Skin Cancer Checks
Thorough skin cancer checks with selected independent GPs consulting from Kiama Downs Medical Practice.
If you have noticed a changing mole, a spot that will not heal, or you are due for a routine skin examination, skin cancer checks are currently available with selected independent GPs consulting from Kiama Downs Medical Practice.
Patients commonly attend from Kiama, Minnamurra, Shell Cove, Shellharbour, Gerringong, Gerroa, Jamberoo, Berry, Calderwood, Tullimbar, Albion Park and surrounding Illawarra and South Coast communities.
To book, click the button below and select "Skin Check" as the appointment type so your GP can allow enough time.
Skin checks are provided independently by selected GPs consulting from Kiama Downs Medical Practice. Appointment availability, fees and clinical management vary between doctors.
Important information. Skin cancer checks described on this page are currently provided by selected independent General Practitioners consulting from Kiama Downs Medical Practice.
Each GP provides medical services independently and determines their own appointment availability, consultation style, fees and clinical management.
Please refer to each GP's profile or booking page before booking.
Book a skin check
Skin cancer checks are currently available with the following independent GPs consulting from Kiama Downs Medical Practice:
Dr Tom Hilliar
Dr Tom Hilliar has an interest in skin cancer medicine, skin cancer surgery and dermatology. He offers skin cancer checks and selected skin procedures, along with broader general practice care for children, adolescents and adults.
Dr Chris Scott
Dr Chris Scott offers skin checks and minor skin procedures. He is a Fellow of the RACGP and has a background in medical research, general medicine, men's health, paediatrics, mental health and preventive health.
Dr Lynsey McKinstry
Dr Lynsey McKinstry has a particular interest in skin cancer management and excisions. She also offers women's health services, including IUD/Mirena and Implanon insertions.
To book, click the button below and select "Skin Check" as the appointment type so your GP can allow enough time.
Each GP provides medical services independently and determines their own appointment availability, fees, consultation style and clinical management. Please read each GP's profile before booking.
If you are unsure which appointment to book, please contact reception. Reception can help with appointment types and availability, but cannot provide medical advice.
Thorough skin checks, not rushed skin checks
A proper skin cancer check takes time.
Skin checks are commonly booked as longer appointments so the GP has time to ask about your personal risk factors, sun exposure, previous skin cancers, family history, medications and any spots that are worrying you.
Your GP may examine your skin carefully and methodically, including areas that are easy to miss, while respecting your comfort and preferences.
The aim is to provide a careful skin assessment, clear explanations and an appropriate plan if any concerning lesions are found.
What happens during a skin check?
During a skin check, your GP may ask about:
- previous skin cancers
- family history of melanoma
- sun exposure
- outdoor work or hobbies
- medications or immune suppression
- changing moles or spots
- lesions that bleed, itch, crust or do not heal.
Your GP may then examine your skin and use dermoscopy where appropriate to look more closely at moles, sun spots and suspicious lesions.
If a mole, lump or changing spot looks concerning, your GP will discuss the next step. This may include monitoring, photography, dermoscopic review, biopsy, excision, referral or follow-up.
Skin cancer checks and skin procedures
Selected independent GPs consulting from Kiama Downs Medical Practice currently provide skin cancer checks, skin cancer procedures, minor surgery and general skin assessments.
Some suspicious lesions can be biopsied or removed in general practice. Other lesions may need referral, depending on their appearance, location and level of concern.
Your GP will explain the options and help you understand the recommended next step.
Common skin conditions
Skin appointments are not only for skin cancer.
GPs commonly assess and manage skin concerns such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, rashes, acne, rosacea, warts, skin tags, fungal infections, allergic skin conditions and sun-damaged skin.
Patients attend from across the Illawarra and South Coast
Patients commonly attend skin appointments at Kiama Downs Medical Practice from Kiama, Minnamurra, Shell Cove, Shellharbour, Gerringong, Gerroa, Jamberoo, Berry, Albion Park, Calderwood, Tullimbar and surrounding areas.
Some patients choose to travel because they are looking for a careful, detailed skin check rather than the fastest or cheapest possible appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a skin check take?
Many full skin cancer checks are booked as approximately 30-minute appointments, although individual GPs determine their own consultation length and availability.
Do GPs use dermoscopy?
Many GPs performing skin checks use dermoscopy to examine moles, sun spots and suspicious skin lesions more closely.
Can suspicious spots be removed?
Some biopsies and skin cancer procedures can be performed in general practice. Your GP will explain whether monitoring, biopsy, excision, referral or follow-up is most appropriate.
Do I need a referral?
No. Patients can usually book directly with a GP who provides skin checks.
Do you see patients from Shellharbour, Gerringong or Berry?
Yes. Patients commonly attend from Kiama, Shell Cove, Shellharbour, Gerringong, Gerroa, Jamberoo, Berry, Albion Park, Calderwood, Tullimbar and nearby South Coast communities.
Should I book urgently for a changing mole?
A mole or spot that is changing in size, shape or colour, bleeding, crusting, not healing or looking different from your other moles should be assessed promptly by a GP.
Want to learn more?
Choosing the right GP for a skin cancer check is an important decision.
We are preparing a detailed Health Guide explaining what happens during a skin cancer check, what dermoscopy is, how often skin checks may be recommended and what to look for when choosing a GP.
For more about our doctors and services, see our team, services and appointments pages.
This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Medical services are provided independently by the individual GPs consulting from Kiama Downs Medical Practice.