Referral for moles

LegacyUser

Hi All,

my question, do i really have to get a referral from a GP to get my moles seen to?

Taking time off work, let alone paying 55 Euro to see a GP in addition to seeing a specialist seems a bit of a waste to me.

I'd actually rather contribute that 55 euro to someone who knows the area rather than just functioning in writing me a referral.

Zaph

If you need to see a specialist for something you'll need to get a referral letter from your GP first. I'm afraid there's no way around it, that's just the way things are.

LegacyUser

Zaph wrote: »

If you need to see a specialist for something you'll need to get a referral letter from your GP first. I'm afraid there's no way around it, that's just the way things are.

Kinda crap isn't it? Money for paperwork.

Ok better get it done so. One in particular is like an engulfing planet and its on my back so I can't keep an eye on the little monster.

Faith

My GP examined a mole for me, and removed it in the surgery. Perhaps your GP is qualified to do the same. Otherwise, you'll need a referral.

LegacyUser

Its just off my spine, and It's about a quarter inch in diameter. I don't particularly think that I'd trust my local GP to take it off in local Surgery.
Although he could surprise me and be a guru in the field... but on passed issue's I doubt it.

Like some women I have one GP for wimmeny issues and another for flu's etc.

Think I'll get the wimmeny one to have a look she seems more competant and well rounded.

thanks anyways, question answered.

Victor

Holymoley8 wrote: »

Think I'll get the wimmeny one to have a look she seems more competant and well rounded.

Having two doctors like this and hiding some problems from each, possibly isn't the best idea.

LegacyUser

Charter/Hibernian do a Mole Mapping thing in Smithfield, Dublin 7. They examine and photograph all moles and when you go back in a year or whatever they can compare them. They dont remove them though, and can refer you on to a specialist to do that for a lot of money.
Charter/Hibernian charge €200 i think, ring them if you want an exact price, it's an excellent service, then you can bring the photos of the bad ones to your GP who will take them off for the standard GP fee as far as I know.
Most GP's wouldnt have a huge knowledge of what a bad mole looks like.

LegacyUser

Victor wrote: »

Having two doctors like this and hiding some problems from each, possibly isn't the best idea.

Victor,

My GP knows that I visit a female doctor for female exams, as there is no female at his surgery. My wimminy doctor also knows the address and name of my GP.

I'm not particularly hiding anything, the inference is kinda.... odd.

Anyhow thanks all for the advice.

rebel girl 15

Get it checked! Whatever way you do it, get it checked.

I found a mole that had changed, and had it removed under a GA. Then about two months later I found a second one, which was also removed. But when the pathology result came back, I was told that if they had not been removed, I would have had cancer in about four years time.

LegacyUser

Holymoley8 wrote: »

Its just off my spine, and It's about a quarter inch in diameter. I don't particularly think that I'd trust my local GP to take it off in local Surgery.
Although he could surprise me and be a guru in the field... but on passed issue's I doubt it.

Like some women I have one GP for wimmeny issues and another for flu's etc.

Think I'll get the wimmeny one to have a look she seems more competant and well rounded.

thanks anyways, question answered.

I had my GP remove mine too. Location of the mole does not really matter. Mine was also right along my spine but moles are not THAT deeply rooted that you'd need to be concerned about your spine.

Alot of GPs are now fully qualified in minor surgeries that do not require general anesthesia (alot of them do vasectomies for example!). You could search for a GP in your area who is qualified to perform these procedures if your own GP does not.

CathyMoran

I had to get a referal for ones on my face - the one that I thought was odd was harmless but I have another one on my face that needs checking...also have one on my leg. I think that it is better to get these things checked out either way.