Skin Lesions & Biopsies
Mole evaluation, suspicious lesion biopsy, and small excisions
In-Office Procedures in Big Pine Key, FL: Minor Surgical Care Without the Hospital
Convenient minor procedures performed in our Big Pine Key office, sparing you a trip to specialists
Procedure Time:10-45 minutes
Anesthesia:Local lidocaine
Recovery:Minimal downtime
Insurance:Most plans accepted
Why It Matters
From Hospital Detours to Same-Office Solutions
Local Care for Local Patients
Many Lower Keys residents have been told to drive to Marathon, Key West or the mainland for what should be a 20-minute visit — a small skin biopsy, a cortisone shot, an abscess drainage. The travel, ER copays and unfamiliar specialists turn a simple problem into a half-day ordeal. Worse, some patients delay care entirely, and small issues become bigger ones.
Florida Keys Primary Care performs many minor procedures right in our Big Pine Key office. Dr. Keifer and Tabble Memoli use sterile technique, local anesthesia and modern instruments for skin lesions, joint injections, biopsies, abscess drainage and laceration repair. Expert care, a familiar provider, same-office follow-up — no hospital trip. For complex cases, we coordinate referrals through our Marathon and Key West network.
Treatment Timeline
Procedure Time
10-45 minutes
Anesthesia Onset
2-5 minutes (local)
Recovery
Same-day return to most activity
Suture Removal
7-14 days, depending on site
What Are In-Office Procedures?
Minor Surgery, Major Convenience
In-office procedures are minor surgical and therapeutic interventions performed in a primary-care office under local anesthesia, without the need for an operating room. They include skin biopsies and excisions, cyst removal, abscess incision and drainage (I&D), laceration repair (suturing), cortisone injections, ingrown toenail removal, ear-wax removal, cryotherapy of warts and pre-cancers, and skin tag removal. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that family physicians safely perform thousands of these procedures every day across the U.S.
At Florida Keys Primary Care, Dr. Gregory Keifer, D.O. and Tabble Memoli, APRN combine osteopathic and family-practice procedural training with nearly two decades of community-physician experience. Our exam rooms are equipped for sterile minor surgery, our staff is trained in instrument prep and post-procedure care, and many cases are completed in a single same-day visit. Patients who would otherwise need a referral often receive complete care here in Big Pine Key.
Procedures pair naturally with a walk-in sick visit for urgent issues like abscesses or lacerations, and with planned preventive screenings for skin checks. For chronic joint pain and reduced mobility, in-office cortisone injections are often the fastest path to relief.
Benefits of In-Office Care
Convenient and Cost-Effective
2000+ Satisfied patients
- 01
Skip the Hospital
Avoid the drive to Marathon or Key West and ER-level fees
- 02
Familiar Provider
The same physician who knows your history performs the procedure
- 03
Lower Cost
Office-based procedures cost a fraction of hospital outpatient pricing
- 04
Same-Day Care
Many procedures completed during the visit they are diagnosed
- 05
Continuity of Follow-Up
Suture removal, biopsy results and aftercare all in one office
In-Office vs Alternatives
Care Setting Comparison
| Setting | Wait Time | Cost | Provider | Anesthesia | Follow-Up | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL Keys Primary Care In-Office | Same day to one week | $ - Office rates | Familiar physician | Local lidocaine | Same office | Most minor procedures |
| Hospital Outpatient Surgery | 2-6 weeks scheduling | $$$ - Hospital rates | Surgeon (often new) | Local or sedation | Surgeon's office | Complex or deep cases |
| Emergency Room | Hours of waiting | $$$$ - ER fees | Whoever is on shift | Local lidocaine | Referral elsewhere | Trauma or emergency |
Who Is a Good Candidate for In-Office Procedures?
Most Adults and Many Children
In-office procedures are appropriate for most adults and many older children with minor surgical needs. They are particularly helpful for residents of the Lower Keys who would otherwise face a long drive to specialty care. Our team will always tell you if your case is better suited to a surgeon or hospital setting — patient safety guides every decision. For chronic joint pain, in-office cortisone injections often pair with a chronic care plan for long-term relief.
Ideal Candidates for In-Office Procedures
- Adults with skin lesions or moles needing biopsy or removal
- Patients with painful cysts, abscesses or ingrown nails
- Adults with localized joint pain who would benefit from cortisone injection
- Patients with simple lacerations needing suture repair within 12-24 hours of injury
- Patients on most medications, including blood thinners (with planning)
- Adults seeking to avoid hospital-level fees for minor issues
Who Should Wait or Be Referred
- Patients with deep or facial lacerations involving cosmetic concern — referral to plastic surgery in Marathon or Miami
- Lesions suspicious for melanoma in difficult locations — referral to dermatology
- Joint problems requiring imaging-guided injection or aspiration of large effusions
- Active anticoagulation that cannot be safely managed for the procedure
- Patients with severe latex or local anesthetic allergies
If you are unsure, schedule a brief evaluation visit and our team will recommend the safest, most efficient path forward.
How an In-Office Procedure Works
What to expect during your in-office procedure, from preparation and consent to treatment and aftercare instructions
Evaluation
Dr. Keifer or Tabble Memoli reviews the issue, confirms candidacy and explains the plan.
