(07) 4091 2300Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and a rural and farming community like Kilcoy spends more time in the sun than most. A skin check at Kilcoy Medical Centre is a straightforward appointment with a GP who examines your skin for anything that has changed, and it is the simplest way to catch a problem while it is still easy to treat.
What Happens During a Skin Check
A skin check is a full examination of your skin by your GP. You will be asked to undress to your underwear so your doctor can examine your skin properly, including areas you cannot easily see yourself, such as your back and scalp. Your GP uses a dermatoscope, a magnifying device with a light, to look closely at any spots or moles of interest. A full check usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
When To Book a Skin Check
- Something has changed: a spot or mole has changed in size, shape or colour
- A spot is bothering you: a spot that itches, bleeds, or does not heal
- You are higher risk: you have had a skin cancer before, or someone in your family has
- Sun exposure: you work outdoors, or you have had significant sun exposure over your life
- Skin type: you have fair skin, many moles, or you burn easily
How Often Should You Have One?
How often you need a skin check depends on your risk. Many adults have one every one to two years, while people who have had a skin cancer before, or who have a strong family history, are often checked more frequently. Your GP will advise what is right for you after your first check.
What Happens If Something Is Found
If your GP finds a spot that needs a closer look, they will explain what they have seen and talk through the options with you. That may mean monitoring it and checking again in a few months, taking a small sample for testing, or removing it. Many of these procedures can be carried out here at Kilcoy Medical Centre rather than requiring a referral elsewhere.
Checking Your Own Skin Between Visits
Knowing your own skin is the most useful thing you can do between appointments. Look over your skin every few months in good light, using a mirror or asking someone to check your back. You are looking for anything new, anything that has changed, and anything that looks different from the spots around it. If something concerns you, book an appointment rather than waiting for your next routine check.
Booking a Skin Check
Skin checks at Kilcoy Medical Centre are by appointment, and it helps to mention when you book that you would like a full skin check so enough time is set aside. Call (07) 5497 1076 to arrange one. Standard consultations are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders, though some skin procedures may attract a private fee, and our reception team will let you know before you go ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often you should have a skin check depends on your risk. Many adults have one every one to two years, while people who have had a skin cancer before, have a strong family history, or work outdoors are often checked more often. Your GP will recommend a schedule after your first check.
During a skin check your GP examines your skin from head to toe, including areas that are hard to see yourself. You will be asked to undress to your underwear, and your doctor will use a magnifying device to look closely at any spots of concern. A full check usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
A standard skin check consultation is bulk billed at Kilcoy Medical Centre for eligible Medicare cardholders. Some procedures, such as removing a lesion, may attract a private fee. Our reception team will always tell you the cost before anything goes ahead.
No, you do not need a referral for a skin check. You can book directly with a GP at Kilcoy Medical Centre by calling (07) 5497 1076. Mention that you would like a full skin check so we can allow enough time.
Between skin checks, look for anything new, anything that has changed in size, shape or colour, and anything that looks different from the spots around it. Spots that itch, bleed or fail to heal are also worth having looked at. If something concerns you, book an appointment rather than waiting.
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