Diagnosis, Treatments, Facilities and Costs

 

Diagnosis

The most important aspect of any skin cancer examination is a thorough inspection of the skin. The length of the examination is partially dependent on the number of moles or skin lesions the patient has.  An examination with Dr Wassall typically takes between 15 and 20 minutes with more complicated examinations taking about half an hour.

A technique known as dermoscopy is used to assist in the diagnosis of skin cancer and melanoma. This involves putting oil or alcohol on the surface of the skin and then looking through a hand-held device. The oil reduces surface reflection and allows visualisation of deeper structures in the skin.  In expert hands, this improves the diagnostic accuracy of melanomas as well as reducing the number of unnecessary excisions.

 

Dr Wassall has had extensive postgraduate training in dermoscopy. Furthermore, Dr Wassall uses two different types of dermatoscopes (polarised and contact) during a skin examination which allows greater accuracy in diagnosis . This technique is now generally regarded by experts as the gold standard in melanoma diagnosis.

Dr Wassall has a strong interest in digital monitoring of pigmented skin lesions and moles. His present system is to use a high resolution digital SLR camera attached to a dermatoscope to take photographs of individual lesions. This produces photos with high levels of image detail and clarity. These photos are stored on a computer to allow monitoring for changes. Dr Wassall also uses studio quality total body photography for identification of new or changing moles.

Treatments Offered

Dr Wassall has experience and post graduate University training in all areas of skin cancer management. This includes:

Dr Wassall believes in tailoring a treatment for each patient based on the medical diagnosis and patient preferences. If he believes a problem is best managed by another modality then he will refer you to an appropriately qualified practitioner.

Although the majority of surgical cases can be managed by Dr Wassall, some cancers are best managed by a specialist surgeon. Dr Wassall is able to advise and refer to appropriately skilled surgeons based on the requirements of each patient.

Services, Facilities and Costs

Dr Wassall provides a high quality, ethical and professional service.  Our clinic model is not based on surgically removing moles or other lesions unnecessarily.  We will always act with the best interests of the patient in mind. 

The equipment, services and facilities available include:

• Dedicated operating theatre for surgical procedures.
• Registered Nurse support. She is available to assist during operations as well as provide dressings, suture removal, advice and education. 
• High quality surgical materials. All surgical instruments are autoclaved and sterilised in compliance with Australian standards.
• Dr Wassall uses surgical techniques commonly utilised by plastic surgeons. This includes wound repair using a combination of high quality dissolving internal sutures and skin sutures.  This technique assures the best chance of good cosmetic outcomes by minimising the amount of wound stretch.  He is also able to perform skin flap surgery for many facial skin cancers when required.
• Photodynamic therapy for field treatment of actinic keratosis (sunspots) and treatment of surface skin cancers.  This technique gives excellent cosmetic results and is now considered the optimal treatment modality for many skin cancers.
• High quality dressings. The appropriate dressing can minimise the risk of complications, improve scarring and speed up healing.
• Highest quality diagnostic and treatment equipment.
• Studio quality Total Body Photography.
• Personalised follow up of all abnormal pathology results.
• Recalls and reminders for routine skin cancer checks or follow up of specific problems.

The fee structure has been designed to allow Dr Wassall to offer a high quality, ethical, professional service whilst being mindful of out of pocket expenses.  Skin Integrity is not a bulk billing practice. Fees charged vary depending on the complexity and time required for the examination or treatment. Concession Fee applies for existing patients that are either pensioners, concession card holders or under 16 years old.  DVA patients are bulk-billed.

Existing Patients

	Fee	Medicare Rebate	Out of Pocket Expense
Full Skin Examination (less than 20 minutes)	$90.00	$35.60	$54.40
Concession Fee Full Skin Examination (less than 20 minutes)	$75.00	$35.60	$29.40
Full Skin Examination (more than 20 minutes)	$135.00	$69.00	$66.00
Concession Fee Full Skin Examination (more than 20 minutes)	$110.00	$69.00	$41.00

New Patients

Dr Wassall is currently accepting a limited number of new skin cancer patients.  Discounts will not be available for pensioners, concession card holders or children under 16.  Fees are the same as those outlined above.  The majority of new patients will require a full history and examination which generally takes at least 20 minutes.

Skin Integrity is currently attempting to recruit a new, appropriately qualified skin cancer doctor.  We are hopeful that a new doctor will help with the demand for skin cancer examinations from new patients.  We are currently taking details from patients that would like to be placed on the waiting list.

Procedure Costs

Procedures such as biopsies, cryotherapy or curettage performed during the skin examination are bulk-billed.

All procedures requiring total surgical removal of a lesion will be performed in the operating theatre.  A separate appointment will be required for these procedures.  Generally a payment of $150 will be required on the day of procedures performed in the operating theatre.  This fee is usually $100 for concession card holders.  Higher fees may apply for more complicated and time consuming procedures with a maximum charge of $250.  The rest of the procedure cost is covered by Medicare.  The cost includes suture removal and the cost of all dressings required for normal aftercare.  The cost of examination of the pathology specimen is covered by Medicare.