For a definite answer
Skin biopsy
Skin biopsy
A small sample taken under local anaesthetic and sent to pathology. Usually a few minutes. You leave with a dressing and results get their own appointment.
Home Services Biopsies & minor procedures
Minor procedures, done here.
Skin biopsies and small excisions under local anaesthetic in our treatment room, rather than a referral and a wait. Follow-up dressings and suture removal with our practice nurse.
Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm. No referral needed to see a GP.
We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice. Standard consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
- Bulk billedMedicare-eligible consultations, with a valid Medicare card
- In our treatment roomLocal anaesthetic, and you walk out afterwards
- Follow-up hereDressings and suture removal with our nurse
We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice
Now Accepting New Patients
Walk-ins Welcome
Shop 12, 297–299 Brisbane Water Drive, West Gosford NSW 2250
Open Mon–Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm
Minor procedures
A lot of small things do not need a hospital.
Where a lesion needs a definitive answer or needs to come off, it can often be done in general practice under local anaesthetic in a single appointment. That means no referral to arrange and no hospital theatre.
Some things genuinely belong elsewhere — because of what they are, where they are, or how much needs removing. We will say so plainly and write the referral rather than attempt something that would be better done by a specialist.
Before a procedure, tell us about
- Any blood-thinning medicine, including aspirin and fish oil.
- Any allergy to local anaesthetic, tape or antiseptic.
- Whether you have had keloid or thickened scars before.
- Any diabetes, or anything affecting healing.
- What you have on in the next fortnight — swimming, gym, heavy lifting or travel.
What it covers
What we do here.
Tap a card for the detail.
Removed in full
Minor excision
Minor excision
Taking a lesion out completely, with stitches where needed. Suitable for many but not all lesions, depending on size and site.
Freezing
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy
Liquid nitrogen for sun spots and some superficial lesions where that is the right treatment. Quick, stings briefly, and may need repeating.
With our nurse
Wound and dressing care
Wound and dressing care
Dressings, wound review and suture removal, done here rather than sent elsewhere.
After a doctor looks
Ear syringing
Ear syringing
Wax removal by our practice nurse, once a doctor has checked your ears. It is not suitable for everyone, which is why the check comes first.
Said plainly
Referral when it is right
Referral when it is right
Some lesions belong with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Where that is the case we will tell you why and write the referral.
How it works here
What to expect.
Does it hurt?
The local anaesthetic stings for a few seconds going in. After that you should feel pressure but not pain — tell us if you do, because more anaesthetic is easy to add.
How long does it take?
Most minor procedures take a few minutes, but the appointment is longer than that because of consent, preparation and dressing. Tell reception what you are booking.
Will there be a scar?
Any procedure that cuts the skin leaves a mark. How it settles depends on the site, the size and how you heal. We will tell you what to expect before you agree to it.
When do I get results?
Pathology usually takes several days to a week. Results get their own appointment so there is time to explain what they mean and what happens next.
Is it bulk billed?
The consultation and Medicare-eligible procedures are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card. Pathology is billed by the laboratory, usually directly to Medicare. Reception will confirm if anything would cost you before it happens.
Questions
Biopsies & minor procedures questions.
Can a GP remove a mole or skin lesion?
Yes, where it is suitable. Biopsies and small excisions are done in our treatment room under local anaesthetic. Some lesions are better handled by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon because of what they are or where they are, and we will say so.
Is a skin biopsy painful?
The local anaesthetic stings briefly. After that you should feel pressure rather than pain. Tell us if you do feel pain, because more anaesthetic can be added.
How long do biopsy results take?
Usually several days to a week. Results get their own appointment so there is time to explain what they mean.
Do you remove stitches at the clinic?
Yes. Dressings, wound review and suture removal are done here with our practice nurse.
Are minor procedures bulk billed?
The consultation and Medicare-eligible procedures are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Pathology is billed separately by the laboratory.
This page is general information for people in the Gosford and Central Coast area. It is not advice about your situation and it does not replace a consultation. If you are worried about a symptom, book an appointment or call us on (02) 4311 3800. In an emergency, call 000.
Book a procedure appointment.
Tell reception what it is for so the right amount of time and the treatment room are set aside. All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card.
Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm · Shop 12, 297–299 Brisbane Water Drive, West Gosford · Serving Gosford, West Gosford, Point Clare, Narara, Wyoming, Springfield, Tascott, Koolewong, East Gosford, Erina, Green Point and Lisarow.