FAQ About Skin Cancer and Surgery

My biopsy site has healed so do I need surgery?
Yes. Even though the area where you had a biopsy has completely healed and may be difficult to see, the pathology report indicates that there is still some evidence of skin cancer. There is a high probability that the remaining skin cancer cells will grow and your skin cancer will come back.

How long will I have to wait for surgery?
We will call you to schedule a consultation visit 3-5 days after we receive the necessary documentation from your referring doctor. You will then be scheduled for a consultation visit in 7-14 days. After your consultation visit, your surgery will be scheduled for 4-6 weeks. You may ask to be placed on our stand by list for cancellations. You may then be called with 24 hours for surgery.

Why do I need a consultation visit?
You will be required to have a consultation visit to verify insurance for surgery, to be examined by Dr. Walsh, to undergo a medical history assessment, and to ensure Mohs microscopic surgery is the appropriate treatment for your skin cancer.

Why can I only have one site operated on per visit?
Following Medicare guidelines of January 2008, your insurance carrier may not pay at 100% for Mohs surgery to additional sites on the same day. The office policy is to perform one Mohs surgical site per day.

Why can’t I have reconstructive surgery performed on the same day? Following medicare guidelines of January 2008, your insurance carrier may not pay for reconstructive surgery at 100% on the same day as your Mohs surgery so a repair may be scheduled on a day convenient for you.

Do I have to pay a Co-Pay for every visit?
If your insurance carrier requires you to pay a co-pay for an office visit, we will require the co-pay on the date of service. Please call your insurance carrier if you are unsure. We are required by law to request an office visit co-pay if required by your insurance carrier. A co-payment is determined by your insurance carrier and not by the office.

Why do I owe money if I paid my Co-Pay on the date of service?
When the office submits your insurance claim for you, your insurance carrier may require additional payment from you. This payment maybe an unmet deductible or your insurance carrier may only pay a certain percent of the service provided. Your insurance will be verified prior to surgery and the information made available to you to review and sign at your consultation visit. You may also call your insurance carrier to verify coverage.

Why can’t Dr. Walsh be my dermatologist?
Dr. Walsh is a fully certified dermatologist who specializes in Mohs Micrographic surgery for skin cancer. Therefore, the office does not schedule general dermatology patients. We work closely with many dermatologists and are happy to refer you on request.