Mohs Micrographic Surgery Volume and Payment Patterns Among Dermatologists in the Medicare Population, 2013

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has expanded markedly in recent years but there is limited information on volume, practice patterns or reimbursement. This study characterizes MMS utilization in the Medicare population.

We analyzed the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Supplier Public Use File Calendar Year 2013 data set for provider service volume and reimbursement for dermatologists who did and did not perform MMS procedures.

Total Medicare-funded MMS procedures increased 25% from 2009 (558,447) to 2013 (700,262). Dermatologists who performed MMS had significantly more average services per provider (5419.4 vs. 3627.1, r=0.16, P<0.0001), were reimbursed significantly more in average total procedure-related compensation ($475,883.64 vs. $144,564.74, r=0.49, P<0.0001) than dermatologists who did not perform MMS, and made up 71.3% of the top decile of dermatologists ranked by total reimbursement received from Medicare. Total MMS service volume and reimbursement was concentrated among a subset of providers. Among MMS providers, a higher volume of MMS procedures was correlated with a greater likelihood of performing procedures on lesions located on the trunk, arms or legs (r=0.27, P<0.001).

In 2013 reimbursement for MMS comprised almost 19% of the amount reimbursed by Medicare Part B Fee For Service to dermatologists and greater than half a percent of the total amount reimbursed to all physicians participating in the program. Further studies incorporating clinical and outcomes data are needed to evaluate appropriate utilization of this procedure.