Comprehensive Guide to Nipple Nevus or Wart Removal in New York City

Introduction

In New York City, the need for nipple nevus or wart removal is a concern for many individuals. Whether it's for cosmetic reasons or due to discomfort, finding the right hospital and understanding the associated costs is crucial. This article aims to provide the most comprehensive information, including hospital rankings and prices, to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Nipple Nevus and Warts

Nipple Nevus

A nipple nevus is a pigmented mole that appears on or around the nipple. While most nevi are benign, some may require removal if they show signs of change or for cosmetic purposes. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, congenital nevi surgery aims to eliminate these pigmented moles. The cost of removing a giant congenital nevus depends on various factors such as the size and location of the lesion, the techniques used for removal, and skin reconstruction.

Warts

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are different types of warts, including common warts that usually appear on the hands and fingers, plantar warts on the feet, and genital warts. They are highly contagious and spread through skin - to - skin contact or by touching contaminated objects. Warts are not typically medically harmful, but they can be embarrassing or interfere with daily activities.

Severity Levels of Warts

Warts can vary in severity, which affects the treatment approach and cost. The following table summarizes the different severity levels:

Diagnosis Options

Self - diagnosis

Self - diagnosis is a cost - effective option for mild cases of warts. However, it may not be accurate, especially for complex cases. It is free and can be done immediately. It is appropriate for mild cases with a typical wart appearance.

Virtual consultation

Virtual consultations have become popular. Some providers offer affordable options:

• Teladoc: General medical visits cost $89 per visit without insurance, and $0 per visit with insurance based on your benefits. The consultation takes 15 - 30 minutes.
• Doctor on Demand: A 15 - minute consultation with a medical doctor costs $75. Costs may vary with insurance based on coverage.
• Optimal MD: Free with an Optimal MD membership ($47/month for the entire family). Usually available within 15 - 30 minutes.

In - person doctor visit

For more complex cases or when a physical examination is necessary, an in - person visit is required.

• Primary care physician (PCP): Without insurance, the average cost is $171, ranging from $150 to $300. With insurance, the copay typically ranges from $15 to $25. A discount card can reduce the price by 20 - 50%.
• Dermatologist: Without insurance, the average cost is $150, ranging from $100 to $200. With insurance, the specialist copay typically ranges from $30 to $50. A discount card can reduce the price by 15 - 40%.
• Optimal MD: Heavily discounted with an Optimal MD membership. Appointment availability varies by location.

The following table summarizes the assessment options:

Imaging and Laboratory Tests

Biopsy

A biopsy is performed when there is uncertainty about the diagnosis or concern about possible malignancy. Providers like Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics offer this service. The cash price varies, and discounts may be available through partnership programs. Insurance prices depend on your plan. The procedure takes 15 - 30 minutes, and results are available in 3 - 5 days. Optimal MD offers heavily discounted biopsies with its membership.

HPV typing

HPV typing is important for genital warts or when there is a concern about high - risk HPV strains. Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics offer this test, but the cash price is not explicitly stated. Insurance prices depend on the plan. Sample collection takes 5 - 10 minutes, and results are available in 1 - 2 weeks. Optimal MD offers discounted HPV typing with its membership.

The following table summarizes the diagnostics:

Treatment Options and Costs

Over - the - counter treatments

Salicylic acid products

Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in many over - the - counter wart treatments, such as Compound W. The cost of Compound W products ranges from about $7 to $32, with a national average of approximately $15. These products are typically not covered by insurance but may be eligible for flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs). They are applied daily for several weeks (usually 4 - 12 weeks).

Freezing products

Over - the - counter freezing products like Compound W Freeze Off and Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away use dimethyl ether and propane to freeze and destroy wart tissue. The cost of Compound W Freeze Off ranges from about $13 to $23, and Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away ranges from about $15 to $20. These treatments are also usually not covered by insurance but may be eligible for FSA or HSA reimbursement. A single application may be required, and it may need to be repeated after 2 weeks.

The following table summarizes the over - the - counter treatments:

Prescription medications

Imiquimod

Imiquimod is a topical immune response modifier. Brand - name versions (Aldara, Zyclara) cost $1,115 - $1,203 for 3.75% strength and $94 - $179 for 5% strength without insurance. With insurance, the copay typically ranges from $30 to $60. A discount card can reduce the price by 20 - 80%. Generic imiquimod costs $60 - $135 for 5% strength. It is applied 2 - 3 times per week for up to 16 weeks.

Podofilox

Podofilox is an antimitotic drug. Brand - name Condylox costs $591 - $927 for 3.5 grams of 0.5% gel without insurance. With insurance, the copay typically ranges from $50 to $100. A discount card can reduce the price to $172 - $200. Generic podofilox costs $43 - $128 for 3.5 ml of 0.5% solution. It is applied twice daily for 3 days, repeated weekly for up to 4 weeks.

Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil is a chemotherapy medication. Brand - name versions (Efudex, Fluoroplex) cost $357 - $1,519 for 30 - 40 grams of cream without insurance. With insurance, the copay typically ranges from $50 to $150. A discount card can reduce the price to $17 - $200. Generic fluorouracil costs $73 - $196 for 10 - 40 grams of cream or solution. It is applied daily for several weeks.

The following table summarizes the prescription medications:

Medical procedures

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen to the wart. The national average cost for cryotherapy for warts in the United States ranges from $200 to $300 per treatment course. At MinuteClinic, it costs $150 - $180 per session. With insurance, it is usually a copay of $20 - $50. A discount card can offer 10 - 20% off the cash price. Each session takes 5 - 10 minutes, and multiple sessions may be required, usually 2 - 4 weeks apart.

Electrocautery

Electrocautery burns off the wart using an electric current. While there is no specific national average data, it is estimated to range from $200 to $500 per session. At the Dermatology Clinic of Idaho, it costs $610 - $1211 per session. Insurance typically covers 60 - 80% of the cost after the deductible. A discount card can offer 10 - 20% off the cash price. Each session takes 10 - 20 minutes, and multiple sessions may be required, usually 2 - 4 weeks apart.

Laser therapy