Patients With Skin Cancer Prefer to Participate in Procedure Cost Discussions: A Cross-Sectional Survey

For a given skin cancer, a number of treatment options are often available. The decision of which method to use is usually made by the treating physician. Despite significant changes to the healthcare system of the United States over the past 10 years, healthcare costs continue to rise. These costs often affect patients in the form of higher deductibles, copays, and insurance premiums. The goal of this study was to determine patient attitudes regarding discussion of cost of skin cancer removal procedures and repairs. A 12-question survey was administered to 100 patients presenting for treatment of a skin cancer at an academic center. The first six questions addressed the importance the patient placed on treatment cost and related discussions, and the final six questions addressed repair cost. Greater than two-thirds of respondents felt that cost of both treatment (76%) and repair (67%) is somewhat or very important. Most patients reported that the cost of skin cancer treatment (56%) and repair (54%) should be considered by their surgeon. Furthermore, a majority of participants felt that cost differences should be discussed prior to treatment (67%) or repair (67%). Most respondents believed that cost discussion prior to treatment (64%) and repair (67%) would not affect their level of procedural anxiety. In conclusion, patients value cost discussions for treatment and repair of skin cancer. Surgeons should consider discussing these issues with patients in the appropriate clinical setting.