Full Body Skin Check in Hervey Bay
A skin cancer check Hervey Bay patients can access at Main Street Medical Centre is a thorough skin cancer Hervey Bay screening — a systematic head-to-toe examination of your entire skin surface. The appointment takes approximately 20 minutes, is performed in a private consultation room with a gown provided, and is bulk billed with a valid Medicare card. Here is what to expect before, during, and after your full body skin cancer check. Some people call this a full body mole check.
Book your skin cancer checkEligible GP skin check: bulk billed · Optional OptimaScan photography: $49 until 31 December 2026. Compare your options ↓
Your skin check options
Would you like a photographic baseline too?
Your GP skin check assesses your skin today. Optional OptimaScan photography adds a record for your GP to compare at future visits. Your scan is followed by your GP skin check in the same visit; your GP can advise whether photography is suitable for you.$49 private scan fee until 31 December 2026 · $99 from 1 January 2027. The accompanying GP skin check is bulk billed for eligible Medicare and Gold DVA card holders.
Opens AutoMed with OptimaScan selected. Prefer to phone? (07) 4325 4000.
Quick links patients often need
Patient infoBulk Billing & FeesKnow costs upfront
All skin cancer servicesSkin Cancer OverviewDetection, treatment & technology
Quick assessmentFocused Spot CheckFor a single mole or concern
If something is foundBiopsies & ExcisionsOn-site skin proceduresWhy Skin Cancer Checks Matter on the Fraser Coast
Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in Australia, and Australia has one of the highest rates in the world. The Fraser Coast region, including Hervey Bay, Pialba, and surrounding areas, experiences extreme UV levels for much of the year, and cumulative sun damage from that exposure is the main cause of skin cancer in Australia. A regular skin cancer check Hervey Bay residents can access at their local GP helps find skin cancer early, when it is usually simpler to treat. If a skin check identifies a skin cancer that needs removing, our GPs can also perform skin cancer surgery at the practice. These figures highlight why a proactive approach to skin surveillance is so important for residents across the Fraser Coast. At Main Street Medical Centre in Pialba, our experienced GPs perform thorough full body skin cancer checks using dermoscopy and digital imaging technology. Early detection through regular screening remains the most effective strategy for improving skin cancer outcomes.The ABCDE Guide: When to Book a Skin Cancer Check
Between your skin cancer checks, it is important to monitor your own skin for changes. The ABCDE guide is a simple framework used by GPs and dermatologists to identify potentially concerning moles or lesions. If you notice any of the following changes, book a focused spot check with one of our Hervey Bay doctors without delay:A
Asymmetry
One half of the mole does not match the other half in shape or colour.
B
Border
The edges are irregular, ragged, blurred, or poorly defined.
C
Colour
The colour is uneven, with shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
D
Diameter
The spot is larger than 6mm across, roughly the size of a pencil eraser.
E
Evolving
The mole is changing in size, shape, colour, or has new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
Noticed a changing mole or new spot?
Do not wait for your next scheduled check. Book a focused spot check or a full body skin cancer check with our Hervey Bay GPs today. Bulk billed with a valid Medicare card.Step by Step: Your Full Body Skin Check Appointment
Knowing what to expect can help you feel prepared. Here is exactly what happens when you visit Main Street Medical Centre for a full body skin cancer check Hervey Bay locals book most often:1
History & Risk Assessment
Your Doctor Reviews Your Risk Profile
The appointment begins with a focused medical history. Your doctor will ask about your sun exposure history (including childhood sunburns), any previous skin cancers or pre-cancerous lesions, family history of melanoma, medications that may increase sun sensitivity, and your occupation or outdoor hobbies. This helps tailor the examination and determine how frequently you may need future checks.2
Head-to-Toe Examination
Systematic Dermoscopy of Your Entire Skin Surface
You will be provided with a gown, and your doctor will examine your entire skin surface using a dermatoscope — a handheld instrument that provides magnification with polarised light to see structures beneath the skin surface. The examination covers commonly missed areas including the scalp, behind and inside the ears, between the toes, the soles of the feet, and under skin folds. Only the area being examined is exposed at any time, and you may request a chaperone.3
Digital Imaging (If Required)
Doubtful or Equivocal Lesions Imaged for Future Comparison
