It costs $230 out-of-pocket to see a dermatologist. Many Australians go without – despite soaring skin cancer rates
Exclusive: Report shows cost of first appointment rose $20 in one year, with steeper rises in Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Patients are increasingly going without medically necessary dermatological care, the head of the Consumers Health Forum said, as new report reveals the rising cost of the specialty in Australia.
Dermatology is expensive and getting pricier, with an average first visit now costing an adult patient without concessions $230 out-of-pocket, while follow-up appointments cost almost $190, the report from health directory Cleanbill found. Continue reading…
What Happened
A new report reveals that the cost of seeing a dermatologist in Australia has risen sharply, with an average first appointment now costing $230 out-of-pocket and follow-up visits around $190. The price increases are particularly pronounced in Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania.
Due to these rising costs, many Australian patients are forgoing medically necessary dermatological care despite the country's high rates of skin cancer.
Why It Matters
The increasing financial burden of dermatological care creates a significant barrier to accessing timely medical attention for skin-related issues, which is critical in a nation with one of the highest incidences of skin cancer globally. Delayed or missed appointments can lead to more advanced conditions and higher healthcare costs in the future.
Implications
Ongoing monitoring of dermatology service affordability and patient access trends is essential, alongside evaluating potential public health interventions or policy changes to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. It will be important to watch for any changes in skin cancer detection rates and health outcomes as a result of these cost barriers.
Key Signals
- average first dermatology appointment costs $230 out-of-pocket
- follow-up dermatology visits cost nearly $190 on average
- cost increased by $20 in one year
- steeper price rises in Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania
- patients are increasingly skipping necessary dermatological care