Your Appointment
Appointments can be made online through HotDoc or by calling: (03) 9978 9928
Riversdale Dermatology welcomes new patients
Wait times for a new consultation can vary, demand for Dermatology services is very high.
Prior to seeing one of our Dermatologists, all patients are encouraged to see their GP or referring doctor for a referral. However, it is not essential to have a referral letter, and you can be seen without one. Having an up to date referral letter each time you visit a Dermatologist ensures you receive your maximum entitled Medicare rebate.
The referral is also useful in providing your Dermatologist with your up to date medical history and helps provide continuity of your care between your doctors.
Cancellation Appointments
We encourage all patients who would like to be notified of an earlier appointment in the case of a cancellation to place their name on our Waiting for Cancellation List with our friendly team. Another way to access an appointment in an urgent time frame is to ask your GP for an urgent referral should your condition meet this need. Also please check our HotDoc booking site for any cancellation appointments that may arise.
Urgent Appointments
If you or your referring doctor feel your condition or symptoms warrant a more urgent appointment, please let us know at time of booking and we will endeavour to accommodate these needs, however, at times we do have many requests for urgent appointments and unfortunately we cannot see everyone straight away.
Privacy Policy
Our practice is committed to best practice in relation to the management of information we collect. This practice has developed a policy to protect patient privacy in compliance with privacy legislation. You can view our practice’s Privacy Policy via the link below.
Fees & Payments
Riversdale Dermatology is a private dermatology practice and payment is required in full at the time of your appointment. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide medicare rebate only services. We can submit your Medicare patient claim electronically immediately after payment has been received, ensuring you receive your Medicare rebate as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours).
In line with the Australian Government's guide to Specialist Fees / Medical Costs Finder we wish all patients to be aware of fees upfront and prior to booking, we prioritise devoting time to discuss and examine for a thorough assessment and treatment plan, at times not all concerns may be able to be seen to during a single consultation and a further follow up may be suggested.
Typical Fees
Initial Consultation - one concern: $370
Initial Consultation - multiple concerns or complex consult: $370-$450
Review Consultation - $265-$400 depending on number of concerns/complexity
Full Skin Examination - $300
Cryotherapy - $50-$200 (depending on number of and type of lesions treated
Biopsy - $195
Surgery - $500 -$850 out of pocket (depending on location, need for flap/graft, number of lesions)
Injections for scars, hair loss: $100-$150
Facial / Neck rejuvenation is unable to be specifically quoted online due to AHPRA regulations, but is expected every 4 months, provided only with thorough consultation with Dr Vanessa Palmer Specialist Dermatologist AHPRA MED 0000982982 Specialist Registration
Laser - Please see our pricing guide, varies depending on type of laser treatment
Running on time
All patients attending our practice for the first time are kindly asked to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment to complete a patient registration form.
You are welcome to complete this form in advance and email it with your referral prior to your first appointment if you prefer.
Wait times for a new consultation can vary, however we endeavour to see all patients as soon as possible.
Cancellation Policy
We ask that our patients provide at least 48 hours notice when cancelling or rescheduling appointments wherever possible.
If adequate notice is not given, a deposit may be requested if you wish to rebook another appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is off street parking available?
Yes there is ample off street parking, with easy access from Riversdale Road.
Can I get to there on public transport?
Yes, there is a tram stop right on our doorstep, and trains are a short walk away.
Tram:
The number 70 Tram stops directly outside (Stop 43).
Train:
The Riversdale train station is a 9 minute (650m) walk by walking down Wandin Road and then turning right into Riversdale Road.
The Camberwell train station is a 14 minute walk away, by walking all the way down Fairholm Grove and turning left into Riversdale Road.
Do I require a referral?
A valid referral is not absolutely necessary to be seen, but it is preferable.
A referral from your General Practitioner enables a dialogue between your doctors, and allows us to better understand your general health, and identifies any concerns your GP has about your skin, hair or nails. Your GP plays a vital role in looking after your health, and we value their input.
Patients who have a valid referral are also eligible to receive a higher Medicare rebate for their visit, which reduces your out of pocket expense.
What methods for payment do you accept?
We accept EFTPOS, credit cards (including American Express), and cash.
Sorry, we do not accept personal cheques.
Do you bulk bill?
Unfortunately, we cannot routinely bulk bill.
This is a private clinic and the high running costs associated with providing a superior level of care and service for our patients need to be covered with an out of pocket expense.
A rebate from Medicare is available for most services, and we can process this for you on the day so it will automatically be deposited in your bank account.
Is there a Pension or Health Care Card holder discount?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer a routine pensioner discount at present.
Our Dermatologists also work in public hospitals and bulk bill patients as part of that service, but the costs of running a private practice mean that patients seen at Riversdale Dermatology will have an out of pocket cost.