Early detection is the whole game.

Between her first and second years of medical school, Dr. Gaul noticed a suspicious lesion on her father and pushed for it to be evaluated. It was a melanoma. He credits that with saving his life, and it is a large part of why she went into dermatology and then into Mohs surgery.

That history shapes how screenings are done here. A skin examination is not a formality to be rushed through between other appointments.

• You change into a gown so the entire skin surface can be examined systematically
• The scalp, behind the ears, between the toes, the nails, palms and soles are included
• A dermatoscope is used to evaluate moles and any suspicious spots
• Anything concerning can be biopsied at the same visit under local anesthetic
• You will leave knowing what was found, what is being monitored and when to return

• Come without makeup and without tinted sunscreen
• Remove nail polish if you can, so nails can be examined
• Wear hair loose rather than in a tight style, so the scalp is accessible
• Make a note of any spot that concerns you and mention it at the start
• Bring a list of medications and your skin cancer history, including prior biopsies

• A new growth, or one changing in size, shape or color
• A mole that looks different from all of your others
• A sore that does not heal, or heals and returns
• A pearly, pink or scaly patch that bleeds with minor contact
• A dark streak under a nail, or a new spot on a palm or sole
• Any spot that itches, stings or bleeds without an obvious cause

Insurance plans, including Medicare, do not classify dermatologic skin examinations as preventive care. Your visit is billed as a specialist evaluation and management visit, which means your copay, coinsurance and deductible apply.

This is standard across dermatology and is not specific to our practice. If you are uninsured or prefer to pay directly, our cash-pay rates are $250 for an initial visit and $150 for a follow-up.

This page is general education and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and it does not create a physician–patient relationship. Individual circumstances differ; please discuss your own skin with a qualified clinician. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.