All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some items, including privately purchased vaccines and consumables, attract a fee.
Biopsies and minor excisions,in our treatment room.
Many skin lesions can be biopsied or removed in our treatment room, under local anaesthetic, in a single visit. Some are better handled by a specialist, and we will tell you when that is the case.
When to ring us afterwardsSpreading redness, increasing pain after the first two days, pus, a fever, or bleeding that does not stop with ten minutes of firm pressure. Ring us — and outside our hours go to Muswellbrook Hospital.
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, which stings for a few seconds and then works. After that you feel pressure and movement rather than pain. Most procedures take fifteen to thirty minutes including the preparation.
The local anaesthetic stings briefly. After that most people describe pressure and tugging rather than pain. Tell us if you feel anything sharp — more anaesthetic can be given.
Will there be a scar?
Any procedure that breaks the skin leaves a mark. How noticeable depends on the site, the size and how your skin heals. We will tell you what to expect beforehand.
Can I drive home?
For most minor procedures, yes. If the site or the size means otherwise we will tell you when it is booked.
What it is
Shave biopsy
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What it isShave biopsy
A thin sample taken from the surface of a raised lesion. Heals as a shallow graze, usually without stitches.
What it is
Punch biopsy
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What it isPunch biopsy
A small circular sample taken through the full thickness of the skin, often closed with one or two stitches.
What it is
Excision
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What it isExcision
The whole lesion removed with a margin of normal skin around it, closed with stitches.
Afterwards
Stitches
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AfterwardsStitches
Removed after five to fourteen days depending on the site. That appointment is booked before you leave.
Afterwards
The dressing
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AfterwardsThe dressing
Keep it dry for the first day or two. You will be given specific instructions for your site.
Afterwards
Pathology
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AfterwardsPathology
The sample goes to the laboratory. Results usually take several days, and we will ask you to book to discuss them.
Most of it happens here, in one visit.A local anaesthetic, a small procedure, and a dressing to go home with.
From bookingto stitches out.
Four steps, and the pathology result is the one people most want to know about.
Depending on urgency, often within days. Anything we are concerned about is prioritised.
Is it bulk billed?
The consultation is bulk billed with a valid Medicare card, and biopsies are bulk billed for pension and concession card holders. Other procedures may attract a private fee, and reception will quote you before it is booked.
What if the result is abnormal?
We ask you to come in and go through it properly, and we arrange whatever comes next — often further treatment here, sometimes a referral.
1Assessment firstWe look at the spot and decide whether it needs a procedure at all. Many do not.Standard consult
2Booked in properlyProcedures are booked as their own appointment with the right time and the room set up.Its own appointment
3The procedureNumbed, done, dressed. You leave with written aftercare and a follow-up already booked.15–30 minutes
4Results and reviewStitches out, wound checked, and the pathology result explained properly.5–14 days
Skin biopsies
Minor excisions
Lesion removal
Local anaesthetic
Sutures & removal
Pathology sent same day
Wound review included
Done in our treatment room
Skin biopsies
Minor excisions
Lesion removal
Local anaesthetic
Sutures & removal
Pathology sent same day
Wound review included
Done in our treatment room
Skin biopsies
Minor excisions
Lesion removal
Local anaesthetic
Sutures & removal
Pathology sent same day
Wound review included
Done in our treatment room
Biopsies & minor proceduresquestions, answered.
Do I need a referral?
No. Book with us and we will assess whether a procedure is needed.
Should I stop my blood thinner?
Do not stop any medication on your own. Tell us what you take when the procedure is booked and we will advise.
What should I wear?
Something that gives easy access to the area, and that you do not mind a little antiseptic on.
Can I go back to work?
Usually yes, though heavy lifting or anything that stretches the site may need a few days off. Ask when it is booked.
Will I need stitches out?
Usually, unless the site is one that heals without them. That appointment is booked at the time.
How long until I know the result?
Usually several days. Reception cannot give results over the phone, so you will be asked to book.
Can you remove something for cosmetic reasons?
Sometimes, and it would be privately billed rather than covered by Medicare. Ask and we will tell you plainly.
What if it comes back?
Bring it in. Recurrence at the same site is uncommon but it is always worth looking at again.
General information onlyThis page is general health information for anyone who finds it useful. It is not advice about your own situation and it does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows you. If you are worried about a symptom, book an appointment or call (02) 6530 7404. In an emergency, call 000.
Standard GP consultations are bulk billed for everyone with a valid Medicare card.