Mohs Surgery Cost in Dallas-Fort Worth: What to Expect

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise, tissue-sparing technique for removing basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and certain other skin cancers, particularly on the face and other cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas. The cancer is removed one thin layer at a time, and each layer is examined under a microscope on-site until no cancer cells remain — allowing the surgeon to remove only the tissue that needs to go. Full procedure details are on the Mohs Surgery page.

How much does Mohs surgery cost?

There is no single price for Mohs surgery because the total cost depends on several variables specific to each patient's cancer and treatment course. Rather than a flat fee, cost typically ranges based on the number of tissue stages required to clear the cancer, the size of the affected area, its location on the body, and the type of reconstruction needed afterward. Because of this variability, published national estimates should be treated as general reference points rather than a prediction of your own cost — the office can review your specific insurance benefits and expected out-of-pocket responsibility once your diagnosis and treatment plan are established.

What determines the cost of Mohs surgery?

Number of stages

Mohs surgery is billed in part according to how many "stages," or rounds of tissue removal and microscopic examination, are required to achieve clear margins. A cancer with well-defined borders may be cleared in a single stage, while a larger or recurrent cancer with less distinct borders may require two, three, or more stages. Each additional stage adds to the procedure's total cost.

Size of the cancer

Larger cancers generally require more tissue removal and, often, more complex reconstruction, both of which affect total cost.

Location on the body

Cancers on the face, ears, nose, and hands often require more meticulous reconstruction to preserve function and appearance, which can affect the complexity — and cost — of closure compared with a similar-sized cancer on the trunk or limbs.

Reconstruction method

After the cancer is cleared, the resulting wound may be closed with a simple side-to-side closure, a local skin flap, or a skin graft, depending on size, location, and tissue availability. More complex reconstructions are generally billed at a higher level than a simple linear closure.

Does insurance cover Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is considered a medically necessary treatment once a biopsy confirms a qualifying skin cancer diagnosis, and it is typically covered by health insurance plans, including Medicare, subject to your plan's deductible, copay, and coinsurance structure. Coverage is not automatic for every plan or every clinical scenario, so verifying your specific benefits ahead of time is worthwhile. This is different from cosmetic procedures, which are generally not covered by insurance since they are elective rather than medically necessary.

What are the Medicare CPT codes for Mohs surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is billed using CPT codes 17311 through 17315. These codes distinguish between the anatomical location treated (for example, the head, neck, hands, feet, and genitalia versus the trunk and extremities) and whether the code represents the first stage or each additional stage of tissue removal. We mention these codes so you can reference them when speaking with your insurance company — the specific dollar amounts tied to each code are set by individual insurance plans and negotiated rates, not published as a fixed fee here.

What should I ask my insurance company before Mohs surgery?

• Is Mohs micrographic surgery (CPT 17311–17315) a covered benefit under my plan?
• Have I met my annual deductible, and how much of it applies to this procedure?
• What is my coinsurance or copay for outpatient surgical dermatology procedures?
• Is the reconstruction/repair portion billed and covered separately from the Mohs removal itself?
• Do I need a referral or prior authorization for this procedure under my plan?

What out-of-pocket costs should I expect?

Out-of-pocket costs typically range depending on your specific insurance plan structure — including your deductible status, coinsurance percentage, and any applicable copay — as well as the clinical factors described above, such as the number of stages and type of reconstruction required. Because these factors vary so significantly from patient to patient, we avoid quoting specific dollar figures without a diagnosis and insurance verification in hand. The office team can review your estimated responsibility once your treatment plan is confirmed, so you have clarity before your procedure date.

How does Dallas-Fort Worth compare to national averages?

Healthcare costs, including surgical dermatology fees, vary by region, facility type, and negotiated insurance rates across the country. Dallas-Fort Worth is a major metro area, and costs here generally fall within the range seen in other large U.S. metros rather than at either extreme. Rather than relying on a national average — which can't account for your specific cancer, insurance plan, or reconstruction needs — the most reliable way to understand your expected cost is a direct conversation with the office and your insurer after diagnosis.

What's the next step if I've been diagnosed with skin cancer?

If a biopsy has confirmed a skin cancer that's a candidate for Mohs surgery, the next step is scheduling a consultation so Dr. Malouf can evaluate the cancer, discuss the expected number of stages and reconstruction approach, and help you understand your insurance coverage before the day of surgery. Reach out through the contact page to get started.

Frequently asked questions