If your doctor identifies lesions that warrant monitoring, they may capture dermoscopic images using DermEngine — a digital imaging system with AI-assisted analysis. Each image is recorded to the specific body location where the lesion was found, allowing your doctor to compare images at future appointments and detect subtle changes over time. Not every patient will require imaging — your doctor will advise if it is indicated for you. OptimaScan 3D Total Body Photography (Mole Mapping) is available at Main Street Medical Centre. This digital imaging system creates a high-resolution photographic baseline of your skin — a record your GP compares at future visits to track subtle changes over time. Our single-visit pathway: Your OptimaScan photography is completed first, then you go straight in for your comprehensive GP skin check immediately afterward — all in one continuous appointment. Imaging and your doctor’s assessment are completed in the same visit. OptimaScan is an optional, non-Medicare-claimable private service. Introductory fee: $49 per scan for scans done on or before 31 December 2026, then $99 per scan from 1 January 2027. The GP skin check remains bulk billed separately for eligible Medicare cardholders.4
Results & Next Steps
Same-Day Discussion of Findings
Your doctor will discuss the results with you before you leave. If all lesions appear benign, you will receive guidance on when to return based on your risk profile. If a lesion is concerning, your doctor will explain why and may recommend short-interval monitoring, a biopsy or excision on-site, or cryotherapy — depending on the clinical presentation.Who Should Book a Full Body Skin Check or Full Body Mole Check?
While anyone can benefit from a professional skin examination, the following groups should consider making regular skin cancer checks a priority. Queensland has some of the highest UV exposure in the world, making a routine skin cancer check Hervey Bay residents should not overlook:Outdoor Workers: Tradies, farmers, fishermen, and anyone whose job involves significant sun exposure on the Fraser Coast.
Fair-Skinned Individuals: Those with skin that burns easily and rarely tans.
Family History of Melanoma: A close relative with melanoma increases your risk.
Multiple or Atypical Moles: Having many moles or atypical moles can increase risk.
History of Severe Sunburns: Particularly blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence.
Previous Skin Cancer: A history of skin cancer increases recurrence risk. Our GPs can establish a monitoring plan tailored to your needs.
Immunosuppressed Patients: Some medications and conditions increase risk.
Adults Over 50: Cumulative sun exposure increases with age. Consider combining your skin check with a health assessment.
Full Body Skin Cancer Check vs Spot Check: Which Do You Need?
If you are unsure whether to book a full body skin cancer check Hervey Bay doctors recommend or a focused spot check, here is how the two appointments differ:| Feature | Full Body Skin Cancer Check | Spot Check |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Approximately 20 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
| Coverage | Every area of the body including scalp, ears, between toes, soles of feet | Specific mole(s) or area of concern only |
| Purpose | Comprehensive screening, establishing a baseline, early detection | Assess a specific lesion you have noticed changing |
| Recommended Frequency | As advised by your GP, based on your individual risk (often yearly for people at higher risk) | As needed when you notice changes |
| Ideal For | Regular skin checks, first-time checks, high-risk patients | Quick assessment of a suspicious spot between regular checks |
| Cost | Bulk billed with valid Medicare card | Bulk billed with valid Medicare card |
How to Prepare for Your Skin Cancer Check
A little preparation helps your doctor perform the most thorough examination possible. Follow these tips before your skin cancer check Hervey Bay appointment:Remove All Makeup: Arrive with a clean face free of foundation and heavy creams.
Remove Nail Polish: Take off polish from fingernails and toenails so your doctor can examine the nail beds.
Wear Loose Clothing: Choose comfortable clothes that are easy to change out of.
Note Areas of Concern: Write down any moles or spots that have changed, are new, or are symptomatic (itching, bleeding, or painful).
Your Skin Cancer Doctors in Hervey Bay
Skin cancer checks at Main Street Medical Centre are performed by qualified GPs with training in dermoscopy and skin cancer medicine. Our team includes both male and female doctors, so you can choose the GP you feel most comfortable with:
Masters in Skin Cancer Medicine (UQ)
Dr Nadeesh Seneviratne – Lead Skin Cancer Doctor
Dr Nadeesh Seneviratne (MBBS, FRACGP, MMed Skin Cancer, MSCCA) holds a Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) from the University of Queensland. As a Fellow of the RACGP, Dr Nadeesh brings both general practice expertise and advanced skin cancer training to every consultation.
