If you have never had a Mole Screen skin cancer check, make an appointment for an initial check and we can talk to you about how frequent future checks should be for you. The regularity will depend on your risk factors.
Our prices are included here.
It is important to look out for moles, spots, or skin lesions that are new, have changed or are causing discomfort. If you have any concerns, make an appointment with our Mole Screen clinic for a skin cancer check.
You certainly can. We work with General Practitioners across the city, and with your permission, will send your General Practitioner a summary of every appointment we have with you.
Your first appointment will take 30 minutes. Subsequent Mole Screen skin cancer checks will be slightly shorter, once we know you and your skin.
Yes, we encourage you to bring a support person with you, if it would make you more comfortable during your Mole Screen skin check and any consultation.
Most insurance policies cover cryotherapy (removal of lesions with liquid nitrogen) and minor surgery costs, and some may cover the initial screening consultation. It’s best to check with your insurer first to see what is covered under your policy.
Yes, for Southern Cross Health members we offer Easy-Claim on-line invoicing.
Easy-Claim is a convenient way for Southern Cross members to claim for eligible healthcare services at the time of purchase, without completing a claim form. We send an on-line claim on your behalf at the end of your appointment with us, and Southern Cross notifies us immediately if it qualifies, and reimburses Mole Screen directly.
You’ll only pay any remaining contribution you’re responsible for to Mole Screen, that is not covered by your policy.
Depending on your individual insurance policy, modules and any excess, Southern Cross will generally cover:
Dermoscopy/ skin lesion consultations
Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen freeze treatment) of a skin lesion
Mole or skin lesion removal
Diagnostic skin biopsy
Wound care
Mole Mapping (the Total Body Photography optional component) is often NOT covered by Southern Cross (best to check directly with Southern Cross prior to your appointment)
Unfortunately, we need to see you in person, so that we can properly examine your skin.
During your Mole Screen appointment, we will firstly ask you to fill out a questionnaire to determine whether your risk of skin cancer is low, medium or high.
We will then conduct a full body skin cancer check, using advanced dermoscopy, to identify any skin cancers or pre-cancerous skin changes. If you have some lesions that are bothering you, we will look at those first.
For a full body skin cancer check, people need to remove their clothes, except for their underwear. You are most welcome to have a modesty sheet and a nurse or support person with you during the skin check.
One side of the body is checked and then the other. If we detect anything harmful, you may not have to wait to have it removed. We can often remove small skin cancers or lesions as part of your visit. For lesions of greater concern, we might need to do a biopsy to consider what needs to be done. For example, you will need to see a plastic surgeon if the legion is particularly large or melanoma has been detected. You may also want to discuss the diagnosis with your General Practitioner and seek their advice. With your permission, a summary of every appointment at Mole Screen is shared with your General Practitioner.
At the end of your skin cancer check, we will talk to you about your lifestyle and how you can protect your skin in your everyday activities. We’ll also advise you on how often you need to come for a skin check.
Once we have your skin history and the findings from your examination, we use a Melanoma Risk Assessment tool to establish your risk of skin cancer and determine how often you need to have your skin screened. This tool uses validated data from the New Zealand population.
You will be invited back to another appointment, unless it is a particularly large or complicated lesion, when you will be referred to a plastic surgeon.
Yes, mole screens, and if required skin biopsies, are safe in pregnancy and if breastfeeding. Some medical treatment options are avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and you will be advised of suitable management options as needed.
Remove make-up and jewellery, tie loose hair up into a bun, note any concerning skin lesions, moles, spots, or freckles under your underwear that you would like checked. Wear clothing that you can easily change down to underwear. Any person 16 or under should have a parent or legal guardian present.