Skin Cancer Checks

No, you do not need a referral from another doctor to book a skin cancer check at Fitzroy North Medical Clinic. You can book directly with any of our general practitioners for a comprehensive assessment, spot check, or to discuss a specific lesion of concern.

During a full-body skin check, your doctor will systematically examine your skin from head to toe. You will be asked to undress down to your underwear, and a modesty sheet will be provided. The doctor will use a specialized handheld magnifying device called a dermatoscope, which uses polarized light to look beneath the surface of the skin. They will examine areas exposed to the sun, as well as areas that rarely see the sun, including between your toes, the soles of your feet, and your scalp. The entire process is non-invasive and painless.

To ensure the doctor has a clear, unobstructed view of your skin, please follow these preparation steps:

• Remove all makeup, foundation, and tinted moisturisers from your face and neck.
• Remove all nail polish, shellac, or acrylic nails, as skin cancer (including melanoma) can develop under the nail beds.
• Avoid using fake tan for at least one to two weeks prior to your appointment, as it can temporarily alter the appearance of moles under a dermatoscope.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to take on and off.
• Make a mental note (or write down) any specific spots, moles, or changes you want the doctor to look at closely.

A routine full-body skin examination typically takes anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes per consultation. However, if you have a very large number of moles, a history of skin cancer, or if the doctor identifies a suspicious lesion that requires an immediate biopsy or detailed discussion, a longer appointment may be necessary. If a surgical excision is required, it will generally be scheduled for a subsequent, longer appointment in our dedicated treatment room.

If your doctor identifies a mole or lesion that looks concerning or exhibits features of skin cancer (such as a Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, or Melanoma), they will discuss the recommended next steps with you immediately. Depending on the clinical appearance, this may involve:

• A Biopsy: Taking a small sample of the lesion under local anaesthetic to send to a pathology laboratory for formal diagnosis.
• Cryotherapy: Using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy pre-cancerous cells (often used for sun spots or actinic keratosis).
• Surgical Excision: Scheduling a follow-up appointment to completely remove the mole and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue.
• Referral: In complex cases, or for lesions located in sensitive areas (like the face), your GP may refer you to a specialist dermatologist or plastic surgeon for management.

Fitzroy North Medical Clinic is a private billing practice. The initial skin check consultation incurs a private fee. If you hold a valid Medicare card, you will be eligible for a Medicare rebate for this consultation, though an out-of-pocket gap fee will apply. If you require a biopsy, surgical excision, or cryotherapy, these procedures will incur additional out-of-pocket costs. These costs cover the use of the clinic’s treatment room, specialized surgical equipment, nursing support, and medical consumables (like sutures and dressings). Your doctor will provide full financial consent and explain these specific costs prior to any procedure commencing.

The frequency of professional skin checks depends entirely on your individual risk factors. While an annual check is generally recommended for most Australian adults, your doctor may recommend more frequent checks (e.g., every 3 to 6 months) if you have:

• A previous personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers.
• A strong family history of skin cancer.
• A high number of moles (particularly atypical or dysplastic nevi).
• A history of severe sunburns or solarium use.
• Fair skin that burns easily and rarely tans. Your GP will advise you on the most appropriate screening schedule for your specific skin type and history.