CPT 17311 Surgery - Integumentary

How Much Does Mohs 1 Stage H/n/hf/g Cost?

Also known as: Mohs 1 stage h/n/hf/g (CPT 17311)

Mohs micrographic surgery, a precise technique for removing skin cancer one layer at a time while preserving healthy tissue.

The total estimated cost of Mohs 1 Stage H/n/hf/g (CPT 17311) is $723 to $1,175, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $287.

Total Estimated Cost of Care

$723 — $1,175

This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .

Surgeon/Physician Fee
$287
Hospital Facility Fee
$574
Anesthesia (est.)
$43
Important: The physician fee of $287 shown in the cost cards below is what Medicare pays the surgeon/doctor only. The hospital charges a separate facility fee that typically makes up 70-85% of the total cost.
Medicare Physician Fee (Facility Setting)
$287
Physician component only — CMS PFS 2026
Medicare Physician Fee (Office/Clinic)
$667
Non-facility setting

Patient Guide: Mohs 1 Stage H/n/hf/g

What you need to know before your appointment

What to Expect

Under local anesthesia, the surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue, maps and examines it under a microscope immediately. If cancer remains at the edges, another layer is removed from only that area. This continues until all margins are clear.

How Long Does It Take?

2-4 hours (varies by number of layers needed)

Common Reasons Doctors Order This

Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, skin cancer on the face or sensitive areas, recurrent skin cancer

How to Prepare

Clear your schedule for most of the day. Eat breakfast. Bring a book or entertainment for waiting between stages. Wear a button-up shirt. Arrange a driver if the surgery is near the eyes.

Procedures Commonly Done Together

These procedures are frequently performed alongside Mohs 1 stage h/n/hf/g

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How to Reduce Your Cost for Mohs 1 stage h/n/hf/g

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 ($667) differs from the facility rate ($287). 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.

6.05
Work RVU
1.95
Practice Expense RVU
0.59
Malpractice RVU
19.97
Total RVU

Payment = Total RVU (19.97) x CF ($33.40) = $667

People Also Ask

Common questions people search for about this procedure

Does health insurance cover Mohs surgery?
What is the new treatment instead of Mohs surgery?

GentleCure™, a non-invasive, Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT), has emerged as a revolutionary approach. This guide explores this treatment, its benefits, and suitable candidates, comparing it to traditional methods like Mohs surgery.

Source: friederdermatology.com See our data-backed answer →
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.

Source: www.macmillan.org.uk See our data-backed answer →
How much is Mohs out of pocket?

The cost without insurance will depend on several things such as the size and location of the lesion being treated, whether or not anesthesia is required, and any additional treatments that may be necessary after the procedure. The average cost for Mohs surgery out of pocket ranges anywhere from 500-,000.

Source: dermskinhealth.com See our data-backed answer →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Mohs 1 stage h/n/hf/g cost?

The Medicare facility rate for Mohs 1 stage h/n/hf/g is $287. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).

How much does Mohs 1 stage h/n/hf/g cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of Mohs 1 stage h/n/hf/g 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 Mohs 1 stage h/n/hf/g?

Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Mohs 1 stage h/n/hf/g 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.

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