This is a New Era.
We believe that bringing genomic precision to the practice of dermatology is ushering in a new era of patient care. One that is not just different, but better.
Where doctors can see more objective data to help them make more accurate diagnoses and eliminate unnecessary procedures. Where patients have more options, and more information. Where we all work together to change skin cancer as we know it. We believe everyone who needs it should have access to high quality care. Here is some information to help you get started.
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Scroll down to learn more about insurance coverage details.
DermTech and Insurance
A DermTech Melanoma Test is easy to work into your current insurance plan. See the steps you can expect below. And if you have any questions, our patient concierge team is always ready to help you and your carrier try to work through any issues.
Call us at 858-291-7500.
Have a question?
Email us at patientservices@dermtech.com.
The Claim
We’ll take care of the claim — after your test has been reported to your doctor, DermTech will submit our Gene Lab services claim for the DermTech Melanoma Test to your insurance company on your behalf. This claim is separate from your doctor’s claim.
The Explanation of Benefits
After processing your claim, your insurance company will likely send you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
The EOB is not a bill. Upon review, please contact our billing department should you have any questions.
The Patient Portion
If your insurance company does not cover the full cost of the test, DermTech will work with you and appeal the denial on your behalf.
We offer a financial assistance plan for patients. The plan is based on household income, persons in the household and other federal guidelines.
See below for examples of typical insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare (Part B)
$0 out-of-pocket cost for the PLA.†
Medicare Advantage
Typically $0 out of pocket for the PLA. Some plans have a coinsurance usually under $100.†
Commercial Insurance
Plans vary, but you may be expected to cover a portion of the cost. Contact us at patientservices@dermtech.com to learn more about your coverage.
High Deductible Plans
If you are unsure that you have met your deductible, please contact us at patientservices@dermtech.com or your insurance directly.
Uninsured
Please contact us at patientservices@dermtech.com to discuss how we can assist you.
We offer a financial assistance plan for patients. The plan is based on household income, persons in the household and other federal guidelines.
Contact us at patientservices@dermtech.com to learn more.
Most patients pay less than
$75
per DermTech Melanoma Test**
**87% of patients pay less than $75. Data through August 24, 2021.
Most patients pay less than
$75
per DermTech Melanoma Test**
**87% of patients pay less than $75. Data through August 24, 2021.
See below for examples of typical insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare (Part B)
$0 out-of-pocket cost for the PLA.†
Medicare Advantage
Typically $0 out of pocket for the PLA. Some plans have a coinsurance usually under $100.†
Commercial Insurance
Plans vary, but you may be expected to cover a portion of the cost. Contact us at patientservices@dermtech.com to learn more about your coverage.
High Deductible Plans
Uninsured
Please contact us at patientservices@dermtech.com to discuss how we can assist you.
We offer a financial assistance plan for patients. The plan is based on household income, persons in the household and other federal guidelines.
Contact us at patientservices@dermtech.com to learn more.
† DermTech Melanoma Test is comprised of the Pigmented Lesion Assay (PLA) and the TERT add-on assay. TERT is not yet covered by Medicare and the PLA can be ordered without TERT.
It’s Quick and Easy
to DermTech It
It’s Quick and Easy
to DermTech It
LIFT
TEST
The DermTech Gene Lab then tests the samples for the presence of elevated expression levels of two genomic markers associated with melanoma, LINC and PRAME, as well as a DNA driver mutations called TERT.1,2
KNOW
DermTech It via Telehealth
Staying at home doesn’t mean waiting for answers. Your dermatologist can order the DermTech Melanoma Test through a telehealth visit, then guide you through the easy process of collecting your own sample under your doctor’s supervision (download instructions).
See how easy it is.
Remote Collection Instruction Video
Download Instructions
to DermTech It
The test can be done remotely, with your doctor’s order and supervision. Download these easy instructions to learn how to prep, collect, and send off your DermTech sample remotely.
What is the DermTech Melanoma Test?
The DermTech Melanoma Test is a non-invasive genomic test used to enhance the early detection of melanoma by detecting the presence of genomic markers found in melanoma–often times earlier than the current biopsy pathway.3
The Smart Sticker gently lifts skin cells containing genomic material from the surface of the skin. The adhesive on the sticker stores and preserves the skin cells so it can be sent to DermTech’s Gene Lab for examination. If the genomic markers found in melanoma are present, this will typically result in a biopsy of the spot. If not, you’ve likely saved yourself a scar.
How does it work?
If your doctor has identified a suspicious skin spot — maybe one they would normally take a photograph of and track — they can use the DermTech Melanoma Test to rule out melanoma (with 99% accuracy, better than the 83% accuracy of the current biopsy care pathway).1,4
Once they have identified the spot, they’ll open the “Adhesive Skin Collection Kit” to begin the test. They’ll use the smart sticker to lift skin tissue off the spot by pressing, rubbing, and lifting the sticker. They’ll do this four times, placing each sticker on the collection strip.
This strip then gets sent to our Gene Lab. At the lab, a DermTech patented process tests your sample for the presence of three genomic markers associated with melanoma, named PRAME, LINC00518, and TERT.
Results are sent to your physician in about 5 business days. Your doctor will use this information to choose the best path forward for your treatment. If the genomic markers found in melanoma are present, this will typically result in a biopsy of the spot. If not, you’ve likely saved yourself a scar.
Does the DermTech Melanoma Test hurt?
Not typically. The Smart StickerTM uses a specially formulated adhesive to gently lift skin cells from the surface of your skin, but it’s not so strong that it would cause pain, bleeding or damage to the site. In certain cases, mild irritation or other effects may occur.
Does the DermTech test replace a biopsy?
The DermTech Melanoma Test is not a replacement for a biopsy. If the genomic markers are there, your doctor will use this information to choose the best path forward for your treatment. The DermTech Melanoma Test is rather a step before a biopsy that can see genomic markers linked to melanoma far earlier than the traditional biopsy pathway can.3
We’re here to help, whether that’s guiding you through the process, answering your questions, or helping you find a DermTech specialist. Give us a call, send us an e-mail, or chat with us.
- Gerami P et al. Development and validation of a noninvasive 2-gene molecular assay for cutaneous melanoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(1):114-120.
- Jackson R et al. SKIN. 2020;5(1):105-110.
- Yao Z, Allen T, Oakley M, et al. Analytical characteristics of a noninvasive gene expression assay for pigmented skin lesions. Assay Drug Dev Technol. 2016;14(6):355-363.
- Ferris L, et al. (2017). Real-World Performance and Utility of a Non-Invasive Gene Expression Assay to Evaluate Melanoma Risk in Pigmented Lesions. Melanoma Research, 2018.