What does a skin cancer check involve?
A skin check starts with your doctor taking a medical history to get an understanding of your risk of skin cancers. You will then be asked to remove clothing, except for underwear. Your doctor will check your whole body from head to toe using a dermatoscope. Potential skin cancers or suspicious lesions requiring monitoring will be imaged and recorded on Dermengine.
A skin check starts with your doctor taking a medical history to get an understanding of your risk of skin cancers. You will then be asked to remove clothing, except for underwear. Your doctor will check your whole body from head to toe using a dermatoscope. Potential skin cancers or suspicious lesions requiring monitoring will be imaged and recorded on Dermengine.
Which appointment should I book for my skin check?
This depends on the type of appointment you book for your skin check:
- Skin cancer check (full) - this is a thorough skin check from head to toe. Skin checks should be done every 1 to 2 years depending on your history.
- Spot check (brief) - this is suitable if you have a spot of concern that you would like checked.
- Skin check with total body photography (mole map) - this is ideal for patients with a history of melanoma or dysplastic nevus syndrome. Mole mapping may be done every 2 to 5 years depending on your history. Skin checks should be done in between these periods.
Fees from 1 November 2023:
- Skin check (full) = $120 to $140 (Medicare will rebate $79, resulting in a gap of $40 to $60).
- Spot check (brief) = $85 (Medicare rebate is $41, gap is $44). Spot checks will now be bulk billed for pension and concession card holders with Dr Andrew.
- Skin check and Mole map combined session = $270 (rebate $117, gap $153).
- DVA gold - bulk billed.
Excision fees from 1 November 2023:
The fees below apply to Dr Andrew Thant and Dr Mae Tun only.
- Punch or shave biopsy of suspicious lesion = small gap. Bulk billed for pensioners.
- Excision of 1 skin cancer = $150 gap. Discounted rate of $80 for pensioners.
- Excision of up to 3 skin cancers on the same day = $200 gap. Discounted rate of $120 for pensioners.
- DVA gold - bulk billed.
- Cosmetic removal of non cancerous skin lesions = fee depending on location and complexity.
How can I book a skin check?
- You can book online with Dr Andrew Thant or Dr Mae Tun. Alternatively, feel free to call us on 07 55388811.
- Dr Andrew is an accredited skin cancer doctor with the Skin Cancer College of Australasia.
- Dr Mae is a GP with special interest in skin cancer management.
Yes, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is used during the skin check, at no extra cost.
What are the common types of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, followed by squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma - which is the most dangerous skin cancer due to its propensity to grow quickly and spread to other parts of your body. A skin check is the best way to find and treat skin cancers early, before they cause disfigurement or spread.
Do you biopsy lesions during the skin check?
If there is enough time, punch or shave biopsies may be done during the skin check. Excisional biopsy of a suspected melanoma takes a lot longer, so these are booked on a separate day.
If there is enough time, punch or shave biopsies may be done during the skin check. Excisional biopsy of a suspected melanoma takes a lot longer, so these are booked on a separate day.
How often should I get a skin check?
A skin check is generally recommended every 1 to 2 years. If you have a history of melanoma, a skin check should be done every 3 to 12 months. If any borderline suspicious lesions are found, your doctor might recommend to get surveillance photography of these lesions in 3 months time (spot check).
Should I get a mole map?
If you have many moles, dysplastic nevus syndrome or a history of melanoma, your doctor might recommend total body mole mapping in addition to a skin check.
If a skin cancer is diagnosed, can you cut it out?
Yes we can. You can choose to get your skin cancer cut out at Chevron Advanced Medical, or at another clinic or specialist (dermatologist or plastic surgeon) of your choice. Excisions that are done in clinic, use local anaesthetic. For very large excisions requiring general anaesthesia, you will be referred to the hospital (either publically or privately depending on your preference).
Do you also treat age spots, skin tags, cysts and benign moles?
Yes. These can be treated with cryotherapy / cautery / shave removal with local anaesthetic, etc.
Do I need a referral?
A referral is not required. You can access your Medicare rebates without a referral.
Dermoscopic tracking of a melanoma before excision.