Where to Get a Skin Check or Mole Check in Australia?

Noticing a new or changing mole can be worrying, but getting it checked is straightforward. If you are wondering where to get a skin check in Australia, a GP is a practical place to start. A GP can assess a specific spot or perform a full-body examination and arrange monitoring, biopsy, treatment or specialist referral when required.

Depending on your risk and the complexity of the concern, a skin cancer clinic or dermatologist may also be appropriate. Early detection plays an important role in identifying skin cancer, although no examination can guarantee that every cancer will be found. As Australia has no national population-based skin cancer screening program, it is important to know your skin and seek medical advice about new or changing spots.

This guide explains where to get your skin or moles checked, how different providers compare, when a dermatologist referral may be required and what happens during an appointment. It also covers costs and Medicare rebates.

Why and When Should You Book a Skin Check?

Skin checks help identify suspicious changes that may not be painful or easy to see. Self-checking helps you learn what is normal for your skin, while a doctor can assess difficult-to-see areas and examine concerning spots more closely. Book a skin check if you notice a new, changing or unusual spot rather than monitoring it indefinitely at home.

Common warning signs include a new mole, lump or patch that looks different; a mole changing in size, shape, colour, height or texture; an irregular border or multiple colours within one lesion; an itchy, painful, crusted or inflamed spot; a sore that does not heal or repeatedly returns; bleeding without a clear injury; a red, pale or pearly lump; a persistent thick or scaly patch; an unexplained dark area beneath a nail; or an “ugly duckling” spot that differs from your other moles.

The ABCDE guide covers Asymmetry, irregular Border, uneven Colour, changing Diameter and Evolution. It supports self-checking but cannot diagnose melanoma. Professional checks are based on suspicious changes and individual risk.

Where to Get a Skin Check in Australia

You can get a skin check from a GP, skin cancer clinic or dermatologist. Your choice depends on access, cost, risk and clinical complexity.

GP Clinic

A GP can assess moles, conduct full-body checks, use dermoscopy when trained and equipped, and arrange monitoring, biopsy or treatment within their scope. They can refer you to a dermatologist if specialised care or further investigation is required.

Ask whether the GP regularly performs skin checks, whether you need a longer appointment and whether dermoscopy, photography or minor procedures are available.

Skin Cancer Clinic

A skin cancer clinic focuses on detection and surveillance and may offer biopsies or minor surgery. Many are staffed by GPs with additional training, but the clinic name alone does not describe the clinician’s qualifications or experience.

Ask who performs the examination, whether a full-body check is included and how suspicious findings are managed. Confirm whether photography, biopsy, pathology and follow-up cost extra.

Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a specialist doctor with areas of interest in skin, hair and nail conditions, including skin cancer. They may be appropriate for complex lesions, very high-risk patients, difficult locations or specialised surveillance.

You can book privately without a referral, but a valid referral is generally needed for a Medicare specialist benefit. Public services usually require referral and triage.

GP vs Skin Check Clinic vs Dermatologist

Compare the clinician’s skills, equipment, fees and pathway for suspicious findings, not only the clinic name.

Where Can I Get My Moles Checked?

You can have moles checked by a GP, skin cancer doctor or dermatologist. A cosmetic service, pharmacy scan or phone app does not replace examination by a registered medical practitioner. Cancer Council Australia advises against smartphone apps for self-diagnosis.

Start with a GP if a mole is new, changing, bleeding, itchy or worrying. Bring earlier photographs if they clearly show how it has changed. The doctor can decide whether it needs monitoring, biopsy, removal or referral. Seeking review does not mean it is cancerous.

When Is a Dermatologist Referral Needed?

A GP may refer when a lesion is difficult to assess, or its location, size or complexity requires specialist care. Referral may also suit people with many atypical moles, repeated skin cancers, immunosuppression or a strong personal or family history.

A GP referral is generally valid for 12 months from the first specialist consultation, unless another period is stated. It does not guarantee an appointment or no gap.

What Happens During a Skin or Mole Check?

A skin check usually follows five steps, although a single-spot review differs from a full-body examination: history and risk review, where the doctor asks about changes, previous skin cancers, family history, UV exposure, medicines and immune health; consent and preparation, where for a full check you may undress to your underwear and the clinician explains the examination and respects your consent; visual examination, where the doctor checks the concern or examines your skin systematically; closer assessment, where selected lesions may be viewed with a dermatoscope or photographed; and a plan, where the doctor explains whether monitoring, biopsy, treatment or referral is recommended.

Tell reception whether you need a full-body or single-mole check so enough time is booked.

Who Should Have Regular Skin Checks and How Often?

There is no single interval for every Australian. Book promptly for suspicious changes. Otherwise, ask your GP whether routine professional checks suit your risk and check your own skin regularly.

People at increased or high risk can include those with a previous melanoma, BCC or SCC; a first-degree relative with melanoma; many moles or several atypical moles; fair or freckled skin that burns easily; red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes; high UV exposure, outdoor work or repeated sunburn; previous solarium use; sun-damaged skin or multiple sunspots; a weakened immune system; or increasing age combined with other risk factors.

Cancer Council Australia advises clinical examinations every 6–12 months for higher-risk people; those at high risk of melanoma may need six-monthly checks with dermoscopy and photography. Your doctor should personalise the schedule based on your individual risk.

Does Medicare Cover a Skin Check?

Medicare may cover part or all of an eligible GP consultation, but a skin check is not automatically free. Cost depends on the fee, billing policy, eligibility, consultation and procedures. Bulk billing leaves no gap for that eligible consultation; private billing may.

Ask whether photography, biopsy, excision, pathology and follow-up cost extra. Also ask whether payment is required on the day and what rebate is expected. Private dermatologists set their fees, and a valid referral is generally required for a Medicare specialist benefit. Confirm current costs with each provider before attending.

What Happens If an Abnormal Mole Is Found?

An abnormal mole is not automatically cancer. Your doctor may photograph it for monitoring, biopsy or remove it, or refer you. Laboratory examination of sampled tissue is needed to confirm many skin cancer diagnoses.

Before biopsy, the clinician explains anaesthetic, wound care, scarring, costs and when results are expected. Ask how the clinic will contact you and whom to call if you have not received the result. Pathology may lead to no further action, wider excision, GP treatment or specialist referral.

How Should You Prepare for the Appointment?

Wear loose, easy-to-remove clothing and avoid applying makeup, fake tan or nail polish to areas that need examination. Keep long hair loose or easy to move so the clinician can check your scalp.

Before attending, note each spot of concern, when you first noticed it and any changes such as bleeding, itching or pain; bring previous skin-check reports or photographs for comparison; prepare details of previous skin cancers, biopsies and relevant family history; bring an up-to-date list of your medicines; confirm whether a full-body check requires a longer appointment; ask about consultation, procedure and pathology fees; and tell the clinic in advance if you prefer a particular clinician or would like a chaperone.

Book a Skin Check in Charlestown or Kotara

For a changing mole, new spot or non-healing sore, book an assessment rather than waiting for a routine check. A GP can examine it and arrange monitoring, biopsy, treatment or referral when appropriate.

Smith Street Medical offers skin and mole checks at Charlestown and Kotara. Choose your preferred clinic to confirm appointment length, current fees and booking availability, or visit the Smith Street Medical homepage to learn more. No check guarantees an outcome, but early action allows prompt investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions