UV Safety Month in Arizona: Is Your Dermatologist Visit Covered?

What AZ Blue members need to know about skin cancer and sun safety this July.

Arizona gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year. That makes it a great place to live -- and a place where skin cancer is a real risk. July is UV Safety Month. It is a good time to check your skin and know your benefits.

Key takeaways:

• Skin cancer rates in Arizona may be up to 40 percent higher than the national average. Arizona's strong sun puts everyone at risk.
• Seeing a dermatologist may be covered by your plan. It depends on how the visit is billed and whether your doctor is in-network.
• AZ Blue members can log in to their member portal to find an in-network dermatologist and check their benefits before scheduling.

Arizona's sun is stronger than you think.

Phoenix had a "high" to "extreme" UV index for six months in 2023, according to the National Weather Service. That kind of exposure adds up over time.

1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. In Arizona, that risk is even higher. The good news is that skin cancer is very treatable when caught early. When melanoma is found early, the survival rate is over 99 percent. That drops fast when it spreads. Early detection matters.

Is your dermatologist visit covered? It depends on your plan, but here is what to know:

• A skin check done during your annual physical may be covered as preventive care. Ask your primary care provider to include one at your next visit.
• If you see a dermatologist directly, the visit is billed as a specialist visit, not a preventive one. You may have a copay.
• Always check that your dermatologist is in-network before you go. Out-of-network visits cost significantly more.

Some plans require a referral from your primary care provider first.

AZ Blue members can check their benefits and find in-network dermatologists anytime through the member portal or by calling the number on the back of their card.

Easy ways to protect your skin:

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day to all exposed skin, including your lips (use a lip balm with sunscreen), even when it is cloudy.
• Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
• Wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing when you are outside.
• Check your skin once a month. If a mole or spot looks new, bigger, or different, call your doctor.

Skin cancer is common in Arizona. But it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when you catch it early. Start with sunscreen, schedule that checkup, and use your AZ Blue benefits to get the care you need.