Can you get multiple precancerous moles removed during one appointment?

Question

My doctor says I need to come back for multiple visits to get two precancerous moles removed to anesthesia reasons, but I feel like they’re doing it so they can charge my insurance more than once.

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

The decision to remove more than one skin lesion at a time depends on the size of the lesion, the time for the procedure and the anesthesia requirements, if any.  At Laura A. Katz, we typically will remove up to three moles at a time, dependent on the criteria we listed above.  It is trickier nowadays with regard to insurance to get reimbursed for more than one procedure at a time at the same visit.  This often results in a higher bill for the patient.  This has been a factor at our office as well in terms of patients having to come for a separate visit for each issue that he or she needs resolved.  If you are truly in question about the ethics of your doctor, it is best to have a direct conversation or possibly seek another opinion.  The main focus should be keeping you healthy and skin cancer free.

Michael A. Greenberg, MD · Answer

There are many reasons why doctors cannot or will not take of multiple moles in one office visit.  One might be the amount of anesthesia required and the other might be time.  Although it is true that doctors get paid less for the second and subsequent nevi removed on the same visit, few of us think about that as our main motivation.If you feel that your doctor is not being straight up with you, discuss it with them.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

It depends. I know that answer isn't great but it's true. If there's a excision or something being done requiring sutures and the procedure will take a bit of time, some doctors don't want to "over" anesthetize a patient with two procedures like this. Even though the amount of actual anesthetic is small. Going through your insurance definitely cuts the bill if they are done on the same day, as your provider will get less than half paid on the second than on the first. Even though this shouldn't be the primary reason for splitting a procedure up into two visits, it may be. Have a direct conversation or possibly find another provider if you don't like the answers being given. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Can you get multiple precancerous moles removed during one appointment?

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Can you get multiple precancerous moles removed during one appointment?

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.