View Dr Nadeesh’s Full Profile & Qualifications →Digital imaging note: DermEngine digital dermoscopic imaging is currently offered by Dr Nadeesh Seneviratne and Dr Moe Thu. DermEngine uses AI-assisted analysis and records each image to the specific body location, allowing your doctor to track changes over time. If you would like digital imaging as part of your skin check, please request an appointment with one of these doctors when booking.
Due for a skin cancer check?
Our experienced Hervey Bay GPs perform thorough full body skin examinations using dermoscopy. Bulk billed for all valid Medicare card holders at our Pialba clinic.Full Body Skin Check Hervey Bay: Common Questions
How long does a full body skin cancer check take?
A comprehensive full body examination takes approximately 20 minutes. Please book a dedicated appointment — this service cannot be combined with a general GP consultation.
Is a skin cancer check embarrassing?
You will be provided with a clinical gown and only the area being examined is exposed at any time. You may request a chaperone at reception before your appointment. Our team includes both male and female GPs, so you can choose the doctor you feel most comfortable with.
How much does a skin cancer check Hervey Bay cost?
Skin cancer checks are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card at our Pialba clinic. If procedures such as a biopsy or excision are required, reception will explain any fees beforehand. See our Fees & Medicare Information page for the full fee schedule.
Do I need a referral for a skin cancer check?
No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by calling the practice on (07) 4325 4000.
How often should I have a skin cancer check?
Many adults in Queensland choose annual checks. Your doctor will advise a schedule based on your personal risk factors — some patients may benefit from checks every six months. If you have a history of skin cancer, your GP may recommend more frequent surveillance as part of your ongoing care plan.
What if I notice a mole changing between regular checks?
Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. Use the ABCDE guide above as a reference and book a focused spot check as soon as possible.
What happens if my doctor finds something concerning?
If a lesion requires further investigation, your doctor may recommend a biopsy, cryotherapy, or short-interval monitoring. Most procedures can be performed on-site at our Pialba clinic without the need for an external referral. Your doctor will explain all options and any associated costs before proceeding.
Can I book a skin cancer check for my whole family?
Yes. We welcome patients of all ages. If you would like to book appointments for multiple family members, please call (07) 4325 4000 so our reception team can arrange consecutive appointments to suit your schedule.
Does Main Street Medical Centre offer mole mapping?
Yes. We have the OptimaScan 3D Total Body Photography system at our Pialba clinic. OptimaScan creates a comprehensive photographic baseline of your skin surface — a record your GP compares at future visits to track changes over time. Our clinical workflow means you complete your OptimaScan photography first, then go straight in for your GP skin check in the same appointment.
How much does mole mapping (OptimaScan) cost?
An introductory fee of $49 per scan applies for scans done on or before 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027, the standard fee is $99 per scan. The OptimaScan photography service is a private, non-Medicare-claimable service. Your GP skin check consultation is bulk billed separately for eligible Medicare cardholders.
Is OptimaScan covered by Medicare?
No — the OptimaScan 3D photography is a private service and is not claimable through Medicare. However, your GP skin check consultation is a separate service and remains fully bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. You will not receive a bill for the clinical examination.
Full Body Skin Check in Pialba: Visit Our Clinic
Main Street Medical Centre is conveniently located in the heart of Pialba, near Pialba Place Shopping Centre. Our clinic is easily accessible for patients from across the Fraser Coast, including Point Vernon, Eli Waters, Scarness, Torquay, Urraween, and Kawungan. Address: 71 Main Street, Pialba QLD 4655 Phone: (07) 4325 4000 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 5:30pm Parking: Free off-street parking available at the rear of the clinic (access via driveway off Main Street). Fully wheelchair accessible with ramp.Explore Our Skin Cancer & GP Services
All Skin Cancer Services
Spot Check
Biopsies & Excisions
Cryotherapy
Cyst & Skin Tag Removal
Meet Our Doctors
All GP Services
Fees & Medicare
New Patients
Book Your Full Body Skin Check Today
A 20-minute skin cancer check can provide peace of mind and establish a baseline for your skin health. Early detection saves lives — and it is bulk billed with a valid Medicare card at Main Street Medical Centre, Pialba.
Book your skin cancer check onlineOr call us on (07) 4325 4000 to speak with our friendly reception team.