Many people who search for a dermatologist in Launceston actually want a skin check or a mole looked at. In Australia most skin checks, biopsies and skin cancer removals are done by doctors who have completed additional training in skin cancer medicine. Dermatologists are specialists who take referrals for complex, severe or unusual skin disease. This page explains the difference so you can book the right appointment.
What a Skin Cancer Doctor Does
- Full-body skin checks using a dermatoscope
- Monitoring of moles and other lesions over time, with photographs where useful
- Skin biopsies and removal of skin cancers under local anaesthetic, in the clinic
- Management of common skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne
- No referral needed; Medicare rebates apply to the consultation and to most procedures
- Appointments are usually available within days
What a Dermatologist Does
- A specialist medical practitioner with several further years of training and Fellowship of the Australasian College of Dermatologists
- Manages severe or complex skin disease, rare conditions and skin problems that have not responded to usual treatment
- Provides some specialised procedures and treatments that are not available in general practice
- A referral from your doctor is needed to claim a Medicare rebate, and waiting times vary
What It Costs
- Full-body skin check: billed as a standard consultation, $156 with a Medicare rebate of $45.05, so you pay $110.95 on the day ($136 and $90.95 at the discount rate for pension and health care card holders and patients aged 80 and over)
- Biopsies and excisions: quoted before they are done and attract their own Medicare rebates; specialist dermatology fees are set by each specialist
When We Refer You On
The doctors who consult from Launceston Skin Clinic refer to a dermatologist or a surgeon when that is the right next step. Referral is part of the service, not a separate appointment. Common reasons include:
- Melanoma or other skin cancers that need specialist management
- Lesions in difficult sites, or severe inflammatory skin disease that may need specialist-prescribed treatment
- A diagnosis that is not clear after biopsy, or a second opinion you would like to have
How to Book
Book online through HotDoc or call 03 6351 5610. For your appointment, please bring:
- Your Medicare card and any concession card
- A list of your current medications
- Photos of any spots you have been watching, if you have them
If you are unsure whether you need a skin cancer doctor or a dermatologist, book a skin check: the doctor can assess the problem and arrange a referral if one is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a skin cancer doctor a dermatologist?
No. The doctors at Launceston Skin Clinic are doctors with additional qualifications in skin cancer medicine and surgery. They are not specialist dermatologists, and they refer to one when specialist care is needed.
Do I need a referral for a skin check?
No. Anyone can book a skin check directly. A referral is only needed to see a dermatologist with a Medicare rebate.
Can a skin cancer doctor check a mole?
Yes. A doctor with skin cancer training examines moles with a dermatoscope and can biopsy or remove a suspicious spot in the clinic.
What happens if something suspicious is found?
Usually a biopsy or removal under local anaesthetic at the clinic, with the sample sent to a pathology laboratory. The doctor tells you when to expect the result and what the next steps would be.