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-treatmen...
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-appoint...

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

Three quarters of Americans will be affected by the polar vortex. Here's information on clearing snow. The price of a "Forever" stamp increases to 55 cents on January 27, 2019. What would a personal trainer cost to reach those New Years goals? It's the New Year. Looking for a gym membership to keep to that resolution? Who is planning your big holiday event? A catering company may be able to help.

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

Baby shower Paid: 3000.00 I started planning my daughters baby shower 4mon in advance. I hand made every thing from invites to decor. I made all my own flower centerpieces as well. I had the food and beverage catered in... [more] -Katdnpedro Baby Shower Cost Hard to compare Paid: 0.00 Its very difficult (if not impossible) to compare contact fitting fees with no other information. Some people have astigmatism, some people are near or far-sighted, some wear soft, some hard... [more] -F. Z. Contact Lens Fitting Cost Stool lab test Paid: 3500.00 It is incredible that hospital covered so much money for a lab test that must be cheaper than 100 $.Health insurance negotiated with the hospital to pay 925 $ and at the end I paid 550 $ for the deductible... [more] -Macat Stool Testing Cost Minivan Paid: 1464.75 Flat tire on minivan used for work at 10pm in suburban area. Driver searched for nearby tow company... [more] -DMI Towing a Car Cost Quote Cat teeth cleaning Paid: 0.00 Vet advised a teeth cleaning for my 4 year old kitty.Submitted to blood work $ $87.60, then after I went to checkout received the estimate for the teeth cleaning and almost fell over. $911.80... [more] -sambone Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost Wedding Dress Cost Paid: 1125.00 Beautiful Dress Fits daughter gorgeously... [more] -Katee Wedding Dress Cost