FAQ

How should I prepare for my SkinCheck?

Preparing for your SkinCheck is simple, but a few steps can help your doctor examine your skin more thoroughly and accurately.

Before your appointment

  • Avoid fake tan or heavy makeup, which can make it more difficult to assess skin colour and pigmentation.
  • Do not wear thick moisturisers or sunscreen immediately before the appointment if possible. Normal daily skincare is generally fine.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to remove and put back on.
  • Tie up long hair or bring a hair tie so your scalp can be examined.
  • Bring your glasses if you wear them, as you may be asked to look at or identify particular spots.
  • Make a list of any spots that concern you, especially those that:
      • are new
      • have changed in size, shape or colour
      • itch, bleed or don’t heal
      • look different from your other moles (“the ugly duckling”).

Bring with you (if possible)

  • A list of your medications.
  • Details of any previous skin cancers, biopsies or treatments.
  • Information about any family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.
  • Any previous skin photography or mole mapping reports. (Don’t stress if you don’t have them).

What not to worry about

  • You do not need to shave body hair before the appointment.
  • You do not need to fast or make any special dietary changes.
  • Your Comprehensive SkinCheck is painless and typically take 15–30 minutes, depending on the number of moles and your skin cancer risk.

For the most accurate assessment, it’s best to have a full-body skin examination rather than having a Spot Check or individual lesions, as skin cancers are also found in areas patients weren’t aware of.

How is the SkinCheck performed?

During the skin check

You will be asked to remove your items of clothing to expose the skin surface for a comprehensive examination of the skin, but you can leave your underwear on. Patient modesty gowns are available and can be provided on request.

A comprehensive skin examination involves inspecting your entire skin surface, including areas you may not normally see, such as:

    • Scalp
    • Face and ears
    • Neck
    • Back
    • Chest and abdomen
    • Arms and hands
    • Legs and feet
    • Between the fingers and toes
    • Soles of the feet

Depending on your history and preferences, your doctor may also recommend examining areas covered by underwear, as skin cancers can occur anywhere on the body.

Your doctor will use a dermatoscope (a specialised high intensity magnifying light) to examine suspicious spots more closely. If anything appears concerning, they may recommend monitoring, photographing, performing a biopsy, or arranging removal. The clinic uses dermatological imaging software called DermEngine.

How often should I have a SkinCheck?

Australian’s who are 40 years old and over are encourgaed to have an initial SkinCheck, if they haven’t had one already. After this check, your doctor will advise you on the frequency of follow up checks, based on your calculated risk.

However, we always encourage patients to do their own SkinCheck and “know your skin” as best as possible, to detect early changes which can be reviewed in clinic.

Do I need a referral for a SkinCheck?

No referral is required to book a SkinCheck at The SkinCheck Spot.
If further particular specialist input is required for management of your condition, this will be organised by your SkinCheck doctor.

Patient Fees

The Gap Fee is the “out of pocket” cost to the patient, excluding their Medicare Rebate. If the patient does not have an eligible Medicare Card then the full fee is payable (reception can advise).

Full Skin Check

Gap Fee

$145

Includes a comprehensive assessment with a Skin Cancer Doctor

  • History and risk assessment completed
  • Full body dermoscopic inspection with DermEngine image mapping and storage as required
  • Review images with patient after inspection and discussion about management and follow-up

Skin Spot Check | Up to 3 spots/moles

Gap Fee

$90

Includes a review of up to 3 spots/ moles with a Skin Cancer Doctor

  • History completed
  • Dermoscopic inspection with DermEngine image mapping and storage as required
  • Review images with patient after inspection and discussion about management and follow-up
  • If more than 3 spots, full skin check cost applies.

Cryotherapy

Gap Fee

$50

Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen application by clinician

Skin Biopsy

Gap Fee

$150

Starting from $150 gap payment which includes the Skin Cancer Doctor performing the procedure and assistance by a medical assistant as required. This includes any wound reviews required after the procedure and the follow up appointment for removal of sutures and dressing changes. Skin Cancer excision costs will be discussed with each individual patient based on the complexity of the procedure required.

Procedure Room Fee

Gap Fee

$29

This cost is paid to the clinic for consumables including, (but not limited to) local anaesthetic, blades, needles, sutures, dressing packs, hyfrecator costs, dressings, bandages and other consumables) which are required to carry out the procedure.

Ear Microsuction (The EarClean Spot)

Gap Fee

$135

Co-located with The SkinCheck Spot, patients can access ear wax cleaning by microsuction (vacuum device which removes wax under microscopic vision), performed by an experienced doctor