Average Skin Biopsy Tangential cost
45 hospitals in Virginia and North Carolina publish prices for this procedure. Here's what we found.
Average and range computed from cash prices each hospital publishes under the federal hospital price transparency rule (45 CFR 180.50). Insurance-negotiated rates vary by plan; see hospital pages for the per-plan rates.
How much this varies
45 hospitals across 2 states publish prices for this procedure. Because costs, quality, and insurance networks vary by market, pick your state below to see what hospitals in your area charge.
Which skin biopsy code applies?
Skin biopsy is billed under two main codes depending on the technique the dermatologist or surgeon used to take the tissue sample. Patients often don't know which technique was used; it's documented in the procedure note.
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11102 Skin biopsy, tangential (shave) (this page)
The provider used a horizontal cut to shave a thin slice of the lesion. Faster, less invasive, no stitches typically. Used for lesions where the suspicious tissue is at the surface.
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11104 Skin biopsy, punch
The provider used a circular tool to remove a small full-thickness cylinder of skin. Usually requires one or two stitches. Used when the suspicious tissue extends deeper or full depth is needed for diagnosis.
Important: Pathology — the lab analysis that determines whether the sample is benign or malignant — is billed as a separate line item under a CPT 88xxx code, usually 88305. Ask whether the quoted biopsy price includes the pathology read or whether it will be billed separately.
Observations about coding conventions, sourced to CMS and AMA code definitions. Not medical advice. Not legal advice.
Skin biopsy prices vary because the same diagnostic procedure can be performed in a dermatologist's office, a hospital outpatient clinic, or a surgical center — each with a different facility fee structure. The biopsy itself is straightforward, but the pathology analysis (which determines whether the tissue is benign or malignant) is billed separately and can vary significantly between in-house and outside pathology labs. Hospital-owned dermatology practices add a facility fee that independent offices do not. Before you schedule, ask whether the quoted price includes the pathology read, whether your dermatologist uses an in-house or outside pathology lab, and whether an independent dermatology office (which won't charge a facility fee) is an option for your biopsy.
Pricing by state
Prices vary by state. Select your state to see hospitals near you.
Where do you need this done?
Select your area and we'll show you every hospital's price, quality rating, and insurance rate.
Don't see your area? We're expanding to new cities. In the meantime, these prices can still help — call your hospital's billing department and ask: "What is your cash price for skin biopsy tangential?" Then compare it to the range above.
Related dermatology procedures
Other procedures in the same category, with their own published-price comparisons.
Common questions
How much does skin biopsy tangential cost?
Prices vary significantly by state. Pick your state below to see the range in your market. Across the 2 states we cover, 45 hospitals publish prices for this procedure. Prices also vary by insurance plan and whether you pay cash or use insurance.
Which hospital is cheapest for skin biopsy tangential?
The cheapest hospital depends on where you live. Prices vary significantly between markets, and most patients can't realistically travel across states for a procedure. Select your state and city above to see the lowest-priced hospitals near you.
Why do hospitals charge different prices for the same skin biopsy tangential?
Hospital prices vary based on ownership type, location, negotiated insurance rates, and facility overhead. The CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule requires every hospital to publish all prices, making these differences visible for the first time.
Data compiled by HospitalCost from 17 federal sources including CMS Hospital Price Transparency files, Hospital Compare, HCAHPS, and Medicare Cost Reports. Updated April 2026.