“There is a code for screening, but by and large no insurance carrier will reimburse you if you use that code. In my experience, they’ll default to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that it’s a noncovered service. However, the minute you make your chief complaint ‘nevus,’ or ‘actinic keratosis,’ or ‘neoplasm undetermined’ and list skin cancer screening as a secondary service, then it’s covered,” said Dr. Marghoob, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York.
In addressing another audience question, he said he is not aware of any lawsuit ever having arisen directed at a physician who participated in “melanoma Monday” skin cancer screening using the American Academy of Dermatology forms with the examinee’s signature. Participating physicians are thoroughly protected.
Dr. Marchetti and Dr. Marghoob reported having no financial interests relevant to their presentations.
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