Cost of Mohs surgery

 Dear Trufa,

The charge for Mohs surgery is as follows:

1. First layer. This cost INCLUDES taking the first skin specimen, the processing of slides, reading the slides and mapping of the tumor.  The only variable in this charge is whether it is taking place on the scalp, face, neck vs. the arms, trunk and lower extremities.  Generally, most doctors accept insurance for Mohs. I cannot comment on the price for those who do not but this is a reasonable question to ask any Mohs surgeon in consultation.  By definition, a Mohs surgeon is both the surgeon and the pathologist.  There is NO separate charge for pathology.  If there is, you are not going to an approved Mohs surgeon.

2. Second layer. Again, the cost includes all of the components of the first layer. This layer is typically less expensive because it does not require the same tray set-up etc. from scratch.

3. Repair. Completely depends on the type of repair you are having. A straight line repair costs less than a flap.

There are many Mohs surgeons in the country who are excellent and accept insurance. To find a Mohs College surgeon near you, visit the Mohs College website.

Good luck!

Dr. Mariwalla 

The best way to address your question is by seeing a Mohs surgeon in consultation. The physician can better evaluate your condition and determine the complexity of the procedure as well as the reconstruction that might be needed.

No one knows how many stages of Mohs surgery you will need and the cost is proportional to the number of stages as each stage requires further laboratory analysis. The cost of the procedure also depends on the type of repair done on the defect once the cancer is removed.

Reconstruction can be a side-to-side closure or may require a skin graft or a skin flap. If a Mohs defect were allowed to heal with dressing changes, without surgery, the cost of the overall procedure would be less. With one stage of Mohs and some repair, the minimum average cost would be $1,000 or more.

Some procedures involve many stages and elaborate reconstruction but, as most Mohs surgery is done in an office setting, the cost is much less than if it were done in a hospital.

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