Skin Care - FAQ

What qualifications do your skin care doctors have?

Our doctors are fully qualified medical practitioners who have undergone comprehensive education through the RACGP accredited training program. They are equipped with the knowledge and experience to diagnose, treat and manage skin cancers. They are continually updating their skills, to ensure they are on the forefront of leading surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

What happens during a consultation with the doctor?

The doctor will check all moles and skin lesions present on your body and using his/ her training will identify any which appear suspicious. The doctor will make note of the position of each mole and skin lesions so that it can be monitored over time. A skin biopsy may also be taken. This is simply the removal of a small sample of skin tissue so that it may be sent off to the pathology laboratory for further investigations, which can reveal useful information about the lesion and influence future action.

How long is each consultation?

A standard consultation will last for approximately 15 minutes. This allows sufficient time for a doctor to conduct a full body examination and to closely investigate any moles or lesions which appear suspicious. In the case of an appointment to remove skin tissue, a minimum of 30 minutes will be allocated for the procedure.

What happens if the doctor detects any suspicious lesions?

The doctor will either treat you during the initial consultation or request that you schedule another appointment to undertake any proposed treatment. The doctor will discuss with you the options regarding treatment. A common treatment option is surgical treatment of a skin cancer or other lesion. This involves surgical excision of a skin lesion and is a common clinical procedure. It is often the first and best form of treatment for skin cancers, because it can help to completely get rid of the problem and stop the cancer from regrowing. If the doctor feels the involvement of a specialist is necessary, you will be referred to the appropriate professional.

How much does a full body skin cancer check cost?

A full body skin check costs the same as a standard General Practice consultation. If you are a Medicare Card holder, the out-of-pocket expense to you is never greater than $30. For further information, please visit Skin Care - Our Fees, please click here. If after conducting a skin check, the doctor determines that treatment is necessary, you will always be bulk-billed for any such procedures which are recommended and consequently, are undertaken.

Do patients have to take off all their clothes for a full body skin cancer check?

Patients usually undress only to their underwear. Our doctors see lots of exposed skin, and will make sure you feel comfortable throughout the consultation. If you feel uneasy about undressing to your underwear, we recommended that you wear a bikini or general swim wear for the skin check.

How often should I undergo a skin cancer check?

It is recommended that you visit a doctor for a skin check at least once a year. If you have very fair skin that does not tan and burns easily, or an individual history or family history of skin-cancers, it is advisable that you undergo skin checks on a more regular basis. It is also very important that you learn how to identify changes to your own skin.

What type of changes to my skin should I be looking for?

There are a number of things that you should constantly keep track of. This includes moles, pigments, sores, mystery scans and skin texture. Any change in skin features can be a warning sign, so be constantly vigilant of potential skin cancer markers. These markers include scaly patches, lumps, bumps, discoloured skin, sores or scabs that are not healing, brown or red spots that are rough and scaly in texture, new moles or changes to old moles causing them to be painful, itchy, scab or bleed.