About once a month is enough to notice change. Pick a routine — after a shower, on the first of the month — and get someone to check your back.

Take a photo with something for scale beside it, like a coin, and compare in a month. If in doubt, book — nobody minds being shown a spot that turns out to be harmless.

No. Some skin cancers are pink, red, skin-coloured or pearly, and some look like a sore that will not heal. Colour alone does not rule anything in or out.

Longer than a standard consultation — book a long appointment and say it is for a full skin check so enough time is set aside.

A full check means scalp to soles. You stay covered except for the area being looked at, and you can decline any part of it.

Yes, and that is a perfectly reasonable appointment. It is shorter than a full check — say which you want when you book.

It depends on the list above. For many people once a year is reasonable; for someone who has had a skin cancer it may be every three to six months. We will suggest an interval and explain why.

Yes. Risk accumulates for as long as you keep getting exposure, so protection continues to be worth it whatever your age.

Most people get enough incidentally. If you are concerned, that is a conversation to have rather than a reason to skip sun protection — and it can be tested.

Any removal leaves a mark. How noticeable depends on where it is and how your skin heals — we will tell you what to expect before anything is done.

Local anaesthetic stings briefly, then the area is numb. Most people describe pressure rather than pain.

The consultation is, with a valid Medicare card. Biopsies are bulk billed for pension and concession card holders. Other procedures, such as excisions, may attract a private fee — reception will quote you before it is booked.

Technique matters enormously. Several attempts are done so the best reliable result is used.

It is effortful rather than painful. People often feel briefly light-headed or cough. Both settle.

Dust exposure from mining, farming, welding, quarrying and construction all affect the lungs, sometimes decades later. In the Hunter that history is a real part of the picture.

Usually not — you will be told which to withhold and for how long when you book.

A light meal is fine. Avoid a heavy one, and avoid vigorous exercise and smoking beforehand.

Usually the same visit, explained alongside your symptoms and history.

It depends on the wound. Some need daily attention at first, most settle into every few days. It is booked as a series so you are not ringing each time.

Usually, with the dressing protected. You will get specific instructions for your wound rather than a general rule.

The consultation is bulk billed with a valid Medicare card. Some dressing products carry a cost — reception will tell you first.

Where possible, and it is worth asking for. Continuity matters a lot with wounds because change is easier to spot.

Ring us. Do not wait for the next booked appointment.

For leg ulcers where it is appropriate, yes — after checking the circulation first, which is an important step.

For cholesterol and some glucose tests, generally yes — usually 10 to 12 hours, water only. Many other tests need no fasting at all. Your request form will say.

Usually yes, with water. Ask when the test is ordered if you are unsure, particularly with diabetes medicines.

Most within a few days. Some specialised tests take a couple of weeks.

A brief sharp scratch. Tell the collector if you have fainted before — lying down avoids most problems.

Drink plenty of water beforehand unless you have been told otherwise, and keep warm. Both help considerably.

Book a follow-up appointment, in person or by telehealth. We contact you directly if anything needs urgent attention.

It is requested by a third party rather than being care for your health, so Medicare does not fund it. The fee is quoted before you book.

The employer receives an opinion about your fitness for the role, not your full medical history. Anything found that is your own health matter is discussed with you.

It gets explained to you, and where it is fixable it becomes a plan. Finding treatable things is one of the genuine benefits of these assessments.

Usually 45 minutes to an hour, sometimes longer if additional testing is required.

Rarely. These need booking ahead so the right time and equipment are available.

Ring and confirm before booking. Some coal industry assessments must be done by a provider approved under the relevant NSW arrangements.

To work out whether anything should be done at all — and if so what, with what risks, and at what cost. It is an assessment appointment. No procedure is carried out at it, and you are not asked to make a decision while you are in the room.

Written information about anything that has been proposed, including what it involves and the risks, and a written quote for the cost. If nothing has been proposed, you leave knowing why, and what the alternatives are.

Nothing on this page suggests they need treating. Lines, folds and changes in the face are what faces do over time. This consultation exists for people who have already decided they would like to discuss the options, not to persuade anyone that they should.

If a mole or spot has changed, that is a skin check. If a rash, acne or a skin condition is the concern, that is a standard GP appointment and it is bulk billed. And if how you feel about your appearance is affecting your mood, sleep or daily life, start with a GP — a cosmetic procedure is not the treatment for that, and there is real help available.

The substances used in non-surgical cosmetic procedures are prescription-only medicines. Australian law prohibits advertising prescription medicines to the public, and Ahpra's advertising guidelines prohibit publishing procedure prices in a way that encourages choosing on cost. So this page describes the consultation, not products. Everything can be discussed with you in person.

It stings while the freeze is applied and for a minute or two afterwards. Most people describe it as sharp but brief. No anaesthetic is usually needed.

It reddens, often blisters within a day or two, then crusts and falls away over one to three weeks. A pale mark can remain, particularly on darker skin.

No. Anything suspicious for skin cancer needs a proper examination and usually a biopsy rather than freezing.

Sun spots often clear in one. Warts commonly need two to four treatments a few weeks apart.

Yes. There is no downtime, though the treated area is tender for a day or two.

Keep it clean and dry, do not pick the blister or crust, and let it come off by itself. If it becomes hot, spreading or increasingly painful, come back.

Softened wax comes out easily; hard wax often will not budge. Use a softening preparation for three to five nights beforehand — reception will tell you what to buy.

It should not. It feels odd and the water is a little noisy. Tell the nurse immediately if it hurts.

Sometimes a second attempt after more softening works. Occasionally referral for microsuction is needed, which is gentler and more effective for stubborn wax.

Usually 15 to 20 minutes for both ears.

Usually yes, and often noticeably so. The ear can feel slightly odd for an hour or two.

Some people simply produce more. Regular softening drops help; cotton buds make it worse.

Palpitations, dizziness, breathlessness, chest discomfort on exertion, as part of a heart health check, before surgery, or when starting certain medicines.

Not reliably. That usually needs a stress test or imaging, arranged by referral.

Then the symptoms are still the important information. A normal ECG does not close the question.

No. The electrodes are stickers. Removing them is the only mildly uncomfortable part.

No fasting and no preparation. Avoid heavy moisturiser on your chest that day, as electrodes stick less well.

Usually in the same appointment. Anything concerning is acted on immediately.

The local anaesthetic stings briefly. After that most people describe pressure and tugging rather than pain. Tell us if you feel anything sharp — more anaesthetic can be given.

Any procedure that breaks the skin leaves a mark. How noticeable depends on the site, the size and how your skin heals. We will tell you what to expect beforehand.

For most minor procedures, yes. If the site or the size means otherwise we will tell you when it is booked.

Depending on urgency, often within days. Anything we are concerned about is prioritised.

The consultation is bulk billed with a valid Medicare card, and biopsies are bulk billed for pension and concession card holders. Other procedures may attract a private fee, and reception will quote you before it is booked.

We ask you to come in and go through it properly, and we arrange whatever comes next — often further treatment here, sometimes a referral.