RECOMMENDED APPOINTMENT
Book a Standard appointment for assessment of a mole, spot or skin concern. If you have many lesions to discuss or need a comprehensive examination, advise reception—more time or a subsequent appointment may be required.
Our general practitioners assess concerning spots, changing moles and other skin lesions. A skin check may include discussion of your symptoms, sun exposure, personal and family history and examination of relevant areas of skin.
Your practitioner may use a dermatoscope (a specialised magnifying light) to assess a lesion in more detail. If further investigation or treatment is appropriate, they will discuss the next steps with you.
Arrange an appointment if you notice a new or changing mole, a sore that does not heal, or a lesion that bleeds, crusts or looks different from your other spots. Some skin cancers do not follow typical mole patterns.
The ABCDE guide helps identify some signs of melanoma. It is not a diagnostic test and does not identify every skin cancer.
A new lesion, or any spot that worries you, is worth discussing even if it doesn't meet the ABCDE criteria.
The scope of your examination depends on the reason for your visit, clinical findings and appointment time. You can discuss any concerns about privacy and request a chaperone where available.
Tell your doctor when the spot appeared, how it has changed and whether it bleeds, itches or hurts.
Your practitioner examines the relevant lesion and may use dermoscopy or suggest a broader skin examination when appropriate.
Options may include monitoring, a biopsy or removal, treatment, or referral to a dermatologist or other specialist.
If a spot is suspicious or cannot be reliably assessed by examination alone, your practitioner may recommend a diagnostic skin biopsy. Depending on the lesion, this may involve removing a small sample or excising the lesion for laboratory examination.
A procedure may be completed during your appointment if suitable, or scheduled separately. It is not guaranteed as part of a Standard consultation.
Additional fees may apply for a biopsy, excision, dressings or related pathology, depending on the procedure and billing eligibility.
Your practitioner will explain the proposed procedure and any known additional practice fees, and obtain your informed consent before any biopsy or excision is performed. You can ask about likely Medicare rebates and any separate laboratory charges.
For general consultation fees, see our Fees page. Laboratory fees, if applicable, are determined by the pathology provider.
Skin cancer risk is influenced by factors including previous skin cancers, significant sun exposure or sunburn, many or atypical moles, fair skin, immune suppression and family history of melanoma.
Australia does not have a general population-wide skin cancer screening program or a single recommended interval for everyone. Your GP can recommend an examination schedule based on your individual risk.
Become familiar with your own skin, including your scalp, back, soles of your feet and other areas that are difficult to see. Ask someone to help check areas you cannot easily inspect.
Use sun protection such as shade, protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses and broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen when appropriate. Do not rely on a phone app to diagnose suspicious lesions.
Book a Standard (15-minute) consultation for a particular spot or concern. Let reception know if you want a broader examination or have multiple issues; extra time or a follow-up appointment may be needed.
Yes. Your GP can examine a new or changing mole and decide whether monitoring, biopsy, removal or specialist referral is appropriate.
Your GP discusses your medical and skin history and examines the areas of concern. A dermatoscope may be used. The extent of the skin examination depends on your circumstances and consultation time.
No. Some melanomas and other skin cancers may not have obvious ABCDE changes. Any persistent, new, changing, bleeding or non-healing lesion should be assessed.
Your practitioner may recommend a biopsy or excision when clinically appropriate. Whether it can be performed at the practice and during the same visit depends on the lesion, equipment, practitioner and appointment availability.
Additional procedure, dressing or pathology fees may apply. Your practitioner will explain the procedure and known additional practice charges and seek your informed consent before proceeding. Ask about any potential separate pathology charges.
Not necessarily. You may need a separate procedural appointment or referral. Your GP will explain the safest and most appropriate next step.
Turnaround times vary by laboratory and sample. Your practice will explain how results are communicated and when to follow up. Do not assume that no news means a normal result.
Yes. Your GP can assess whether a dermatologist or another specialist is appropriate and provide a referral where clinically indicated.
There is no universal skin-check interval for all Australians. Your doctor can recommend a schedule based on personal and family history, sun exposure, immune status and findings.
Tell your GP. Previous melanoma, certain family histories and other risk factors may affect your recommended monitoring and specialist referral plan.
Make a note of any new or changing spots, when they changed and any symptoms. Wear clothing that allows access to the area of concern, and tell your doctor about previous skin cancers and any medications.
Medicare may provide a rebate for eligible GP consultations or procedures, depending on the relevant MBS item and circumstances. There is no single Medicare-funded national routine skin screening program. Ask the practice about fees and rebates.
Protect yourself from excess ultraviolet radiation, know your skin and seek prompt medical review of new or changing lesions. Sun protection measures include shade, clothing, hats, sunglasses and appropriate sunscreen.
Book a Standard (15-minute) consultation for an assessment of a skin spot or mole. If you have multiple concerns or require a more comprehensive examination, let reception know when booking.
