Tasmania has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and most skin cancers are curable when they are found early. Full-body skin checks at 24 Wellington Street are done by doctors with additional training in skin cancer medicine and surgery.
What a skin check involves
A full skin check takes 20 to 30 minutes. The doctor examines your skin from scalp to feet using a dermatoscope, photographs and records anything worth watching, and tells you what they find as they go. If something needs a biopsy it can usually be done on the same visit, and the pathology is sent that day.
Wear something easy to change out of, come without makeup or nail polish if you can, and point out anything you have noticed yourself – patients usually spot their own changes first.
What we can help with
- Full-body skin checks with dermoscopy
- Checking a specific spot you are worried about
- Monitoring moles over time, with photographs
- Skin biopsies
- Removal of skin cancers, and cryotherapy for sun spots
- Advice on sun protection and self-examination
- Referral to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon where that is the better option
Booking a skin check
Skin checks at Health Nexus are provided through Launceston Skin Clinic, which operates from the same building at 24 Wellington Street. You can book a skin check there, or phone (03) 6351 5610.
The doctors
Skin checks are done by these doctors:
- Dr Tille – skin checks, skin cancer medicine and surgery; 14 years in Tasmania
- Dr Jeff Lifshen – skin checks, skin cancer detection and management
- Dr Ishita Banerjee – skin checks
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 a skin check?
A skin check consultation attracts a Medicare rebate; a gap usually applies. Procedures such as biopsies and excisions are billed as a consultation plus the procedure item, and you are quoted beforehand.
How often should I have a skin check?
For most adults in Tasmania, once a year. More often if you have had a skin cancer before, have many moles, or have a family history – your doctor will tell you the right interval for you.
Can a GP remove a skin cancer?
Yes. Doctors with additional training in skin cancer medicine and surgery diagnose and remove skin cancers, and refer to a specialist when the site or the type calls for one.
Do I need a referral?
No. Book a skin check directly.
Will I get the results on the day?
The examination findings, yes. Pathology from a biopsy usually takes a few days and the practice will contact you.
