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 |  | Creams or Solutions: $95-$350 |  | Skin Peel: $200-$275 |  | Laser Resurfacing: $100-$5,000+ |
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Actinic keratoses, also known as solar keratoses, are rough skin lesions that develop following years of sun exposure. They typically appear on the face, scalp, lips, forearms and back of the hands. According to the Mayo Clinic[1] , while an actinic keratosis may sometimes resolve on its own, in some cases, the patches develop into skin cancer.
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.
Related articles: Biopsy, Skin Cancer Treatment, Annual Physical, Health Insurance
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What should be included: | - 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.
Additional costs: | - 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.
Discounts: | - 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.
Shopping for actinic keratosis treatment: | - 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.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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External Resources: | - www.mayoclinic.com/health/actinic-keratosis/DS00568
- www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-tre...
- www.medicinenet.com/fluorouracil-topical-carac-efudex-fluoroplex/article.htm
- prolaseclinic.com/spa-services-los-angeles/chemical-peel/
- www.nyccosmeticdermatology.com/laserwrinkletreatment.htm
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/actinic-keratosis/DS00568/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/actinic-keratosis/DS00568/DSECTION=symptoms
- www.webmd.com/cancer/skin-biopsy
- www.drugstore.com/loreal-sublime-sun-face-lotion-spf-50/qxp381068?catid=159098
- www.costco.com/
- www.walmart.com/cp/pharmacy/5431
- www.walmart.com/cp/1078664
- www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
- www.aad.org/for-the-public/home
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/actinic-keratosis/DS00568/DSECTION=preparing-for-your-ap...
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