Procedures done here in the treatment room under local anaesthetic, so you do not need a hospital or a long wait. Most start with an ordinary consultation, where the doctor assesses the problem, explains the options and quotes the cost before anything is booked.
Procedures available
- Skin lesion and lipoma excision
- Skin biopsies, with pathology sent the same day
- Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) for sun spots, warts and other surface lesions
- Ingrown toenail procedures
- Joint and soft-tissue injections
- Suturing of cuts and wounds, and suture removal
- Ear syringing
- Contraceptive implant insertion and removal
- Wound review and dressings afterwards
How it works
Book a consultation first. The doctor will examine the area, tell you whether the procedure is the right thing, explain what it involves and what the recovery is like, complete the consent, and give you the cost before you commit. The procedure is then booked as its own appointment with enough time set aside.
Skin lesions are best assessed by the doctors who do skin cancer medicine – see skin cancer checks. Most of the other procedures can be done by any of the doctors who work from Health Nexus.
Fees
Procedures are billed as the consultation plus the procedure item. Many procedure items attract a Medicare rebate, but not all of the cost is covered, so there may be an out-of-pocket amount. You will be told the figure before the procedure is booked, not after it is done.
The doctors
Minor procedures are done by the doctors who work from Health Nexus. For skin lesions we suggest the skin cancer doctors:
- Dr Tille – skin lesion excision, biopsies, skin cancer surgery
- Dr Jeff Lifshen – skin lesion excision, biopsies, skin cancer medicine
- Dr Nadia Khan – contraceptive implants, wound care, procedural skills
- Dr Asim Razak – joint injections, wound care
Fees and Medicare
Health Nexus Launceston is a mixed-billing practice. Children aged 12 and under are bulk billed whenever the practice is open, including evenings and weekends. Pension card holders over 65 and DVA Gold Card holders are bulk billed on weekdays between 8am and 5pm. Everyone else pays the consultation fee with the Medicare rebate claimed on the spot. The current fees are on the fees and bulk billing page.
The practice is open 8am–8pm Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm Saturday and 9am–5pm Sunday, every day of the year, and on every public holiday at the standard hours for that day.
Common questions
Does Medicare cover minor surgery?
Many procedure items attract a Medicare rebate, but the rebate rarely covers the whole cost. You will be quoted the out-of-pocket amount at the consultation before anything is booked.
Do I need a referral?
No. Book a GP consultation and the doctor will assess whether the procedure is appropriate.
Can a GP remove a skin cancer?
Yes. The doctors here who work in skin cancer medicine assess, biopsy and excise skin cancers, and refer on where a specialist is the better option.
How long does a procedure take?
Most take 20 to 40 minutes including preparation and dressing. You will be told when you book.
Who takes the stitches out?
Either a doctor or the practice nursing team, here at the practice, at the interval your doctor sets.
