Actinic Keratosis Treatment Cost

Typical costs:

• For patients with health insurance, out-of-pocket costs for visiting a dermatologist will typically consist of a doctor visit copay of $5 -$30 or more, or coinsurance of 10%-50% or more. For patients without health insurance, an office visit typically costs $50-$200 or more.
• According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, options for removing an actinic keratosis^[2] typically include medicated creams and solutions that are used alone or in combination with other modes of treatment. Topical Fluorouracil (Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex)^[3] is the most widely used ointment for actinic keratoses and costs $95-$350, depending on whether the patient buys a name brand or its generic equivalent.
• Another option used to treat actinic keratoses is a skin peel, which typically costs $200-$275 when performed by a medical professional, depending on the clinic and region in which it is located. For example, at Prolase Medspa and laser center^[4] in Glendale, CA, a chemical peel typically costs $245.
• Other procedures include microdermabrasion and dermabrasion which can cost up to $2,000 or more, depending on the number of sessions needed; cryotherapy, which can cost $400 or more; and laser resurfacing, which can cost $100-$5,000, depending on how much of the skin is treated, the type of laser used, the individual center and its regional location. For example, at Schweiger Dermatology^[5] in New York City, a laser treatment can cost $4,000 including consult fees, visit fees, anesthesia and medication.

• According to the Mayo Clinic^[6] , a dermatologist may be able to diagnose actinic keratoses on sight, simply by looking for tell-tale signs^[7] on a patient's skin.
• To determine whether a keratosis is cancerous, a doctor may also order additional tests, such as a skin biopsy^[8] .
• A doctor may advise that the lesion be removed as a precaution.

• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 can help to prevent actinic keratoses from developing. Sunscreens typically range in cost from $5-$30 or more, like L'Oreal Sublime Sun Face Lotion, SPF 50^[9] , which costs $11 at drugstore.com.

• Outlets such as Costco^[10] and Walmart^[11] often sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs at significant savings. Walmart, for example, has a prescription drug program^[12] that includes certain generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages.
• Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% of more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital^[13] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges. They'll also be offered an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of receiving a bill.

• The American Academy of Dermatology has a search tool^[14] to help patients find a dermatologist.
• The Mayo Clinic offers questions^[15] for patients to ask their dermatologists.

1.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/actinic-keratosis/DS00568
2.  www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-tre...
3.  www.medicinenet.com/fluorouracil-topical-carac-efudex-fluoroplex/article.htm
4.  prolaseclinic.com/spa-services-los-angeles/chemical-peel/
5.  www.nyccosmeticdermatology.com/laserwrinkletreatment.htm
6.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/actinic-keratosis/DS00568/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
7.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/actinic-keratosis/DS00568/DSECTION=symptoms
8.  www.webmd.com/cancer/skin-biopsy
9.  www.drugstore.com/loreal-sublime-sun-face-lotion-spf-50/qxp381068?catid=159098
10.  www.costco.com/
11.  www.walmart.com/cp/pharmacy/5431
12.  www.walmart.com/cp/1078664
13.  www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
14.  www.aad.org/for-the-public/home
15.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/actinic-keratosis/DS00568/DSECTION=preparing-for-your-ap...

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Does an MRI Cost?		How Much Does Radiation Therapy Cost?		How Much Do Dentures Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

November is Child Safety Awareness Month. Is your home baby-proofed? Be ready if the worst weather hits -- a portable generator means fewer power outages. Change the batteries on the smoke alarm the same time you set the clocks back for Daylight Savings. After eating all that candy, is it time to see your dentist? Repair leaks before the rain starts pouring.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Bat bite Paid: 0.00 On October 25th I was bitten by a bat during mid morning, animal control told me to get the rabies shots due to the fact that several rabid bats had been found in the area... [more] -Rita W Rabies Vaccine Cost 7 stitches to shin Paid: 371.00 My son had 7 Stitches to his shin he fell in the woods and was cut by a old fence. They were super nice in and out, in about one hour. 155.00 for the visit and the remainder was for the Stitches ... [more] -Tavanna Stitches Cost 2 Car Garage Paid: 1700.00 Looks FANTASTIC! The guys done a fabulous job and did it in one day! Highly recommend! 615-739-2146... [more] -Chad Dunn Epoxy Flooring Cost Commercial Real Estate Brochure Paid: 200.00 Quick turn around time! 4 revisions with PDF and hyperlinks embedded. Website management available too... [more] [email protected] Graphic Designer Cost Fairly priced Paid: 0.00 My baby boy choked on some food this evening. While we were on the phone to the emergency services the blockage cleared. Ambulance was sent anyway to make sure everything was ok... [more] -Thank you NHS Ambulance Cost Ripped Off Paid: 46.00 I asked the nail technician how much for a full set. He said he will let me know as soon as he gets the nails on my fingers (WTH?) ... anyway on the board the price said $28 and up...... [more] -Kay. Manicures and Pedicures Cost