Does my referral cover a full skin check in subsequent consultations?

Not necessarily.

A referral allows you to attend a specialist and access Medicare benefits, but it does not determine the type or scope of consultation performed.

Consultations are based on the course of treatment indicated in your referral, which is typically for a specific condition or concern.

For a consultation to be billed as a subsequent consultation, it must relate to the same condition outlined in your referral.

A full skin check is a broader assessment that involves examining the entire skin and identifying new or unrelated conditions. This is generally outside the course of treatment indicated in your referral.

In these circumstances:

• The consultation may be billed as a new initial consultation, and

• A new referral may be required for Medicare benefits to apply