This is a major focus of practice for doctors in our local area given our susceptible population (e.g. fair skin, outdoor recreation and farming). At Gerringong Medical Practice you will find experienced skin cancer doctors who undertake skin checks, biopsies and treatments and have excellent working relationships with dermatological and plastic surgical support if required. Some of them have undertaken additional training and qualifications and can perform advanced surgical techniques e.g. flaps and skin grafts where appropriate.
Whilst most of the GPs at GMP undertake skin checks and some skin cancer treatments, Dr Burgess, Dr Sloan and Dr Kim have additional qualifications in dermoscopy and skin cancer surgery.
Services Provided
Skin Checks
- Dr Mark Burgess, Dr Jacqueline Sloan and Dr Eunjung (Angela) Kim have special interests in dermatology
- We recommend that a full skin check (head to toe) be conducted, but if requested can be limited to the check to areas you are concerned about
- During a full skin check your doctor will check all of your skin except underwear areas. If there is a spot you are concerned about under clothing please let them know
- Your doctor has the use of magnification lamps, dermoscopy and photographic record to assess skin lesions
- If a procedure is required, you will be required to make another appointment
Biopsies
- A range of biopsies including punch, curette and excision are undertaken
- Results are normally known within one week
- Agreed arrangements for conveying the result will be made with you at the time of the biopsy
Cryotherapy
- Your doctor is skilled at the correct use of cryotherapy to treat a range of skin lesions including solar keratoses, seborrhoeic keratoses, benign warts, skin tags and some low grade skin cancers.
Topical Treatments
- Your doctor is experienced in the use of non surgical topical creams for the treatment of some skin lesions. These products can on occasions offer considerable advantage over cryotherapy or surgery.
Excisions / Flaps / Grafts
- A range of surgical techniques based on years of experience and additional training are undertaken.
- These techniques include side to side closure, a range of skin flaps and skin grafts.
Referral
- As GPs with special interests in skin cancer medicine and surgery, your doctor will undertake procedures within their capability. Fortunately a high majority of patients are spared from the need to see a specialist. However, you always have this option if you wish and your doctor will proactively discuss this option, especially if a specialist may be able to offer you some advantages in the treatment of your problem.
- The GPs at GMP have excellent personal and working relationships with local dermatologists and plastic / reconstructive surgeons and can link you with hospital clinics if this is required.
Wound / Ulcer Care
- Your doctor in conjunction with the nurses at GMP will provide care to both post treatment / surgical wounds and traumatic wounds or ulcers.
- Arrangements will be made at the time of your procedure for ongoing wound care and with experienced nurses to assist as well
- There is a range of dressings provided either free of charge or at cost price. You may also bring your own dressings.
Dermatology
- Your doctors are also experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of skin conditions including:
- Rosacea
- Acne
- Eczema and dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Viral warts (including the use of Cantharadin)
- Sebaceous / epidermoid / pilar cysts
- Ingrown toenails
- Tinea and fungal skin conditions
- Scabies
- Rashes
- Where you have a condition that has been difficult to treat your doctor is able to undertake biopsies and other sampling techniques to diagnose your problem
Appointments
Skin Checks
- A standard consultation will be booked for patients under 50 years of age and a longer consultation will be required for all other patients
- Please let our receptionists know if you would like a skin check as it helps them to book you in appropriately
- Procedures are not routinely undertaken on the same day as a skin check other than cryotherapy and occasional punch biopsies
- Please dress lightly, where possible, to improve convenience
Biopsies / Procedures
- There will be an out of pocket cost for all procedures, primarily to cover the cost of equipment, consumables and subsequent wound care. As some of the doctors at Gerringong Medical Practice are independent practitioners, please enquire at reception for an estimate of the out of pocket cost.
- We will make arrangements for wound care and suture removal with you at the time of treatment / surgery. Our nurses will routinely provide this care, with wound review by your GP.
- We encourage you to contact the practice if you have any concerns at all after your procedure.
Cryotherapy
- A fee may be charged in addition to your consultation or procedure fee for cryotherapy.
Wound / Ulcer Care
- Please let our receptionists know if you would like wound or ulcer care as it helps them to book you in appropriately. Our nurses have extensive training and expertise in this field and you will routinely be booked with them and your GP to review the care
- A standard consultation or longer consultation will be booked depending upon the advice of your doctor.
- We have a range of dressings provided either free of charge or at cost price. Specialised dressings are unfortunately expensive items but often are worth the investment as they improve wound care, often reduce the duration of your problem and the number of visits you require for treatment / dressing changes. You may also bring your own dressings and the cost of some is covered for Veterans.
Fees
Further Information
https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/a-to-z-of-skin/
https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer.html