1. How are we different to other skin cancer clinics?

Molechecks Australia has been leading the way in comprehensive skin cancer screening since 1997. On the day of your visit, our highly trained doctors and melanographers use whole body digital photography and Dermoscopy (highly magnified image, looking at the top layer of the skin) to assess every mole / lesion on the skin for abnormal features.  Stored lesions are sequentially monitored to detect early skin cancers.  Over 550 melanomas have been diagnosed.

Molechecks and Bedford Day Surgery have partnered to provide theatre procedures Monday to Friday.  Same day theatre appointments may be available.

2. What happens at the initial appointment?

One of our friendly melanographers will perform whole body digital macro photography and a full-body screening, with a dermoscope, of every lesion on your body. The melanographer will analyse each mole / lesion on your body and store images of any dysplastic or abnormal moles that we will need to watch over time. The visit is painless and takes approximately 1 hour. The doctor will come through at the end of the appointment and assess your images.

3. Do I need to book in for a whole body screening if I am only concerned about 1 or 2 moles?

No – If you have only 1 or 2 moles or an area (i.e. your back) that you are concerned about, we also have shorter appointments available. Please note that most of melanoma’s we find are moles that the patient was not concerned about and were found with our comprehensive screening.

4. Is a referral necessary?

No referral is required, for your initial appointment.

5. What is the screening process?

Whole body photography with Dermoscopy assessment of each mole / lesion on your body. One of our highly trained doctors review all of your images at your appointment and makes recommendations as to further treatment or reviews that are needed. After a 3-6 month period, we will review the stored images with sequential monitoring.

6. How much is a whole body screening?

The fee for an initial whole body screening is $250, plus a doctor’s fee. The doctor’s fee is covered by Medicare rebate. All Molechecks visits within 12 months of the date of the initial screening are bulk billed. Please note: the fee might increase or decrease at your next whole body screening depending on the number of moles to be mapped.

7. Is the doctor on site?

Yes, the doctor will consult at the end of the appointment and assess your images and discuss the next steps.

8. What happens at a follow up appointment?

After a 3-6 month period we will review the stored images with sequential monitoring. We will compare your images with great detail and are able to determine change within 1/50 of a mm.

9. What should I wear?

Minimal or no makeup is preferred but it’s ok to wear deodorant and moisturiser.

10. Is it 100% accurate?

No screening is 100% accurate. With eyes alone, doctors can diagnose 40% if melanomas. With dermoscopy, it is in excess of 90-95%. With dermoscopy and image capture / comparison, exactly as we use at Molechecks Australia, it is close to 100%.

11. Is oil used?

No, a dermoscope camera does not require messy oils. The camera uses a polarised light to see under the surface layer of the skin.

12. What if something needs removing?

We have an accredited day surgery and bookings can be made with us on site. Skilled surgeons provide theatre procedures Monday – Friday.  Same day appointments available.  Bedford Day Surgery is a licensed private day procedure centre and is accredited to AS/NZS ISO 9001:2016 and NSQHSS 2012.

Alternatively we are happy to refer you to a provider of your choice.

13. What is the process for theatre?

A booking and referral will be made in the day surgery at a convenient time for you. We put great emphasis on our patient care and comfort at all times.

14. Is Molechecks screening claimable through private health cover ?

Some private health insurances cover our service. There is no item number available. Check with your health insurance policy or call your health insurance provider to determine whether they will cover the cost of the procedure. When calling quote “comprehensive skin cancer screening” to check if cover is available.