All consultations and procedures at Harpley Doctors in Werribee are bulk billed. This guide explains what each visit covers, and what Cancer Council Australia says about who needs regular checks. It also covers what to do about a single spot that is worrying you.
Key Takeaways
- Cancer Council Australia does not recommend population screening for skin cancer.
- People at higher risk may benefit from regular clinical skin checks.
- Everyone should know their own skin and see a doctor about new or changing spots.
Is a skin check bulk billed at Harpley Doctors?
Yes. Two different appointments are easy to confuse, so it helps to know which one you are booking.
- A standard consultation is the right appointment to have a GP look at a spot you are worried about, or to talk about your skin cancer risk.
Services Australia explains that bulk billing means the doctor bills Medicare directly and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment. Our guide to what bulk billing covers explains that all consultations and procedures are bulk billed, with more information on our patient info and fees page. If you are unsure which appointment you need, ask reception when you book.
What the full skin check with photography involves
A full skin check is a clinical examination of your skin by a doctor, aimed at finding skin cancers early. According to Cancer Council Australia’s position on early detection of skin cancer, total body photography is an additional aid used particularly for people at high risk of melanoma, such as those with many moles or unusual moles. The same page notes that melanomas found by doctors tend to be thinner, and thinner melanomas have a better outlook.
Your GP will explain what the examination involves before it starts. You can read more about the service on our skin checks in Werribee page.
Not sure whether you need a full skin check or a standard consultation? Call reception and we will help you book the right appointment.
Do you need a full skin check?
Skin cancer is common here. Cancer Council Australia’s guide to skin cancer risks states that about 2 out of 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. Even so, Cancer Council does not recommend population screening, because there is not enough high-level evidence that screening everyone reduces deaths from melanoma.
Instead, it recommends different approaches for different levels of risk. People at increased or high risk include those with:
- fair skin that burns rather than tans, freckles, light eyes, or light or red hair
- a larger number of unusual moles
- a weakened immune system
- a parent, brother, sister or child who has had melanoma
- a previous melanoma or other skin cancer
For people at higher risk, Cancer Council reports the RACGP recommendation of a clinical skin examination every 6 to 12 months, with or without photography. Those at high risk of melanoma are advised to have 6-monthly full skin examinations supported by total body photography. Everyone else is encouraged to check their own skin and see a doctor about anything new or changing. Our guide to skin check timing covers how often in more detail, and your GP can tell you which group you fall into.
When one spot is worrying you
You do not need a full skin check to have a single spot looked at. Cancer Council recommends seeing your doctor if you notice a new spot, or a change in the size, shape or colour of an existing one. A standard consultation covers that assessment.
When you check your own skin, use good light and a mirror, or ask someone to look at areas you cannot see, such as your back, scalp and the back of your neck. Our guide to mole changes walks through the signs to watch for.
If a spot needs to be removed or tested, your GP will explain the options first. Two of our doctors list skin procedures among their interests: Dr Reda Aboelsaad lists skin lesion removal and minor surgical procedures, and Dr Khalida Batool lists dermatology, cyst removal and cryotherapy. You can read about all of our GPs on our team page and about minor skin procedures at the clinic.
Booking at Harpley Doctors
You can book online through HealthEngine or call (03) 8731 1330, and walk-ins are welcome. When you book, say whether you want a full skin check with photography or a standard consultation about a particular spot. We are at T20, 1 Hindson Street, Werribee, in Harpley Town Centre, and open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 9 am to 5 pm and public holidays 10 am to 3 pm.
New patients can fill in the new patient registration form before the visit, and should bring photo ID and a valid Medicare card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the full skin check bulk billed?
Yes. Full skin checks with photography are bulk billed, like all consultations and procedures.
Can a GP look at one spot without a full skin check?
Yes. A standard consultation is the right appointment for a single new or changing spot, and it is bulk billed. If your GP thinks a fuller check or a procedure would help, they will explain why before going ahead.
Is there a national skin cancer screening program?
No. Australia has no formal population screening program for melanoma, and Cancer Council Australia does not recommend one. It recommends regular checks for people at higher risk, and self-checks for everyone else.
Can I use a phone app to check my moles instead?
Cancer Council Australia does not recommend smartphone apps for diagnosing skin cancer yourself. Research has found them generally inaccurate, and they should not replace an examination by a doctor.
Noticed a new or changing spot? Book a bulk-billed standard consultation at Harpley Doctors in Werribee, online through HealthEngine or by phone.