Mole check medical card

sallyanne12

I have a very suspicious looking mole on my arm and would like to get it checked. I know about the mole screening clinics and they sound good but are quite expensive. They can check moles for cancer with a device. I was wondering if I went to the GP to get referred to a dermatologist, would the dermatologist be free on the medical card or not? Thank you

Gatling

It would be free if the doctor believed it needs a referral , could be left waiting a while to see one though I'm public waiting lists

splinter65

Gatling wrote: »

It would be free if the doctor believed it needs a referral , could be left waiting a while to see one though I'm public waiting lists

My daughter was at the GP in Tipperary with a mole. GP wrote referral letter that day.
3 weeks later appointment letter came in the post for Waterford Regional 4 days later.
Appointment was for 11 and she was ringing me having been seen and sent away at ten to 12.
All free on a GP Only Card.
Excellent service.

myshirt

For a mole, there is a rapid access program that GP's can use. You will likely get seen within 4-6weeks by a consultant dermatologist, medical card or no medical card.

One thing to make sure happens while you are thinking about your moles is a head to toe examination. Your GP may say let the consultant do it, bit realistically it should be your GP. The back of the toes and soles of the feet can be offending areas.

Overall, do not worry. Go to your GP, and if you need a referral the rapid access service is there.

thomas anderson.

Doc cut mine out for 50€ and sent it off.

3 stitches. 3 weeks for the results

sallyanne12

myshirt wrote: »

For a mole, there is a rapid access program that GP's can use. You will likely get seen within 4-6weeks by a consultant dermatologist, medical card or no medical card.

One thing to make sure happens while you are thinking about your moles is a head to toe examination. Your GP may say let the consultant do it, bit realistically it should be your GP. The back of the toes and soles of the feet can be offending areas.

Overall, do not worry. Go to your GP, and if you need a referral the rapid access service is there.

Thank you all so much!! I really appreciate it.
With regards being referred to a consultant dermatologist, how much should I expect to pay with my medical card? Also has anyone any experience with www.skincheck.ie

splinter65

sallyanne12 wrote: »

Thank you all so much!! I really appreciate it.
With regards being referred to a consultant dermatologist, how much should I expect to pay with my medical card? Also has anyone any experience with www.skincheck.ie

If you have a medical card and your GP has referred you, it will be to the public hospital and there will be no charge.

Bazzy

I had a check up and the GP wasnt happy with two on my back

I got referred public went to see a consultant plastic surgeon in the local hospital

He agreed two needed to be removed and put me on a waiting list

I then got a phone call saying they got a budget to go private to clear a backlog and would I mind going private

Went to the bon secours private hospital and it was the same lad who i'd seen in the public hospital done the job!!

I pad the inital fee to see the GP and nothing else

He cut them off and a few weeks later sent me a letter saying they came back clear nothing to worry about

Hope this help OP

I'd say I could still be on the waiting list if the private thing hadn't of come up but thats not every hospital in the country

thomas anderson.

I dont understand why yer GPS's are not doing it!!!!!

Or maybe I have an exceptional one?!?

endofrainbow

was referred by my GP to Dermatology Clinic in St. James's - took 6 months to get the appointment.

Saw the Consultant who took a swab etc - all which could have been done in GP's surgery.
Was covered on Medical Card.

Bazzy

thomas anderson. wrote: »

I dont understand why yer GPS's are not doing it!!!!!

Or maybe I have an exceptional one?!?

I'd say you have an exceptional one who has an interest in this and maybe has the time our local GP is busy beyond belief.

I was shocked the plastic surgeon guy didnt do it the first day and put me on a list

Roseofclare

I'm on immunosuppessors so it puts me at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. I have quite a few moles on my face already. I went to my GP and he said it could take 2 years to be seen on public waiting list. He gave me number of Dr. Jack Kelly in Bon Secours Galway. They said it cost €250 for a consultation and €100 for the actual mapping/screening. I did book an appointment for next month but I'm wondering is there anywhere less expensive in Ireland that does the same?