Dermatology

Medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions

Dermatology is the specialty focused on medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. OpenDoc separates it into focused subspecialty paths so patients can start in the right care lane before they book. Transparent pricing on this page currently ranges from $50 to $2,000 across 19 common visit types. Dermatologists diagnose and treat over 3,000 conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, from acne and eczema to skin cancer detection and Mohs surgery. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 Americans developing it by age 70. OpenDoc provides transparent cash pricing on dermatology visits and procedures starting at $100 — offering faster access than the average 35-day wait for a dermatology appointment through insurance.

Common services and transparent pricing

Pricing estimates are modeled from the current OpenDoc specialty taxonomy, visit archetypes, and transparent cash-pay assumptions. Posted provider pricing should be treated as the source of truth whenever it is available. Pricing last reviewed April 8, 2026.

  • Comprehensive Skin Exam (Full Body) — $150–$300: Comprehensive Skin Exam (Full Body) is a screening-focused dermatology service for earlier detection, monitoring, or preventive care planning.
  • Focused Dermatology Visit (1-2 concerns) — $100–$225: Focused Dermatology Visit (1-2 concerns) is a common dermatology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
  • Skin Biopsy (shave or punch) — $150–$350: Skin Biopsy (shave or punch) is a procedure-oriented dermatology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
  • Cryotherapy (wart/lesion freezing) — $100–$250: Cryotherapy (wart/lesion freezing) is a procedure-oriented dermatology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
  • Mole Removal (excision) — $200–$500: Mole Removal (excision) is a procedure-oriented dermatology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
  • Mohs Micrographic Surgery (first stage) — $800–$2000: Mohs Micrographic Surgery (first stage) is a procedure-oriented dermatology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
  • Acne Treatment Consultation — $150–$275: Acne Treatment Consultation is a common dermatology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
  • Patch Testing (contact dermatitis) — $250–$500: Patch Testing (contact dermatitis) is a diagnostic dermatology service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
  • Intralesional Injection (keloid/cyst) — $100–$250: Intralesional Injection (keloid/cyst) is a procedure-oriented dermatology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
  • Phototherapy Session (UVB) — $50–$150: Phototherapy Session (UVB) is a common dermatology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
  • Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C) — $200–$450: Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C) is a procedure-oriented dermatology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
  • Dermoscopy (mole mapping) — $75–$200: Dermoscopy (mole mapping) is a screening-focused dermatology service for earlier detection, monitoring, or preventive care planning.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a dermatologist visit cost without insurance?

A focused dermatology visit (1-2 concerns) costs $100 to $225, while a comprehensive full-body skin exam costs $150 to $300 cash-pay. Additional procedures like biopsies ($150-350) or cryotherapy ($100-250) are billed separately on the same visit. These prices are typically comparable to insured pricing after copay, especially for patients with high-deductible plans.

How much does Mohs surgery cost without insurance?

Mohs micrographic surgery typically costs $800 to $2,000 for the first stage in an office-based setting, with additional stages at $300 to $600 each. Most skin cancers require 1 to 3 stages. Repair/reconstruction is additional at $200 to $1,500 depending on complexity. Hospital-based Mohs can be billed at $3,000 to $5,000+ through insurance, making office-based cash pricing significantly more predictable.

Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist?

No referral is needed on OpenDoc. You can search directly for a board-certified dermatologist. The average wait time for a dermatology appointment through insurance is 35 days nationally — cash-pay patients can often be seen sooner.

How often should I get a full-body skin cancer screening?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends regular skin exams, with frequency based on your risk profile. High-risk patients (history of skin cancer, many moles, fair skin, family history, history of severe sunburns) should be screened annually. Average-risk adults should discuss screening frequency with their dermatologist. A full-body skin exam costs $150 to $300 and takes about 30 minutes.

What is the difference between a mole removal and a biopsy?

A biopsy removes a small sample of tissue for microscopic examination to determine if a lesion is benign or cancerous — it is diagnostic. A mole removal (excision) removes the entire mole along with a margin of surrounding tissue — it is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Your dermatologist will recommend the appropriate approach based on the clinical appearance. Biopsies cost $150-350 and excisions cost $200-500.

Can a dermatologist treat hair loss?

Yes, dermatologists are the primary specialists for diagnosing and treating hair loss. They evaluate for conditions including androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern hair loss), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and scarring alopecias. Treatment options include topical and oral medications, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and referral for hair transplantation when appropriate. A hair loss evaluation costs $150 to $300.

How much does acne treatment cost at a dermatologist?

An initial acne consultation costs $150 to $275 cash-pay, which includes a treatment plan. Prescription medications (topicals, antibiotics, or isotretinoin/Accutane) are separate pharmacy costs. Isotretinoin management requires monthly visits at $100-200 each plus monthly lab work at $50-100. Procedural treatments like extractions ($100-200) or chemical peels ($100-250) may also be recommended.

What is patch testing and how much does it cost?

Patch testing identifies the specific substances causing contact allergic dermatitis (allergic skin rashes). Small amounts of common allergens are applied to your back on adhesive patches, worn for 48 hours, then read at 48 and 96 hours — requiring 3 office visits over approximately one week. Cash-pay pricing is $250 to $500 for the complete series. It is particularly valuable for chronic hand rashes, eyelid dermatitis, and occupational skin disease.

OpenDoc sitemap