Your Dermatologist Appointment
At Melbourne Skin & Dermatology, we understand the importance of healthy skin and are committed to providing comprehensive and personalised care for all your dermatological needs. Our highly qualified visiting dermatologists are dedicated to delivering exceptional care to ensure you achieve optimal skin health. To help you make the most of your appointment, we have prepared a guide on how to best prepare for your dermatology visit, what to expect during your time with us, and an overview of the consultation process.
Preparing for your Appointment
Before your appointment, it is essential that you complete your registration form. This form will be sent to you at the time of confirming your appointment. This form allows us to gather information about your medical history, including previous skin conditions and treatments, as well as any allergies or medications you are currently taking. This information will help our dermatologists better understand your skin concerns and provide the most appropriate care. It is important that we receive this form prior to your appointment to ensure your consultation runs smoothly.
Please note that only one problem can be attended to per consultation/visit. This ensures that our dermatologists can give full attention to your specific issue and maintain timely appointments for all patients.
Understanding the Diagnostic and Treatment Process
While most skin problems can be easily diagnosed and treated by our experienced dermatologists, there may be instances where a diagnosis is not immediately apparent. Such cases are uncommon, however in these cases, multiple visits may be required, and tried treatments may not produce the desired results. In some situations, diagnostic tests, such as a skin biopsy, may be required to establish or confirm a suspected diagnosis.
In certain instances, our dermatologists may determine that your skin concern requires the expertise of another specialist. An example of this is receiving a referral to see a plastic surgeon for complicated skin cancers. In such cases, we will provide a referral to ensure you receive the most appropriate and comprehensive care possible.
It’s important to note that patients are paying for the time and expertise of our dermatologists, not a guarantee of a successful treatment outcome. While our dermatologists strive to provide the most effective care, each patient’s skin condition and response to treatment can vary, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The Dermatology Appointment Process
Upon arrival at our clinic, you will be greeted by our friendly reception staff who will confirm your details and guide you through the necessary paperwork. Once completed, you will be escorted to the consultation room where you will meet your dermatologist.
The dermatologist will begin by taking a medical history and discussing your skin concerns. They will then perform a physical examination of your skin, utilising advanced diagnostic tools and techniques as needed, including skin biopsies when required. Based on their findings, your dermatologist will discuss potential diagnoses, treatment options, and any necessary follow-up appointments or referrals.
To make the most of your appointment and help our dermatologists provide the best possible care, please follow these guidelines:
- Arrive on time to ensure that you have enough time to discuss your concerns and receive the appropriate attention.
- Bring any relevant medical records, including results of previous tests or treatments, to help our dermatologists better understand your skin concerns.
- Be open and honest about your medical history and any concerns you may have, as this will help our dermatologists tailor their approach to your individual needs.
Ensuring an Exceptional Experience
At Melbourne Skin & Dermatology, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for your skin health. By preparing for your appointment, understanding the diagnostic and treatment process, and actively participating in the consultation, you can help ensure a positive and productive experience. We look forward to partnering with you on your journey to healthier, happier skin.
Medical Fees
Please note that Melbourne Skin & Dermatology is a private clinic.
Unfortunately, Medicare rebates have not kept up with the increasing costs of running a private medical practice. This means there is always a gap to pay.
This gap may be significant to you in your financial circumstances, so please read the information below carefully.
Sustaining a modern and progressive specialist medical practice comes with significant costs. We ensure the highest standards in service and refrain from making cost-cutting decisions at the expense of patient safety, high quality equipment, training and expertise. To remain viable under such principles, we are unable to bulk-bill or provide a discounted service.
2023 Consultation Fees
For a standard initial consultation of 15 minutes or less, you can expect to pay anywhere from $257 to $277 out of pocket (when you have a valid referral to claim a Medicare rebate).
Fees for a subsequent visit vary depending on the type of appointment. This can range anywhere from $90 to $250 out of pocket.
2023 Procedure Fees
All procedures including skin biopsies carry an additional fee. Some procedures can be undertaken during the initial consultation, whilst others will need to be booked on a separate occasion.
Procedure fees vary, taking into account staffing and equipment requirements as well as technical complexity of the procedure.
Typical in-room consultation-associated procedure fees can range from $100 to $300 out of pocket, in addition to the consultation fee. If you are having multiple procedures (ie multiple biopsies), the out-of-pocket cost may exceed $500.
Patients requiring subsequent surgery or other treatments will be notified of costs at the time of booking.
Please note that private health insurance does not cover costs of clinic consultations and procedures. This also applies to many overseas held insurance agreements.
All fees must be paid in full on the day of service.
Patients who are booked for excessive underarm sweating treatments (axillary hyperhidrosis) should visit our hyperhidrosis treatments page for more information.
Failure to Attend and Cancellation Policy
Our Failure to Attend Policy requires patients to attend scheduled appointments or provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Failing to do so will result in a $200 Failure to Attend / Late Cancellation Fee, which must be paid within 7 days, and before booking any subsequent appointments. Patients who have been unable to attend due to illness require to present a medical certificate or a statutory declaration form to avoid failure to attend or cancellation fees. Patients with a history of repeatedly missing appointments may face additional measures. The policy aims to ensure efficient operation, reduce waiting times, and maintain high standards of patient care.
Skin Care & Cosmetic Patients
Patients seeking consultations and services provided by our cosmetic/laser nurse and dermal therapist for skin care consultations, laser treatments, mild acne, mild rosacea and general skin rejuventation can book directly with the practitioner. Please note that a medical or diagnostic service is not provided by our nurses or dermal therapist. If you are uncertain, always seek the opinion of a dermatologist or your GP first.
The fee for a consultation with our dermal therapist or cosmetic/laser nurse is $99. This fee is paid for the time of the practitioner and is not dependent on the outcome of the consultation.