What you need to know about dermatology
Medicare may cover dermatology services if they’re medically necessary to diagnose or treat skin conditions such as cancer or eczema. They are not covered just to improve physical looks.
What is dermatology and when is it medically necessary?
Dermatology is a medical field focused on skin health. It’s considered a medically necessary service when a skin condition impacts your physical health. But this definition can vary. For example, Medicare generally does not cover routine, full-body skin cancer screenings if you don’t have a specific skin concern. But Medicare may cover a skin exam when it’s used to evaluate a symptom or suspicious change, such as a new or changing mole, a sore that won’t heal, or a lesion that looks unusual. Here are some examples of conditions that Medicare might cover treatment for:
- Moles or lesions that could lead to cancer or other diseases
- Infections and rashes like eczema and psoriasis
- Skin cancer (if you already show signs)
- A biopsy of a suspicious growth (a test to check for cancer)
- Treatment for precancerous lesions (such as actinic keratosis)
- Wound or ulcer care when a skin problem needs medical treatment to heal
Do you need more preventive care like skin cancer screenings?
Does Original Medicare (Part A and B) cover dermatology services?
Original Medicare coverage does include dermatology if your care is medically necessary. Part B provides most of this coverage. The only time Part A might cover dermatology services is if you need them during a hospital stay. In both cases, you must use a Medicare-approved provider to qualify for coverage. These coverage rules apply nationwide. You can find dermatologists who accept Medicare using Medicare’s provider search tool. In general, Medicare is more likely to cover dermatology when it’s diagnostic (to evaluate a symptom) or therapeutic (to treat a condition), rather than routine preventive screening.
If your care is covered by Original Medicare, Medicare pays 80% of the cost after your deductible is paid. You pay the remaining 20%. Your Medicare deductible is the amount you need to pay before your insurance starts paying. In 2026, the Part B deductible is $283.
Do Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover dermatology services?
Medicare Part C coverage offers everything you get with Original Medicare, but often with more added. Depending on your plan, that may include more dermatology benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs. Your plan may have rules on the in-network providers you can use. For example, some Medicare Advantage plans ask for prior authorization. This means your insurance company needs to approve your care before you receive it. Your primary care provider may also need to refer you to your dermatologist. Be sure to check your plan’s details for specifics.
Are you a member? Check your Medicare Advantage coverage.
Not a member? Explore Medicare Advantage plans.
What dermatology services does Medicare not cover?
Dermatology is only covered by Medicare when medically necessary. Cosmetic dermatology, which is used to improve physical looks, is not covered. This includes things like:
Wrinkle treatments
Scar reduction (when only for appearance)
Mole removal (when not considered a health risk)
Skin tag removal (when it’s only for appearance)
Cosmetic laser treatments (like laser resurfacing for wrinkles or sun spots)
Medicare may change its stance on care if a condition becomes a health issue. For example, a cosmetic mole removal may not be covered. But if the mole is thought to be the beginning of cancer, then it may be covered. Medicare may cover services like mole removal or skin tag removal when there’s a medical reason such as bleeding, infection, pain, or concern that a growth could be cancerous, but not when the goal is only cosmetic improvement.
If you’re unsure whether a procedure is considered medical or cosmetic, ask your dermatologist how it will be billed and whether it typically qualifies as medically necessary.
Looking for a Medicare plan that fits your needs? Compare available plans and see what coverage options may work for you.
