Skin Cancer Check
A skin cancer check is a full-body visual exam performed by one of our providers, and it belongs on your annual health calendar the same way a dental cleaning or a physical does. It goes well beyond a quick glance — we examine the skin from head to toe, looking for anything that has changed in size, shape, or color, or that simply doesn’t look like the rest of your moles.
Why an Annual Check Matters
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually in over two million people, and the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation both put the lifetime risk at roughly 1 in 5 Americans. Most skin cancer is highly treatable when it’s caught early — which is the entire reason the exam exists. Catching a change while it’s still small and confined to the skin usually means simpler treatment and a better outcome than catching it later.
What Happens During Your Visit
Your provider examines your skin from head to toe, including areas that are easy to miss on your own — your back, scalp, and between your toes. We use polarized and immersion dermoscopy to look at moles more closely than the naked eye allows, which helps us catch changes at an earlier stage. If something needs a closer look, a biopsy can often be done the same day rather than requiring a second visit. Before you leave, your provider will walk you through how to do your own skin self-checks between visits and go over practical ways to lower your risk going forward.
Plan on about 15 minutes for the exam itself; if a biopsy is needed the same day, your visit will run a little longer.
How Often You Need One
We recommend an annual skin cancer check for every patient, regardless of skin type or ethnicity. If you’re higher risk — a personal or family history of skin cancer, a large number of moles, significant sun exposure, or fair skin that burns easily — your provider may recommend checking every six months instead.
Whether you need a referral depends on your insurance plan, not on us. Some plans require one for a specialist visit; please check your plan’s requirements before you book so there are no surprises.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Wear clothing that is easy to remove, and skip nail polish and heavy makeup that day so nothing hides a mole or a nail change. Bring a list of your current medications and, if you have one, a note of any spots you have been watching so your provider can look at those first.
Insurance and Cost
Most insurance plans generally cover a skin cancer exam when it’s billed as a routine office visit, but coverage depends on your specific plan. We recommend a quick call to your insurance provider before your visit to confirm your benefits. If we are out of network with your plan or you don’t have insurance, our Direct Care pricing applies: $170 for a new patient visit and $120 for a return visit, with a shave biopsy at $100 and a punch biopsy at $125 if a spot needs testing.
Scheduling Your Skin Cancer Check
Don’t wait on this one. You can book online through our patient portal or call or text us at 847-534-0700 to schedule your skin cancer check.
Frequently asked questions
Is a skin cancer check the same as the free screenings offered at community events?
No. Public screening events are typically brief, whereas our exam is a complete, dermatologist- or PA-led evaluation of the entire body from head to toe.
Does insurance cover my skin cancer check?
Most insurance companies generally cover a skin cancer exam when it is billed as a routine office visit, though coverage depends on your specific health plan, so it’s worth confirming your benefits with your insurer before your visit. If we are out of network with your plan or you don’t have insurance, Direct Care pricing applies: $170 for a new patient visit and $120 for a return visit.
How is a mole examined during the visit?
Your provider examines moles using polarized and immersion dermoscopy, a technique that allows a closer look at pigment patterns than is possible with the naked eye, which helps identify changes at an earlier stage.
What happens if my provider finds something concerning?
If a spot needs a closer look, a biopsy can often be performed during the same visit rather than requiring you to come back a second time.
How often should I get a skin cancer check?
We recommend an annual skin cancer check for all patients regardless of skin type or ethnicity, and every six months for higher-risk patients, such as those with a personal or family history of skin cancer.
How long does a skin cancer check take?
About 15 minutes for the full-body exam; a same-day biopsy adds a few minutes.
Do I need a referral?
That depends on your insurance plan, so check its requirements before booking. The practice itself does not require one.
Can children be seen for a skin cancer check?
Yes, Schaumburg Dermatology sees patients of all ages, including children.