Bulk-billed skin checks in Werribee. Harpley Doctors provides comprehensive full-body skin examinations using dermoscopy and mole mapping to detect skin cancer early. No referral required, no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Medicare patients, and same-day appointments are usually available 7 days a week. Located at Harpley Town Centre, 110 Sergeant St, Werribee.
Why a yearly skin check matters in Werribee
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70. Werribee’s outdoor lifestyle and high-UV climate makes annual skin checks one of the simplest, highest-impact preventive health things you can do — and they’re bulk billed at Harpley Doctors.
The good news: when caught early, skin cancers including melanoma have a five-year survival rate above 99%. The single most important determinant of outcome is how early it’s found.
What is a full-body skin check?
A full-body skin check is a 15-20 minute GP examination of all areas of your skin — including the scalp, behind the ears, between toes, soles of feet, and other often-missed areas. Your Harpley GP uses a dermoscope (a special magnifying tool with polarised light) to examine moles and lesions in detail and photograph anything that needs monitoring.
What happens at your appointment
- Brief history — your GP asks about sun exposure, family history of skin cancer, and any moles you’ve noticed changing
- Full-body examination — methodical check from scalp to feet using a dermoscope
- Photograph & map — suspicious lesions are photographed and measured for the medical record
- Plan — your GP will either reassure you, schedule a follow-up review, perform a same-day biopsy under local anaesthetic, or refer you for excision
- Aftercare — sun-protection advice, frequency of follow-up, and what to look for between visits
Bulk billing & what it costs
The annual skin check itself is bulk billed for all all patients with a valid Medicare card at Harpley Doctors — no out-of-pocket cost. If a biopsy or lesion removal is needed, those procedures attract a small private fee under the relevant MBS item, and we will always tell you the cost in advance.
How often should I have a skin check?
- Most adults: at least once per year
- Fair skin / blue eyes / red or blonde hair: every 6-12 months
- Family history of melanoma: every 6 months
- Significant sun damage / many moles (>100): every 6 months
- History of skin cancer: every 3-6 months as advised by your GP
- Children: not routine, but examine any new or changing mole
The ABCDE rule — what to look for between visits
Use the ABCDE rule to monitor moles between checks. See your GP urgently if you notice any of these:
- A — Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other
- B — Border: irregular, scalloped or poorly defined
- C — Colour: more than one colour, or changing colour
- D — Diameter: larger than 6mm (about a pencil eraser)
- E — Evolving: changing in size, shape, colour or symptoms (itching, bleeding)
Skin checks for kids and teenagers
Routine annual checks aren’t usually required for children. However any new or rapidly changing mole, ulcer that won’t heal, or unusual lesion in a child or teenager should be reviewed by a GP — bring them in any time. Teenagers with red or blonde hair, fair skin, or significant sunburn history should consider an annual check from age 15.
What to wear and how to prepare
- Wear loose, easily-removed clothing
- Remove nail polish and makeup so your GP can see your skin clearly
- Bring photos if a mole has changed (your phone is fine)
- No fasting or special preparation needed
Sun safety in Werribee
Werribee gets among the highest UV indices in metropolitan Melbourne. Even on cloudy days, UV reaches the skin. Use the standard Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide approach: SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen reapplied every 2 hours, hats, shade between 10am and 4pm, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No. Skin checks at Harpley Doctors are performed by your GP under a standard Medicare consultation — no referral required.
Are female GPs available for skin checks?
Yes. Multiple female GPs are available daily — request one when you book online or by phone.
Can lesions be removed at the same visit?
Yes. If a lesion needs biopsy or excision, your GP can perform it during the same visit under local anaesthetic. Allow up to 45 minutes for combined examination + procedure.
Where do biopsy results go?
Samples are sent to our partnered pathology lab. Results return through your GP within 5-7 business days, and your GP will phone you with the result and any next steps.
Can I see the same GP every year?
Yes — and we recommend it for skin checks. Continuity of care means your GP can compare year-on-year photos and notice subtle changes. Register with MyMedicare to maximise this continuity benefit.
Related reading on our blog:
- Bulk Billing Skin Check Werribee: Early Detection at Harpley Doctors
- Bulk Billing GP in Werribee: What’s Covered and How It Works
- Why Preventive Health Checks Are Essential at Every Stage of Life
Harpley Doctors · Harpley Town Centre, 110 Sergeant St, Werribee · (03) 8731 1330 · Open 7 days · Bulk billed