a clinical reason - such as a suspicious mole, unusual growth, or lesion that may indicate cancer. Medicare Part B covers the cost of a referral to a dermatologist for further evaluation of a potentially cancerous skin growth. Skin biopsies ordered to investigate suspicious lesions are also covered under Part B.
Mole removal is covered when the mole is cancerous or medically necessary to remove. Wart removal and seborrheic keratosis removal are covered if they are causing pain or continuously bleeding. Cosmetic mole removal - removing a mole for appearance reasons only - is not covered.
What It Covers
- Dermatologist visits for diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions
- Skin cancer screenings when there is a clinical reason
- Skin biopsies to diagnose suspicious lesions
- Mole removal (cancerous or medically necessary)
- Wart removal (when causing pain or bleeding)
- Seborrheic keratosis removal (when causing pain or bleeding)
- Skin tag removal (when medically necessary)
- Treatment of skin cancer (surgery, topical treatments, etc.)
- Treatment of psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and other skin conditions
- Allergy testing related to skin conditions
What It Doesn't Cover
- Cosmetic procedures (Botox for wrinkles, cosmetic mole removal, chemical peels for cosmetic purposes)
- Routine full-body skin exams without a clinical reason or symptoms
- Hair loss treatment (unless related to a covered medical condition)
- Cosmetic scar treatment
You pay 20% coinsurance after the $283 annual Part B deductible (2026). Preventive services (if applicable) are covered at $0.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Covered - cost-sharing varies by planMedicare Advantage plans must cover all medically necessary dermatology services that Original Medicare covers. Cost-sharing varies by plan - some plans may have lower copays for specialist visits, while others may require referrals or prior authorization for dermatology services.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional benefits such as coverage for over-the-counter skin care products or expanded coverage for certain skin conditions. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage for details.
What It Covers
- All medically necessary dermatology services covered by Original Medicare
- Additional skin care benefits (varies by plan)
What It Doesn't Cover
- Cosmetic dermatology procedures
- Out-of-network dermatologists (unless your plan allows out-of-network benefits)
Referrals May be Required for Dermatology
Some Medicare Advantage HMO plans require a referral from your primary care doctor before seeing a dermatologist. Check your plan's requirements before scheduling a dermatology appointment to avoid unexpected costs.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Covers Part B coinsurance for covered dermatology servicesMedicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover the 20% Part B coinsurance for medically necessary dermatology services. With Medigap Plan G, your only cost for covered dermatology services is the annual $283 Part B deductible. After that, Plan G covers the 20% coinsurance for the rest of the year.
Medigap cannot cover cosmetic dermatology procedures or other services that Original Medicare excludes.
What It Covers
- Part B coinsurance (20%) for covered dermatology services
- Part A deductible for inpatient dermatology procedures
What It Doesn't Cover
- Cosmetic dermatology procedures (not covered by Original Medicare)
- Routine skin exams without a clinical reason
With Medigap Plan G, your only annual cost for covered dermatology services is the $283 Part B deductible.
Dermatology Service Costs under Medicare (2026)
| Service | Medicare Coverage | Your Cost (No Supplement) | Your Cost (With Plan G) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dermatologist visit (medically necessary) | 80% after deductible | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
| Skin biopsy | 80% after deductible | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
| Mole removal (cancerous) | 80% after deductible | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
| Skin cancer treatment | 80% after deductible | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
| Cosmetic Botox or wrinkle treatment | Not covered | Full cost ($200–$600+) | Full cost (not covered) |
✦ When Cosmetic Procedures May be Covered
Medically Necessary vs. Cosmetic: The Key Distinction
Medicare covers dermatology procedures that are medically necessary - meaning they are needed to diagnose, treat, or manage a health condition. Cosmetic procedures performed solely to improve appearance are not covered. However, some procedures that appear cosmetic may be covered if they serve a medical purpose. For example, scar revision may be covered if the scar impairs function (such as restricting movement). Botox may be covered for certain medical conditions (such as hyperhidrosis or blepharospasm) but not for cosmetic wrinkle treatment.
If you believe a dermatology procedure is medically necessary, ask your doctor to document the medical reason in your records. This documentation is essential for Medicare coverage.
Hair Loss: When is it Covered?
Medicare does not cover treatment for cosmetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). However, Medicare may cover evaluation and treatment of hair loss caused by a medical condition such as alopecia areata, thyroid disease, or lupus. If your hair loss is related to a covered medical condition, the dermatology visit and treatment may be covered under Part B.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. He is a member and regular contributor to Forbes Finance Council.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare. She trains agents on CMS compliance guidelines.