I have health coverage through the VA. It does not cover dermatology. Would it cover skin cancer?

Question

Just curious. I know a dermatologist is the one that performs a skin cancer screening. But, ...isn't cancer cancer?

Answer 1

Makes one wonder. It seems everything not covered by the military, like DENTAL care, are things which naturally are expected to happen to people as they age. Someone in Congress needs to seriously relook what medical benefits are available to vets.

Answer 2

Who told you the VA does not cover dermatology, they do if you have a real problem. They don't cover cosmetic stuff, but real problems they do cover. I got a rash on my arm they sent me to a dermitologist. Call your local VA

Answer 3

The VA does cover dermatology. You do need to get a referral and they do not cover cosmetic type stuff.

Answer 4

Thanks for the info Im going to go sign up at the VA soon for my healthcare. I would hope that skin cancer is covered. I do know that some nurses do skin cancer screenings and family doctors can remove moles so hopefully it wont be a problem they should be able to take care of it for you.

Answer 5

Any wound, whether stitched or not, heals better and faster when it is covered with a sterile bandage. Contrary to popular belief, leaving it exposed to the air does not help. Rather, it increases the likelihood of bacteria coming into contact with the wound, which would only prolong healing.

Answer 6

As a combat vet who is current going after an increase in benefits, I would suggest that you first get your condition recognised as 'service connected', then they will not only treat it; they will not charge for medication and treatment, and perhaps increase your disability rating. It is favorable to have a 30% Service connected rating or better, for treatment, and other benefits, (to include Vocational Rehabilitation). Good Luck!

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

Hey, the VA will check it out for you. You do have your card, right? They should have a sick call. Go, no need for an appointment.

Answer 9

1. According to the National Association of Physicians for the Environment over one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. The incidence of skin cancer continues to increase, such that 1 in every 84 Americans can expect to develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer accounts for 3 percent of cancers diagnosed nationwide (National Cancer Institute). The American Academy of Dermatology, which sponsors Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, calls melanoma "an undeclared epidemic." While some exposure to sunlight is necessary (e.g., provides needed vitamin D), increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful and is suspected as contributing to long-term increases in skin cancer, cataracts, and other serious eye conditions. Current rising rates of skin cancer may be related to increased outdoor leisure and work activities. Overexposure can also cause premature wrinkling and aging of the skin.

2. Since people who work or play outdoors for long periods of time are at greater risk, all VA employees and volunteers (particularly those required to work outside for extended periods of time) should be periodically reminded of prevention safeguards. UV exposure depends on the time of day, season of year, and the latitude and altitude of the location. Although clouds do not eliminate UV rays, they partially screen the rays. By contrast water, sand, and snow reflect UV rays, increasing exposure. Additionally, some medications and diseases such as lupus erythematosus cause serious sun-sensitivity.

3. The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend the following precautions to reduce the risk of skin cancer:

a. Minimize sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

b. When outdoors for extended periods (even on cloudy days), apply a sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher to all exposed areas of skin,

c. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or more frequently if swimming, perspiring, or sunbathing,

>d. Wear clothing that covers your body and shades your face and neck, and

e. Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation from sunlamps or tanning salons.

Prevent Blindness America, the American Optometric Association, and the American Academy of Optomology recommend the use of sunglasses that absorb 99– 100 percent of the full UV spectrum when outdoors in bright sunlight. Because there is no uniform labeling, read labels carefully to determine the amount of protection provided. Be careful of buying sunglasses that "block harmful UV" without saying how much. Wear a wide brim hat to protect against UV exposure, and if you wear sunglasses too, you provide even more protection for your eyes.

5. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes overexposure to the sun as a workplace hazard. OSHA does not require employers to provide sunscreen to employees working in the sun for extended hours; however, OSHA does require employers to protect such employees against overexposure to the sun’s radiation. Any effective form of protection (wide brim hats, long-sleeve clothing) may be used. Sunscreens must be used if a situation should exist where it is the only effective means of protection. (See OSHA Interpretation, Subject: Use of Sunscreen, [OLD HYPERLINK http://www.osha-slc.gov/OshDoc/Interp_data/INTERP_19920602A.html].

NEW UPDATED LINK 04/06/01: http://www.osha-slc.gov/OshDoc/Interp_data/I19980416.html

6. Employees and volunteers should be encouraged to follow the above recommendations during leisure activities, as well as during work. Protecting children is especially important, since the American Cancer Society says the most likely victims to develop skin cancer are those who experience severe sunburns as a child or teenager. Since children spend more time outdoors than adults and can sunburn more quickly, employees and volunteers with children should ensure that their children follow the precautions listed above, as appropriate.

7. Questions regarding precautions concerning excessive exposure to the sun can be directed to the Office of Occupational Safety and Health, at 202-273-9742.

Answer 10

I'm 90% sure it is. Double check with the provider.