Your Surgical Visit
Everything you need to know for a successful experience.
Before Surgery
We have three main goals for your surgery. We will keep you comfortable, we will completely remove your tumor, and we will leave you with the least amount of scarring possible.
Our dedicated team of medical professionals are here to answer questions, offer a helping hand, and serve you with a supportive and kind spirit.
Surgery Day
On surgery day, please bring your insurance cards and any other information requested in the preoperative instructions to prevent any delay in your surgery. You are welcome to bring up to two friends or family members with you on the day of your surgery. You will be admitted in our operatory suite, and your family member will have an opportunity to wait for you in our waiting room. Please note, you must have a driver available after your surgery.
Please plan to be at our office for about 3 to 4 hours. This does not mean that you will be in surgery the entire time.
We will anesthetize (numb) the area surrounding the skin cancer with a small local injection. Typically, this is similar to the one you received for your biopsy. During Mohs surgery, we process tissue from the surgical site, which takes 45 minutes to an hour. When that process is complete, the tissue is analyzed under a microscope.
If no cancer is remaining, the area is repaired. If the tissue shows roots of cancer extending through the margin, a second portion of the tissue will be taken for analysis. This process is repeated until all the margins are cleared. This method ensures all of the cancer cells are removed, diminishing the chance of a recurrence.
After Surgery
After the skin cancer has been removed, the surgeon will determine the best method for treating the wound. These methods include letting the wound heal by itself, closing the wound in a side-to-side fashion with stitches, closing the wound with a skin graft or flap, or smoothing down the edges of the area without any stitches. In most cases, the best method is determined on an individual basis after the final defect is known.
We will make every effort to obtain optimal cosmetic results, but our primary goal is to remove the entire tumor. Mohs surgery will leave you with the smallest wound, thus creating the best opportunity for optimal cosmetic results.
Your surgical wound will require care during the weeks following surgery. Strenuous physical activity is not advised for at least 72 hours, and in some cases, for up to two weeks depending on the size and location of your cancer. You will receive specific postoperative instructions before you leave our office. General instructions are also available for download.
Our Support
Our team is committed to helping you live a full and healthy life. We are happy to visit with you at any point in your wellness journey should you have concerns or questions.
Please see the current list of insurance plans we accept below. If you do not see your plan, please contact your insurance company to confirm coverage.
- Aetna: HMO, PPO, Comm
- American Postal Workers Union
- Ascension Smart Health
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS): HMO, PPO, Comm
- Cigna: HMO, PPO, Comm
- Cigna HealthSpring
- Devoted Health
- Humana: HMO, PPO, Comm
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- Railroad Medicare
- TRICARE
- UnitedHealthcare (UHC): PPO, HMO, Comm, AARP
- Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (VA CCN): Managed by UHC
- Viva: HMO, PPO, Comm
That depends on your insurance plan. If your insurance plan requires a referral from your primary care physician, you will need a referral to schedule an appointment. To determine if you require a referral, or what services are covered by your plan, call your insurance company.
Please remember to complete your patient forms prior to your visit. Bring your photo ID, all insurance cards and a list of any medications you take. Create an account in our secure patient portal. Here you can update your contact and insurance information, send and review messages with providers, check your balance and see upcoming appointments.
Plan to arrive at least 20-30 minutes early if you haven’t completed your paperwork.
During your visit, our providers will review your medical history, then conduct a thorough skin examination in order to make a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan. We encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns you have.”
Your insurance plan dictates deductibles, copays, coinsurance, networks, etc. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your insurance company or your employer’s benefits coordinator. Plan to pay your copay or any payment required by your insurance at the time of your visit. If you leave a credit card on file when you check in, it will make checking out in the future a breeze.