Your OptimaScan Appointment at Main Street Medical Centre, Start to Finish

Last reviewed September 2026

An OptimaScan appointment is quick, private and straightforward. You arrive, the whole-body photography takes about a minute, and you go straight in to see the GP for your skin check in the same visit. Here is exactly what to expect, start to finish, so there are no surprises on the day.

Arriving and giving consent

When you arrive at our Pialba rooms, a trained team member welcomes you and explains the scan. You give consent for the photography, and there is time to ask any questions. Your images are stored securely by our clinical imaging provider as part of your medical record. They are viewed by the clinicians involved in your care, and by the provider’s authorised support staff only when needed to keep the system working. They are never used for marketing.

The one-minute scan

You change in private. Underwear does not need to be removed. You then stand on a small platform and hold two handles while the system captures a series of standardised photographs. It uses ordinary high-resolution photography with soft, even lighting — there is no radiation, nothing touches your skin, and there is nothing to feel. For most people the photography is over in about a minute. Tattoos, birthmarks and body hair are all completely fine.

Your skin check with the GP, same visit

Straight after the scan you see a GP with a special interest in skin cancer for your skin check, in the one continuous appointment. Your GP examines your skin, reviews the images, and uses a handheld dermatoscope to look closely at anything that needs it. A female GP can be requested for your check. For Medicare and Gold DVA card holders the consultation is bulk billed.

What you leave with

Your GP talks you through anything to watch, monitor or act on, and you leave with a clear plan — no waiting weeks for a result to be posted. If a spot needs a biopsy or removal, that is discussed and quoted separately. Your baseline images stay on file so they can be compared at future checks.

How often to rescan

If you have multiple moles, your GP may suggest repeating the scan, often around every 12 months, so each new set of images can be compared with the last. Your GP will suggest a cadence that suits your skin and risk. The photography is where the value builds over time — one scan gives a baseline, and each repeat makes change easier to spot.

Your questions before the appointment

Does the scan hurt?

No. It is ordinary photography — nothing touches your skin and there is nothing to feel.

What do I wear?

You change in private. Underwear does not need to be removed. Please avoid makeup, fake tan and heavy moisturiser on the day, remove jewellery, watches and glasses, and tie long hair up so your face, ears and neck are visible.

How long does it take?

The photography itself takes about a minute. Allow time for the skin check with your GP straight afterwards in the same visit.

Can I bring my children?

You are welcome to, though the scan is done in a private room, so it helps to have someone who can supervise young children during the photography step. Please let reception know if you need any assistance. The scan is $49 for all of 2026 (then $99 from 1 January 2027), added to your bulk-billed skin check. Read more on our mole mapping page, compare it with a full skin check, or see our fees page. Book your OptimaScan appointment