Skin checks in South Morang
At Lakes Boulevard Medical, you can see a GP about a single spot that's worrying you or have your skin checked all over. GP skin check consults are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. For skin cancer and dermatology care, we work with our sister clinic: Skin cancer and dermatology at our Mernda clinic (opens the Mernda Junction Medical website in a new tab).
What skin checks can I have at Lakes Boulevard Medical?
Our GPs can look at one spot you're unsure about or check your skin from head to toe. If anything needs more than a look, your GP explains the options, and any cost, before going ahead.
- A spot check of a mole, freckle or patch of skin that's new or has changed
- A full-body skin check
- A closer look at any spot of concern with a dermatoscope: [To be confirmed: whether GPs at Lakes Boulevard use a dermatoscope]
- A biopsy or removal of a suspicious spot: [To be confirmed: whether skin biopsies and excisions are done at Lakes Boulevard]
Which GPs do skin checks: [To be confirmed: which GPs at Lakes Boulevard do skin checks]. Which GPs do biopsies and excisions: [To be confirmed: which GPs at Lakes Boulevard do skin biopsies and excisions].
Should I book a spot check or a full-body check?
Book a spot check if one mole or area is worrying you. Book a full-body check if you'd like all of your skin looked at. If you've noticed something new or changing, don't wait for a routine check: book a spot check now.
Who should have a skin check?
Anyone with a new spot, or a mole that has changed, should see a GP. Your risk of skin cancer goes up if you or a close family member have had skin cancer, if you've had bad sunburn, if you have fair skin, light-coloured eyes, or red or fair hair, if you have a lot of moles, or if you spend long periods outdoors without sun protection. Past solarium use and a weakened immune system raise the risk too.
healthdirect recommends a full skin check by a doctor every 6 months for people at high risk of skin cancer. Ask your GP how often is right for you.
Cancer Council Australia estimates that at least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
What skin changes should I look out for?
Knowing what your skin normally looks like makes changes easier to notice. Book an appointment if you see:
- A new spot
- A mole or freckle that's changing in colour, size, shape or thickness
- A sore that crusts over and doesn't heal
- A small lump that's red, pale or pearly
What happens at a skin check?
Your GP tells you what the check involves first, and you can agree to or decline any part of it.
- A few questions. Your GP asks about your moles, any sunburn or skin cancers in the past, and your family history.
- The check. For a spot check, your GP looks at the area you're concerned about. For a full-body check, you undress to your underwear and your GP looks over your skin. You can bring a support person if you'd like.
- Next steps. If a spot needs more attention, your GP explains what happens next, which may be a biopsy, a follow-up visit or a referral.
How long to allow: [To be confirmed: skin check appointment length at Lakes Boulevard].
When you book, you can say: "I'd like a full-body skin check," or "I'd like a spot check for one mole." That helps us book the right appointment.
What should I bring to a skin check?
- Your Medicare card
- A list of the spots you'd like checked, including any someone else has pointed out
- Whether you or a close family member has had skin cancer
- A list of your current medicines
If possible, come without make-up or nail polish, since your GP may want to check your face and nails.
Is a skin check bulk billed?
Bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Some procedures have an out-of-pocket fee. Without a valid Medicare card, the full fee applies. A GP skin check consult is bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. If a procedure has a fee, your GP explains the cost and asks for your consent before it's done.
| Appointment | What you pay |
|---|---|
| GP skin check consult, with a valid Medicare card | Bulk billed |
| Skin biopsy | [To be confirmed: biopsy fee at Lakes Boulevard] |
| Removal (excision) of a spot | [To be confirmed: excision fee at Lakes Boulevard] |
| Without a valid Medicare card | Without a valid Medicare card, the full fee applies. |
Skin cancer and dermatology at our Mernda clinic
Lakes Boulevard Medical doesn't run its own skin cancer or dermatology service. For that care, we work with our sister clinic in the ICO Health Group, Mernda Junction Medical.
How referrals and bookings work: [To be confirmed: how Lakes Boulevard patients are referred to or book with the skin clinic at Mernda]
GPs who do skin checks
22 GPs work at Lakes Boulevard Medical. Which of them do skin checks: [To be confirmed: which GPs at Lakes Boulevard do skin checks].
Skin check questions
Bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Some procedures have an out-of-pocket fee. Without a valid Medicare card, the full fee applies. A GP skin check consult is bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. If a procedure has a fee, your GP explains it first.
[To be confirmed: which GPs at Lakes Boulevard do skin checks] You can book online through HotDoc or by ringing reception on (03) 9436 0966.
It depends on your risk. healthdirect recommends a full skin check by a doctor every 6 months for people at high risk of skin cancer. Your GP can advise what suits you, and you should book sooner if a spot is new or changing.
[To be confirmed: whether skin biopsies and excisions are done at Lakes Boulevard] Your GP will talk you through the options for any spot that needs more than a check.
At our sister clinic in the ICO Health Group: Skin cancer and dermatology at our Mernda clinic (opens the Mernda Junction Medical website in a new tab).
A small handheld magnifier with a built-in light, used to look at a spot on the skin in close detail. Examining skin this way is called dermoscopy.