The information on the Medical Costs Finder is a guide only and should not be used as a quote or medical diagnosis.
You are viewing costs across Australia

Surgery to remove a cancerous area of skin less than 14 mm in size from the face. The sample is sent for testing to look at the cells.The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.

Medical specialty

Plastic and reconstructive surgery

Your care options

Bulk billing patient:

If you are bulk billed for a medical service you will have no out-of-pocket costs. The GP or specialist bills Medicare and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service.

Non-bulk billing patient:

GPs and specialists can set a fee for the service that is higher than the Medicare benefit. In this case you may have out-of-pocket costs. This is the difference between the service fee and the Medicare benefit.

In 2022-23

For patients who had an Excision of small basal cell carcinoma on the face in a private setting across all of Australia, 79% had an out-of-pocket cost. Of those:

Patients typically paid: $325, Medicare paid: $168, Insurer paid: $0. Typical fees: $485.

Percent of patients who paid in 2022-23

21% of patients had no out-of-pocket costs

79% of patients had out-of-pocket costs

Low, typical, and high out-of-pocket costs

Of the 79% of people who had an out-of-pocket cost in 2022-23, the typical cost was calculated as follows:

High$562
Typical$325
Low$23

The table below shows the following by state and territory:

  • Percent of patients who paid no out-of-pocket cost. The GP or specialist’s fees were paid by Medicare.
  • How much GPs or specialists typically charged for this service, when there was an out-of-pocket cost for the patient.
  • How much patients typically paid if they had an out-of-pocket cost.

Some regions may not show data due to insufficient services or providers available to ensure a specific person is not identified.

This information is for all services using this MBS item in the selected specialty in 2022-23.

NSWVicQldSA
% with no out-of-pocket costs10%23%24%47%
Typical GP or specialists’ fees$580$418$500$280
Patients typically paid$412$262$332$112

What the fees and costs shown include

The fees and costs show typical fees for an individual service. They are based on data from 2022-23.

Each service is linked to a number listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), called an MBS item. Patients may have other MBS items as well, as multiple services may occur in a setting. The Medicare benefit amount(opens in new tab) has been rounded to the nearest dollar.

Talk to your GP or specialist to find out:

  • If you may need a referral to a medical specialist.
  • What specific tests or treatments you will need. This might include diagnostic imaging or pathology services.
  • What other specialists may be involved in your service, and their fees.

We show local data by Primary Health Network(opens in new tab) if a person or provider can’t be identified. Otherwise, we will show information at higher level, by aggregating the data. The data might then be at a state and territory level, or across Australia. See our disclaimer for more information.

What the fees and costs shown don’t include

  • Aftercare costs.
  • Costs associated with pharmaceuticals and other incidentals.

A specialist may provide some services both in hospital and out of hospital. Your treatment venue will depend on your clinical needs and best practice care. Your specialist will weigh up these factors to decide which venue is best for you.

The cost of in-hospital services will include hospital charges. With the right cover, your health insurer will contribute to the cost of your service and your hospital charges. Out-of-hospital services are generally not covered by private health insurance.

MBS item number(s) that may be the main treatment for an Excision of small basal cell carcinoma on the face.

MBS Item 31361

Surgery to remove a cancerous area of skin less than 14 mm in size from the face. The sample is sent for testing to look at the cells.