Law Offices of Scott Glovsky
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Skin Cancer Health Insurance Denial
Legally reviewed by
Scott Glovsky , Trial Attorney & Founder
Being diagnosed with skin cancer can be unexpected and difficult. It is normal to
have a range of feelings and emotions. While you are trying to come to terms with
your skin cancer diagnosis and discussing treatments with your doctor, finding out
that your insurance refuses to pay for one or more of the recommended treatments
can be devastating.
A skin cancer insurance denial can leave you wondering what your options are and
what your future will look like. This is when you need a strong, experienced skin
cancer insurance denial attorney from the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky. Attorney
Scott Glovsky has been fighting big insurance companies for decades and wants you
to know that you are no longer in this fight alone.
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What Are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells and is often caused by the harmful
rays of the sun. When skin cancer is caught early, it is considered highly treatable.
The type of skin cancer you could be diagnosed with depends on where the cancer starts.
When cancer begins in the skin’s basal cells, it is basal cell skin carcinoma, and
when the cells that provide color to our skin become cancerous, the type of cancer
is known as melanoma.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer after basal
cell carcinoma. It looks like a scaly patch of skin that heals and then re-opens.
Although those with light skin are most likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma,
it can occur in all skin colors. Squamous cell carcinoma can grow deep into the skin,
causing damage and disfigurement, and it typically forms in areas with frequent sun
exposure, such as the face, neck, ears, arms, back, and chest.
- Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, often developing in
those with fair skin, although anybody can be diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma.
This type of skin cancer is usually a flesh-colored round growth or a pink patch
of skin. Basal cell carcinoma is often the result of years of sun exposure and is
commonly found on the arms, neck, and head, although it can be found elsewhere. Early
diagnosis for basal cell carcinoma is crucial, as it can penetrate the nerves and
bones and cause disfigurement.
- Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer because of its tendency to spread.
A mole that an individual already has can develop melanoma, or a dark spot can make
a sudden appearance on the skin. Like other skin cancers, early diagnosis and treatment
is crucial. The ABCDE warning signs of melanoma can help you secure an early diagnosis:
- A is for asymmetry—one half of the spot is unlike the other half.
- B is for border—the spot has a poorly defined border or a border that is scalloped
or irregular.
- C is for color—the spot has a variety of colors, including areas of white, red, or
blue, or shades of tan, brown, and black.
- D is for diameter—most melanomas are about the size of a pencil eraser by the time
they are diagnosed, although they can be smaller or larger.
- E is for evolving—the spot is changing in color, shape, or size.
Actinic keratoses are precancerous growths that are dry or scaly and can turn into
squamous cell carcinomas. Other types of skin cancers include dermatofibrosarcoma
protuberans, Merkel cell carcinoma, and sebaceous carcinoma. Treatments for skin
cancers include the following:
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
-
Radiation therapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Chemical peel
- Targeted therapies
Why Might You Receive a Skin Cancer Health Insurance Denial?
The primary reason you might receive a skin cancer health insurance denial is often
cost. Insurance companies are in the business of making a healthy profit. If a treatment
is not particularly expensive, the insurer is likely to approve it, regardless of
whether it is new,
experimental, or investigational. The more expensive a treatment is, the more likely it will
be denied, although the “reason” given will be that the drug is
not medically necessary
for the treatment of your skin cancer or is experimental or investigational.
Estimates from the CDC put the
cost of treatment
for all types of skin cancer at roughly $8 billion annually. It is believed that
by 2030, the annual cost of treating new patients with melanoma will be about $1.6
billion. Kinase inhibitors like Mekinist used for melanoma have an average cost of
$18,053, while Hedgehog pathway inhibitors like Odomzo used for basal cell carcinoma
have an average cost of $14,818.
What Should You Do if Your Skin Cancer Treatment Is Denied?
If you have received a skin cancer health insurance denial, do not give up. You do
have options, and a highly skilled attorney like Scott Glovsky can help you get the
treatments you need. The first step will be to file an internal appeal that asks
your insurance company to take another look at the denial.
You may be asked to provide additional information, including a letter from your
doctor that details why the treatment is necessary to treat your skin cancer. If
your internal
appeal
is unsuccessful, an external appeal can be filed. The external appeal is heard by
a neutral third party, and the insurance company must abide by the results of the
external appeal. We recommend discussing whether or not to file an external appeal with an
experienced health insurance denial attorney
since your ideal next steps may involve legal action.
What Are Some of the Specific Insurance Companies That Might Issue a Skin Cancer
Health Insurance Denial?
Although any insurance company may issue a skin cancer health insurance denial, some
companies may be more likely to do so than others. These include:
How the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky Can Help Following a Skin Cancer Health Insurance Denial
If your doctor has given you a roadmap that includes the treatment or treatments
necessary for your skin cancer diagnosis, it can be deflating to find that your insurer
is refusing to pay for one or more of those treatments. Attorney Scott Glovsky fights
for justice every day and is fully committed to every case he takes. Many times,
Scott Glovsky offers your best last chance to get the justice you deserve. The hard-fought
case victories of the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky have impacted millions of insurance
policyholders by forcing insurers to change their behaviors regarding medically necessary
treatments and other policies.
Contact
the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky today.
“As a young lawyer, I am appreciative of great lawyers like yourself, who are willing
to take the time to pass your knowledge and wisdom onto others. I just finished
your podcast with Greg Reeves. I grew up with Greg’s niece, and his brother
built my childhood home. I had no idea how great of a lawyer he was until recently.
I started following him on Instagram after I graduated law school, and he is the
reason I was led to your podcast a few months ago and to Gerry Spence’s book “Win
Your Case”.
I hope to be able to attend the Ranch and effectively incorporate the techniques
you discuss in one of the coming years. I hope you are able to keep the podcast going,
and I look forward to each episode.
Thank you for sharing your gift with us.”
- J.F.B
