skin cancer screening

Most patients do not need a referral. You can schedule a skin cancer screening directly with Revelus Dermatology online or by calling (512) 815-2559. However, some insurance plans require a referral for specialist visits. Check with your insurance provider or contact our office for help verifying your benefits before your appointment.

Arrive without makeup, nail polish, or jewelry so your skin can be examined thoroughly. Wear your hair loose and avoid extensions or sew-ins to allow scalp evaluation. If you have specific moles or spots you want checked, make a note of their location so you can point them out to your provider.

A complete skin cancer screening typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the number of moles or areas of concern that need closer examination. Plan for approximately 45 to 75 minutes total for check-in, the exam, and any follow-up discussion with your provider.

If your provider identifies a concerning mole or lesion, the next step is usually a skin biopsy. This is a quick, in-office procedure where a small tissue sample is removed and sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within one to two weeks. If the biopsy confirms skin cancer, your care team at Revelus Dermatology will recommend a treatment plan based on the type, location, and stage, which may include surgical excision or Mohs micrographic surgery.

A skin cancer screening is a dedicated full-body exam focused entirely on detecting melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and precancerous lesions. A standard dermatology appointment addresses specific concerns like acne, rashes, eczema, or hair loss. Because each type of visit requires dedicated time and attention, we schedule them separately to ensure thorough care.

Many insurance plans cover skin cancer screenings, especially when classified as preventive care or for patients with documented risk factors. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend confirming details with your insurance provider before your visit. Our office can also help verify your benefits. Self-pay options are available for patients without coverage.

For self-pay patients, a skin cancer screening at Revelus Dermatology is comparable in cost to a standard dermatology office visit. Most insurance plans cover annual screenings as preventive care, so many patients have no out-of-pocket cost beyond a copay. Contact our office at (512) 815-2559 to discuss self-pay pricing or to verify your insurance benefits.

Skin cancer screenings require high-resolution, in-person evaluation to identify subtle changes in moles and lesions that may not be visible through a camera. For accuracy and safety, all skin cancer screenings at Revelus Dermatology are performed in person at our Austin office.

Monthly self-exams at home are an important part of skin health, but they do not replace a professional skin exam. Self-checks help you spot new or changing moles between visits, using the ABCDE guide (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) as a reference. Combining regular self-exams with annual professional screenings gives you the best chance for early detection.

Routine full-body screenings are not typically recommended for children under 18, as skin cancer in minors is rare. However, we offer spot checks for specific moles or lesions of concern in younger patients. If further evaluation is needed, we may recommend referral to a pediatric dermatologist.