Australians are increasingly deciding that maybe that suspicious mole can wait, as a new report reveals the rising cost of dermatological care has become a barrier for many - even as skin cancer rates continue their unwelcome popularity.
The report from health directory Cleanbill found that the average first visit to a dermatologist now costs an adult patient without concessions a cool $230 out-of-pocket, while follow-up appointments ring in at nearly $190. Because nothing says 'medically necessary' quite like having to budget for it.
Cleanbill collected pricing data from 322 clinics in 2024 and again in late 2025, finding that the cost of a first appointment rose nationwide by an average of almost $18 in one year, and a follow-up by almost $20. Rises were even steeper in smaller states including Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania - because why should big cities have all the expensive healthcare?
“Specialist care is becoming something you have to budget for, plan for, and in too many cases, go without,” said Dr Elizabeth Deveny, CEO of the Consumers Health Forum. “That is especially true for dermatology, where ongoing care is often not optional, it is medically necessary.” She added that no one should have to weigh up whether they can afford to follow up on a skin cancer check - but here we are.
Part of the problem is that dermatology is a small workforce, with just under 700 specialist dermatologists and about 130 trainees nationally. Psychiatry, for comparison, has 6,500 qualified psychiatrists and more than 2,500 trainees - suggesting that while your mind can get plenty of help, your skin is on its own.
Many dermatologists are also being lured to more lucrative cosmetic work performed outside of Medicare, leaving fewer specialists for essential treatment. Because apparently, treating skin cancer doesn't pay as well as making people look younger.
There are also limited trainee places, which are government funded. The Australasian College of Dermatologists says the number of training positions is constrained by funding and capacity within public hospitals and clinics, which remain under-resourced relative to demand.
James Gillespie, CEO of Cleanbill, noted that while some repeat patients may have arrangements with their specialist for lower fees, first-time patients usually get the full experience - including the full price tag. The report reflects findings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, estimating that almost 810,000 Australians aged over 15 didn’t see a specialist when they needed to because of cost in 2024-25.
A spokesperson from the Australasian College of Dermatologists said dermatology care can be time-intensive due to doctors managing chronic disease, cancer surveillance, and increasingly complex patient needs. On top of that, rebates have not kept pace with practice costs such as staffing, rent, medical indemnity insurance, equipment, and compliance requirements.
“Current funding settings are placing pressure on affordability and equity,” the spokesperson said, warning that without reform to Medicare rebates and investment in public dermatology services, patients with fewer financial resources or those in regional areas will experience longer wait times or limited local access to care. In other words: if you live outside a city and don't have deep pockets, good luck with that melanoma.