Comprehensive Skin Checks in Bella Vista & Norwest

While the cost of a skin check in Australia varies by provider and location, a full body examination with a private GP can range between $70 and $150. Medicare rebates are available for skin cancer checks, and should provide a return of around $45, bringing your total out-of-pocket expenses down to approximately $25–$105. While bulk-billed skin check services do exist in Australia, these appointments can be difficult to secure and are often restricted to specific patient pools.

In Australia, certain skin cancer skins are covered by Medicare. Routine skin checks (whole-body screenings when you have no specific concerns) aren’t covered, so most clinics charge a fee for these. However, Medicare rebates do apply when a doctor assesses a specific mole or lesion you’re worried about, as this is considered a standard consultation and is billed as such. If a lesion requires further testing or removal, separate MBS item numbers may also cover medically necessary biopsies, excisions, and pathology.

Because Crestwood is a GP-led clinic rather than a specialist dermatology practice, you don’t need a referral to be seen and appointments are billed according to standard GP consultation rates, not specialist fees. Contact our practice to confirm costs before you book.

You do not need a referral for a skin check at Crestwood. Referrals are generally only needed to see a dermatologist, and with roughly one dermatologist for every 43,000 Australians, that particular pathway can incur a long wait. Dr Russell holds an Advanced Certificate in Skin Cancer Medicine and is able to perform full dermoscopic skin checks and minor procedures (such as biopsies and excisions) on site. In the event that your case does require dermatologist input, he can arrange that outward referral for you.

GPs perform the majority of skin checks in Australia, and many hold additional qualifications in skin cancer medicine. Dr Russell has completed an Advanced Certificate in Skin Cancer Medicine alongside his RACGP Fellowship, and examines your skin using a dermatoscope, a handheld magnifying instrument that shows detail not visible to the naked eye. He can also perform biopsies, excisions, skin flaps, and grafts within the practice, with on-site pathology collection. Seeing a GP means no referral, a shorter wait than a specialist appointment, and a doctor who can assess your skin with the rest of your health history. If something needs specialist input, he’ll arrange the referral.

A full-body skin check at Crestwood typically takes around 20–30 minutes. Dr D’Cunha examines your skin from scalp to sole, including areas that are hard to see yourself, using a dermatoscope for a close look at any areas of interest. You’ll be asked to undress to your underwear and provided with a gown, and you’re welcome to have a chaperone present. If a spot needs a biopsy or minor procedure, that can often be done in the same visit. This will add time to the appointment, so we ask that you let our reception know if you have a specific concern upon booking, so we can allocate enough time for you.

It’s highly recommended that you start getting skin checks from the age of 18, especially if you have fair skin that sunburns easily or a family history of skin cancer. After all, the earlier cancer is detected, the earlier you can start treatment and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

As melanoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australians between the ages of 20 and 39, you should continue to attend regular skin checks after your first, and make them an annual necessity as you approach your 40s.

The warning signs of skin cancer will vary from person to person, but the most obvious indicator comes when a new mole, spot, or skin lesion appears, or an existing one changes shape, size, or colour.

Many doctors use the ABCDE guide for identifying the warning signs of melanoma, and these include:
A (Asymmetry), where the sides of a mole or spot lack symmetry
B (Border), where moles or spots have irregular spreading edges
C (Colour), where moles and spots contain a range of different colours
D (Diameter), where moles and spots are increasing in size
E (Evolving), where moles and spots are actively changing and growing

Two out of every 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime, and regularly checking your skin is important for early detection and increasing your chance of successful treatment.

If you can diagnose the problem early, you can help to stop the cancer from advancing, and avoid more invasive treatment methods. Regular skin checks will help you get to know your skin, so you can spot when anything changes and book an appointment with your GP for early intervention.

There is no set guideline for how often you should get a skin check in Australia, but it’s recommended that you conduct regular self-examinations (at least once a month), and book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible if you notice anything suspicious. If you’re a higher-risk person, with fair skin or a family history of melanoma, you should discuss your need for regular full-body skin cancer checks with your GP.

GPs diagnose and manage most common skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis, persistent acne, psoriasis and rosacea. During a skin check, Dr Russell D’Cunha can assess any condition you’re concerned about, discuss what’s likely causing it, and start a treatment plan to manage your symptoms. Where a diagnosis isn’t clear, a skin biopsy can be taken in the practice, with pathology collected on site. You don’t need a referral, and you can raise an ongoing skin concern in the same appointment as a skin check rather than booking separately. If your condition needs specialist input, Dr D’Cunha can arrange a dermatologist referral.