Does insurance cover removal of seborrheic keratosis?

Author: Sydnee Barrows  |  Last update: Monday, November 3, 2025

For non-irritated seborrheic keratosis, as well as other benign skin lesions like skin tags and cherry angiomas, treatment is usually considered cosmetic. Since these conditions don't pose a health risk, insurance plans typically do not cover their treatment.

How much does it cost to remove seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis treatment in NYC typically costs between $450 to $2,000 per treatment session. Seborrheic keratosis removal costs will depend on the number of lesions, size, and location of the growth, and the specific treatment being used.

What type of doctor removes seborrheic keratosis?

Because seborrheic keratoses are harmless, they usually do not need treatment. Your dermatologist may remove a seborrheic keratosis if it becomes: Hard to distinguish from skin cancer.

Do seborrheic keratosis grow back after removal?

Most growths that are removed don't grow back, but they may occur elsewhere. If they do grow back after treatment, a tissue sample (biopsy) is needed to make sure that the diagnosis was correct and that the growth is not cancer. Don't try to remove a seborrheic keratosis yourself.

Will insurance pay for keratosis removal?

Non-irritated Seborrheic Keratosis

Since these conditions don't pose a health risk, insurance plans typically do not cover their treatment. Patients opting for removal for cosmetic reasons will be responsible for the costs.

That's not a mole! Uncovering the Mystery of Seborrheic Keratosis

Can I remove my seborrheic keratosis myself?

Some topical products that treat seborrheic keratosis are available without a prescription, including 0.1% tazarotene cream and alpha hydroxy acid products. A person who wishes to treat their condition at home should speak with a doctor for a recommendation.

Will Medicare pay to remove seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis is a common, benign skin growth that most often appears as small, dark-colored spots on the face, chest, or back. While they are not harmful, many people choose to have them removed for aesthetic reasons. Medicare does not cover the removal of seborrheic keratosis unless it is medically necessary.

What is the root cause of seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis is caused by the benign clonal expansion of epidermal keratinocytes. There is believed to be a genetic component to the development of a high number of seborrheic keratoses. However, the exact familial inheritance is not known.

What is the new treatment for seborrheic keratosis?

Prescription Hydrogen Peroxide.

The FDA has recently approved a topical solution of 40% hydrogen peroxide to treat seborrheic keratosis. (Over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide is a 1% solution.)

What vitamin deficiency causes seborrheic keratosis?

Introduction. Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are benign epidermal tumors with high sun exposure as a major risk factor. Vitamin D deficiency is also thought to play a role in its pathogenesis.

Is it okay to scratch off seborrheic keratosis?

Sometimes a seborrheic keratosis can itch. Scratching it can cause it to bleed and sometimes even scar. A seborrheic keratosis is removed only if it bothers you. The doctor will freeze it or scrape it off with a tool.

Will 3 hydrogen peroxide get rid of seborrheic keratosis?

The FDA has approved hydrogen peroxide 40% topical solution (Eskata – Aclaris Therapeutics) for treatment of raised seborrheic keratoses (SKs) in adults. It is the first drug to be approved for this indication. (Hydrogen peroxide is available over the counter for topical use as a 3% solution.)

What cream gets rid of seborrheic keratosis?

Topical treatments that yielded a good-to-excellent response include hydrogen peroxide, Maxacalcitol 25 µg/g, BID Tazarotene 0.1% cream, 5% potassium dobesilate cream, 1% diclofenac sodium solution, urea-based solution, and 65% and 80% trichloroacetic acid. Local skin reactions were often mild and transient.

How much does a dermatologist cost with insurance?

Factors that affect the cost of a dermatologist visit

If you're insured and have met your annual deductible, the co-pay to see an in-network dermatologist ranges from $20 to $50, depending on your plan. If you're not insured, you'll pay for the full visit, test, and treatment costs.

What foods trigger seborrheic keratosis?

While there are no good clinical studies, yeast and mold elimination diets may be helpful for people who have a difficult time controlling their seborrheic dermatitis. This entails eliminating breads, cheeses, wine, beer, excessive carbohydrates, and other foods made by yeast or fungi.

Does vaseline get rid of seborrheic keratosis?

Treatments for seborrhoeic keratoses? As they are harmless they do not require any treatment. Any itching or irritation can frequently be relieved by simple moisturisers such as E45 cream® or Vaseline Intensive Care lotion®. NHS services do not currently treat seborrhoeic keratoses.

How to remove keratosis at home?

Try medicated creams.

Apply a nonprescription cream that contains urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. These creams help loosen and remove dead skin cells. They also moisturize and soften dry skin.

Is keratosis removal covered by insurance?

A: Most cases of seborrheic keratosis removal are usually considered cosmetic treatments and are not covered by Medicare or most insurance companies. However, if your particular case is causing symptoms like irritation, bleeding, or pain, it's possible to classify your treatment as a medical condition.

How do you permanently get rid of seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis removal can be achieved with one or a combination of the following methods:
  1. Freezing the growth. ...
  2. Scraping (curettage) or shaving the skin's surface. ...
  3. Burning with an electric current (electrocautery).

Why am I getting so many seborrheic keratosis?

Experts don't completely understand what causes a seborrheic keratosis. This type of skin growth does tend to run in families, so there is likely an inherited tendency. If you've had one seborrheic keratosis, you're at risk of developing others. A seborrheic keratosis isn't contagious or cancerous.

How do you use Vicks for seborrheic keratosis?

I began applying Vicks to the area twice a day and covered it with a large, round bandage. (Actually, it was a generic version called Medicated Chest Rub I found at my local pharmacy.) The edge nearest my hairline began to peel back first. I used a cotton swab to press the Vicks as far into the patchy area as I could.

Is Eskata still available?

No, Eskata (hydrogen peroxide) has been discontinued and isn't available in the United States.

Will tea tree oil get rid of keratosis?

While preliminary studies suggest tea tree oil may have potential for the treatment of actinic keratosis, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety for this use.

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