Frequently Asked Questions
Where is MOHS surgery performed?
In some of our selected offices.
What is MOHS surgery?
Microscopically controlled surgery to remove skin cancers in anatomically sensitive areas such as the face and ears, or in areas of high skin tension, such as the scalp, lower legs, hands, and feet. MOHS surgery allows us to remove the skin cancer while minimizing the size of the scar and/or to use flaps and grafts to close the defect created when the skin cancer is removed.
Why do we have to be prepared to spend all day in the office when MOHS is being performed?
Because the skin cancer is removed in stages and it may take multiple cuts to remove the skin cancer entirely. After each cut, the skin cancer removed has to be processed, put on a slide, and examined for evidence of microscopic skin cancer. This all takes time. The more cuts it takes to remove the skin cancer, the longer the procedure takes and the more time you end up spending in our office. Sometimes, the skin cancer is removed in one cut, and sometimes it takes more than once.
Do I have to wait in the office the whole time that MOHS is being performed?
No. Once the skin cancer is removed, we put a dressing/covering over the site and you may choose to either relax in our waiting area, leave the office to go home, or get something to eat. We will then call you to return to our office for further removal of any remaining skin cancer or closure of the skin cancer site if all the skin cancer has been microscopically removed.
What insurances do you take?
We take all insurances except straight Medicaid and Keystone. We participate with all the HMO's, PPO's, Medicare/Horizon Blue, Aetna, Union, HMO Medicaid, and Indemnity plans.
What offices have handicap availability?
The following offices have wheelchair & stretcher availability:Toms River, Freehold (back entrance only), Hamilton, Holmdel, Jackson, Lakewood, Manahawkin (via elevator to 2nd floor), Mays Landing, Neptune, Northfield, Vineland, Westville. The following offices have wheelchair availability only: Cape May, Old Bridge, South Plainfield, Whiting.
What cosmetic procedures are done in our office?
Laser for removal of hair, age spots, redness/broken blood vessels, leg veins, facial veins, and tattoos is done in our Toms River office only. In select offices, botox for removal of forehead and periocular ("crows feet") wrinkles is done as is botox to treat excessive sweating in the armpits, palms, and soles. Chemical peels and fillers (collagen, captique, zyderm/zyplast, cosmoderm/cosmoplast, hyaliform, and resthyline) is done in select offices as well.
Does somebody call me with my biopsy result?
No-we only call you if your result is positive and further treatment is required. If we are unable to reach you by telephone, you will receive a letter from our office. You will be notified within four weeks.
What is the difference between a physician assistant and a nurse practitioner?
From American Academy Of Physician Assistants (AAPA): Physician Assistants (PA) are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PA's conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions. Within the physician- PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services.
From American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP): A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience, which enables him or her to diagnose and manage illnesses, either independently or as part of a health care team. A nurse practitioner provides care previously offered only by physicians and in most states has the ability to prescribe medications. Working in collaboration with a physician, a nurse practitioner provides high-quality, cost-effective and individualized care.
Do you have PUVA and UVB?
Yes, in our Toms River office.
What is PUVA?
Psoralen and ultraviolet light; a treatment for psoriasis combining the oral administration of psoralen with subsequent exposure to long wavelength ultraviolet light.
How do you handle referrals?
The patient is responsible for bringing their referral on the day of their office visit. We do not accept faxed referrals. It is the patients responsibility to be sure that their referral is valid for their current office visit.