Preparation
Skin is cleansed with chlorhexidine, sterile drapes are placed and instruments are set up.
Anesthesia
Local lidocaine (sometimes with epinephrine) is injected to fully numb the area in 2-5 minutes.
Procedure
Dr. Keifer performs the biopsy, excision, drainage, suturing or injection using sterile technique.
Aftercare & Plan
Wound is dressed, written aftercare instructions are reviewed and follow-up is scheduled.
Risks and Side Effects
Common after-effects, less typical reactions, and rare risks to expect from in-office procedures
-
Common Effects After In-Office Procedures
Most patients leave with mild soreness, slight redness, or minor swelling at the procedure site, which typically resolves within a few days. Brief discomfort during local anesthesia is common but short-lived. Small bandages and over-the-counter pain relief are usually all needed. -
Less Common Reactions to Watch For
Some patients experience light bruising, temporary numbness, or mild bleeding for one to two days after a procedure. Skin sensitivity, brief itching during healing, or small areas of crusting are also possible. We provide written aftercare and a clear point of contact if needed. -
Rare Risks and Patient Safety Considerations
Infection, abnormal scarring, or unexpected reactions to local anesthetics are uncommon when procedures are performed using sterile technique by experienced physicians. We review your medical history, allergies, anticoagulants, and previous reactions before each procedure.
In-Office Procedure Cost in Big Pine Key, FL
Insurance and Self-Pay
Most minor in-office procedures are covered by commercial insurance and Medicare under standard surgical CPT codes. Patient cost-sharing depends on plan deductible and coinsurance. Even with insurance, in-office procedures typically cost far less out-of-pocket than the same procedure performed in a hospital outpatient setting.
Self-Pay Pricing
- Skin biopsy or small excision: $185-$385 (plus pathology if applicable)
- Abscess incision & drainage: $215-$425
- Cortisone joint injection (knee, shoulder, hip): $145-$295
- Laceration repair: $185-$485 depending on size and location
- Cyst or lipoma removal: $245-$595
- Wart cryotherapy or skin tag removal: $95-$245
Pathology fees for biopsies are billed separately by the lab and typically range $75-$185 per specimen. Patients can finance multiple procedures or larger bills through Cherry or Care Credit. For ongoing joint pain, in-office injections paired with a chronic care plan often deliver the best long-term value.
Why Choose Florida Keys Primary Care
Common in-office procedures performed locally so you avoid extra trips up the Keys
Forty Years of Procedural Experience
Same trusted practice since the Big Pine Medical era
Osteopathic Surgical Training
Dr. Keifer's D.O. background emphasizes precise, hands-on technique
On-Site Sterile Suite
Modern instruments and proper sterile technique in our office
Same-Office Follow-Up
Suture removal and biopsy review with the provider who treated you
Skip the Hospital Trip
Common procedures handled comfortably right in our Big Pine Key office
Same Trusted Provider
Your own physician performs the procedure, start to finish
Related Primary Care Services
Pair in-office procedures with these complementary services from our practice.
Medical and Preventive Care
Annual physicals, chronic disease management, walk-in sick visits and in-office procedures — physician-led care for the Middle and Lower Keys
Learn More
Wellness Treatments
Hormone Replacement, Medical Weight Loss, TMS Therapy, Emsella, Emsculpt Neo and more — physician-led wellness for the Lower Keys
Learn More
Regenerative Treatments
Hair restoration, PRP facials and PRP joint injections — physician-led regenerative medicine for the Lower Keys
Learn More
Aesthetic Treatments
Botox, dermal fillers, ADVATx laser resurfacing, Emface, Denza, Nirvana laser hair removal and physician-curated skincare — all under one roof
Learn MoreIn-Office Procedure FAQs
Big Pine Key, FL
What procedures are done in-office?
Skin biopsies, mole and cyst removal, abscess drainage, laceration repair, joint injections, ingrown toenail removal, ear-wax removal, wart cryotherapy and skin tag removal, among others.
Is it covered by insurance?
Most procedures are covered by commercial insurance and Medicare under standard CPT codes. Cost-sharing depends on your plan. Out-of-pocket costs are typically lower than hospital settings.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. You can call our Big Pine Key office or schedule a free consultation directly.
Will I need stitches?
Some procedures require sutures (excisions, lacerations) and others do not (cryotherapy, injections). When sutures are placed, removal is typically scheduled at 7-14 days.
How long is recovery?
Most patients return to normal activity within 24-48 hours. Restrictions like swimming or heavy lifting may apply for 1-2 weeks depending on the procedure.
Schedule Your In-Office Procedures Consultation
References
- PubMed (PMID: 21888306) — Office-based minor surgical procedures performed by family physicians demonstrated low complication rates and high patient satisfaction across U.S. primary-care settings.
- PubMed (PMID: 26280343) — Intra-articular corticosteroid injections produced clinically meaningful short-term pain relief in adults with knee osteoarthritis in a Cochrane systematic review.
- PubMed (PMID: 26937617) — Incision and drainage with appropriate antibiotic stewardship was the standard of care for skin and soft-tissue abscesses and was effectively performed in primary-care offices.