In this report

Reports:

Specialist clinics

You can go to a specialist clinic without a referral from a doctor, but there are some questions you should ask first.

What services are offered? Will you be seen by a dermatologist? Do you want sequential imaging or total body photography? Will the clinic check your skin for other skin cancers too?
Who provides the services? Images are usually taken by a technician – what experience and training have they had? How are the images analysed – by an experienced professional (preferably a dermatologist) or through a computer programme?
How much will it cost? Find out about costs beyond the initial consultation. Will there be a charge for storing images, or for copies to help with your own skin checks? What’s the fee for follow-up visits?
What happens next? If a mole looks suspicious, will a biopsy be taken or will you be referred back to your GP (and incur extra costs)? Will a biopsy be sent to the laboratory for diagnosis? Will a record of your diagnosis and treatment be sent to your GP and also to you? Will you get a reminder of when it’s time for your next visit?

The clinic should also give you: