You’re performing an at-home skin check and spot a suspicious mole or unusual mark on your skin. Maybe that old mole on your arm has changed shape and you're uncertain about your next step?
No doubt you’re wondering where to get a skin check. You might be asking yourself ‘should I visit my GP?’ ‘Should I see a specialist skin doctor?’ Or ‘should I go to a skin cancer detection clinic?’
You’re not alone. Most of us don’t think about these things until we notice something different about our skin. You want to make the right choice to give yourself the best chance at detection, treatment and prevention.
In Australia, the first point of contact is often a general practitioner (GP). If needed, a GP may refer you to a dermatologist. There are also GP-led skin cancer clinics, and clinics that specialise in skin cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment — like MoleMap. To help you make an informed choice, here’s a look at the different options available
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Most people who notice a suspicious spot on their skin will visit their GP. As someone who knows your health history, your GP can discuss your skin cancer risk and your options for ongoing skin checks.
Some small skin cancers may be diagnosed and managed by your GP who are familiar with dealing with these skin health concerns. If a second opinion is needed or you have a skin cancer that requires further treatment, your GP may refer you to a specialist.
Skin cancer and melanoma are common in Australia, so GPs are familiar with dealing with these skin health concerns. They can check your skin and teach you how to do a self-exam at home. (Read our skin check guide to find out how.)
Some small skin cancers may be diagnosed and managed by your GP. In Australia, GPs are considered gatekeepers to specialist services. If a second opinion is needed or you have a skin cancer that requires further treatment, your GP may refer you to a specialist. This includes a dermatologist or a dedicated skin cancer clinic, such as MoleMap.
Visit a dermatologist
Your GP can refer you to a dermatologist for a skin cancer check. You can book a dermatologist appointment without a GP referral, but this won’t generally be covered by Medicare.
With approximately 650 registered dermatologists in Australia, you may face a waiting period. According to the Dermatology Institute of Victoria, as a general guide, dermatologist appointments may have a waiting time of up to four weeks.
Dermatologists specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin, nail, and hair disease. They can provide skin cancer screenings and skin cancer treatment.
As regular skin checks are the cornerstone of skin cancer prevention, your dermatologist may recommend you visit a skin cancer detection clinic like MoleMap for ongoing mole checks.
What's my skin cancer risk?
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Skin cancer clinics are usually run by GPs with a special interest in skin cancer. Some GPs may do additional training, but no formal qualifications are needed to work in a skin cancer clinic.
These types of clinics are likened to one-stop shops, as they offer several services in one place. At a skin cancer clinic, you can get an initial consultation and skin screening as well as a biopsy and mole removal. They are convenient for patients and easy to get an appointment.
Visit a skin cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment clinic
All MoleMap skin cancer clinics are run by melanographers. These are registered nurses with specialised training in the early detection of melanoma and other skin cancer.
All MoleMap skin cancer clinics are run by melanographers, registered nurses with specialised training in the early detection of melanoma and other skin cancers. They will examine your moles thoroughly using a dermatoscope, take images of their internal structure and send digital images of any suspicious moles to a dermatologist for expert diagnosis and reporting.
During your skin check, your moles will be thoroughly examined using a dermatoscope. Your melanographer will take images of the internal structure of your moles. Once the head-to-toe skin check is complete, digital images of any suspicious moles are sent to a dermatologist (via telemedicine) for expert diagnosis and reporting.
But what truly sets MoleMap apart is the advanced technology we’ve pioneered to detect and diagnose early-stage melanoma. In fact, since 1997, we have been the global leaders in scanning and diagnosing melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
This state-of-the-art technology features three main factors to deliver early and more accurate results:
Thorough skin check. A handheld dermatoscope is used to perform a comprehensive head-to-toe skin check. The dermatoscope allows our melanographers to see the intricate structures of your moles and note any suspicious features.
Dermoscopic (subsurface) and clinical imaging. A specially designed MoleMap camera sees into the internal structure of your moles past what the naked eye is capable of. We also take clinical images to see and map where each spot is located on your body.
Total body photography. This captures and creates a complete record of your skin’s surface and the position of each individual mole. It provides a solid baseline for identifying and tracking any future changes in your moles over time.
The benefit of this state-of-the-art technology is more accurate and early diagnosis. It may also and may save you the cost and worry of having unnecessary moles removed.
How do I choose where to get checked for skin cancer?
As you can see, there are various skin check services available to you. To help you choose the one that best suits your needs, consider the following:
You can usually book online for a skin check at a GP-led clinic or a MoleMap skin cancer clinic. In most cases, a GP referral is needed to see a dermatologist. Even where you can book an appointment yourself, a GP referral is required to be eligible for potential Medicare rebates. Wait time to see a specialist can range from months to years.
Training, qualifications, and experience of staff
Consider what expertise and experience the person who will perform your skin check has. All MoleMap melanographers have a health sector background – such as such as registered nurses and allied health professionals. This means they not only have a good understanding of the scientific aspects of the job, but they’re also skilled at putting patients at ease.
Our melanographers have intensive training and complete the Pathway to Melanography Certificate, and several external training development courses. All MoleMap skin checks also include a dermatologist diagnosis so you can rest assured your skin has been checked, and double checked for more accurate results.
Our melanographers have intensive training and complete the Pathway to Melanography Certificate, and several external training development courses. They work under supervision until they finish their training programs and undergo ongoing audit and assessment programs until they are at a level to progress to the Advanced Practice Certificate.
MoleMap skin checks include a dermatologist diagnosis (no referral needed). You can rest assured your skin has been checked, and double checked for more accurate results.
Cost
Some skin checks may be bulk billed, other providers require upfront payment. Find out the cost of the skin check service upfront and don’t forget to enquire about payment options. (At MoleMap you can break the cost down into four interest-free payments).
Some health funds may cover part or all the cost of a skin check at a skin cancer clinic. This may include a mole check. Contact your healthcare provider to find out if skin checks are covered by your policy.
It’s also worthwhile asking about the cost for a biopsy/mole removal, storing photographic images and for follow-up appointments.
Can both diagnosis and treatment be provided?
Discovering you have a suspect or malignant mole can be frightening. The good news is that, when found early, most skin cancers can be successfully treated. Booking with a clinic that also provides skin cancer treatment can mean a quicker journey to a positive outcome.
Skin cancer prevention and ongoing surveillance
Your skin cancer check should include advice on how to protect your skin from cancer. At MoleMap, our melanographers offer advice and education on skin cancer prevention and sun safety. We’ll discuss your individual risk for developing skin cancer and help you to get the most from your DIY skin checks.
At MoleMap, our melanographers offer advice and education on skin cancer prevention and sun safety. We’ll discuss your individual risk for developing skin cancer and help you to get the most from your DIY skin checks.
f you’re at high risk of skin cancer, we recommend having a Full Body MoleMap. This is our most comprehensive mole check service. Alongside a head-to-toe skin exam, it includes baseline images of your moles, ongoing surveillance, and free spot checks for 12 months. If anything on your skin changes, you can spot it early—when it matters most.
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MoleMap specialises in skin cancer detection, diagnosis, proactive monitoring and treatment. Want the best protection against melanoma and other skin cancers? Get your skin and moles checked early and often at a MoleMap skin cancer clinic.
