How Much Does Skin Biopsy (Tangential/Shave) Cost?
Also known as: Tangntl bx skin single les (CPT 11102)
A shave biopsy of the skin, where a thin layer of tissue is scraped from the surface of a suspicious spot.
The total estimated cost of Skin Biopsy (Tangential/Shave) (CPT 11102) is $72 to $117, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $30.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Skin Biopsy (Tangential/Shave)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
The doctor numbs the area, then uses a blade to shave off a thin piece of skin from the suspicious spot. A bandage is applied. The sample is sent to a lab. Minimal scarring.
How Long Does It Take?
10-15 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Suspicious mole evaluation, skin rash diagnosis, raised skin lesion, possible skin cancer screening
How to Prepare
No special preparation. The area will be numbed. Avoid blood thinners if directed by your doctor.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Tangntl bx skin single les
How to Reduce Your Cost for Tangntl bx skin single les
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
For this procedure, the office rate ($96) differs from the facility rate ($30). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (2.86) x CF ($33.40) = $96
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Is a skin biopsy covered by insurance?
What is the 2 week rule for skin cancer?
Only consider urgent referral (appointment within two weeks) if a person has a skin lesion that raises the suspicion of a basal cell carcinoma and there's concern a delay may have an unfavourable impact, because of the location or size of the lesion.
Is a skin biopsy painful?
What is the average cost of a skin biopsy?
Two tangential shave (saucerization) biopsies, for example, performed during a single office visit would average 27.87 for each biopsy. One tangential shave and one 6- to 10-mm excision would average 58.21 per biopsy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Tangntl bx skin single les cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Tangntl bx skin single les is $30. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Tangntl bx skin single les cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Tangntl bx skin single les can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Tangntl bx skin single les?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Tangntl bx skin single les when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.