Appropriate medical care is important for people of every age, but it's especially vital for senior citizens. Fortunately, the Medicare program exists to provide free medical insurance to people over age 65 and those with certain disabilities. Medicare will allow you to see specialists who can diagnose and treat various conditions. Dermatological care is covered by Medicare when the care is deemed medically necessary. Here are four things you'll need to do when seeking a dermatologist when you have Medicare.
1. Find a dermatologist that accepts your insurance.
Dermatologists, like other doctors, may only accept certain types of insurance. Before scheduling your first appointment with a new dermatologist, speak to one of their representatives on the phone. Make sure they accept Medicare before making an appointment. You may be able to find a list of dermatologists that accept Medicare by using the Medicare website.
2. Educate yourself about your copay responsibility.
Medicare insurance is available to eligible Americans, free of cost. However, your dermatologist visits may not be free. In most cases, you'll have to pay a portion of your doctor bill, which is called a copay. Typically, your copay responsibility will be a percentage of the overall price of the visit. Find out how much your copay is. If you want a more precise figure, you can also call your dermatologist for an estimate of the cost of their services.
3. See your dermatologist annually.
Dermatologists protect the health of your skin. You should see your dermatologist each year for a skin cancer screening. During this screening, you will be asked to disrobe. Your dermatologist will carefully inspect every inch of your body, looking for the early signs of cancer, such as irregular moles, scabs, or sores. Annual skin cancer screenings are wise for everyone, but they're especially important for seniors with a history of skin cancer. Preventative dermatological care is covered by Medicare.
4. Follow up on negative results.
If your dermatologist finds signs of cancer during their exam, make sure you follow up on those results. Avoiding the problem may seem more comforting, but cancer treatments are more effective when administered in a timely manner. Your Medicare insurance will pay for necessary skin cancer treatments, including biopsies, surgeries, and any necessary radiation treatment. Follow your dermatologist's care plan. They may be able to send the bill for your treatment directly to your insurance company, which means you'll only need to pay the remainder left after Medicare pays their portion.
For more information, contact a Medicare dermatologist in your area.
In most photos you see in magazines and on Instagram, the models' skin has been airbrushed to look smooth and perfect. In real life, you will probably never get your skin to look that perfect. But there likely is room for improvement. Professional treatment by a dermatologist can help you get rid of stubborn blemishes, dry patches, clogged pores, and other imperfections that might make you feel self-conscious. Treatments have come a long way in recent years, and new therapies like laser treatment and dermabrasion are giving patients amazing results. Learn more as you dig into the articles offered on this website.