Access to timely assessment can be an important part of managing skin concerns. Some people explore private clinics as an option when they are looking for appointments outside of the publicly funded system. Private clinics may offer shorter wait times for consultations, which can be helpful for individuals who wish to have their skin concerns reviewed more quickly.
Across Canada, access to dermatology and skin cancer–focused services can vary. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA), there are approximately 770 dermatologists nationwide. In British Columbia, private clinics focused on skin cancer care offer an alternative pathway for individuals seeking assessment or ongoing monitoring without a referral.
Finding Focused Care
With more than a decade of experience in skin cancer assessment and management, my practice is centred on supporting patients with concerns related to skin lesions, moles, and sun damage. Our Kelowna clinic sees patients from many regions, reflecting interest in dedicated skin-focused care.
Our approach includes ongoing monitoring through tools such as mole mapping and detailed skin examinations. These methods allow us to track changes over time and provide patients with information they can use to make informed decisions about their care. While no screening method can guarantee early detection, regular monitoring may help identify areas that need further evaluation.
What Our Skin Clinic Offers
At our clinic, we focus on tools and approaches that support the assessment and management of skin concerns. These include detailed skin examinations, imaging to help monitor changes over time, and treatment options for certain precancerous and cancerous lesions. Our goal is to provide clear information and support patients in making informed decisions about their care.
Mole Mapping
Mole mapping creates a series of high-resolution images of the skin, allowing clinicians to compare photographs over time. This can help identify changes in moles that may warrant further evaluation. Tracking lesions in this way may be especially helpful for individuals with many moles or a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Mole mapping does not diagnose melanoma on its own, but it can assist in monitoring the skin more closely between clinical visits. You can learn more about this process in our General Practitioner’s Guide.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy is one treatment option used for certain precancerous lesions and some types of skin cancer. It involves applying a photosensitizing medication to the skin, which is then activated by a specific light source. This reaction helps target the abnormal cells in the treated area.
PDT is considered a minimally invasive option and may be recommended when appropriate based on the type and location of the lesion, as well as patient preference and clinical assessment.
Understanding What’s Covered
In Canada, provincial Medical Services Plans (MSPs) generally cover medically necessary services, including the diagnosis and treatment of confirmed skin cancers. Coverage for other services varies:
- Mole Mapping: Digital mole-mapping systems such as FotoFinder are considered elective technologies and are not covered by MSP.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): MSP does not cover the services associated with PDT, although some private insurance plans may cover the medication component. Coverage depends on the insurer and individual policy.
- Biopsies & Lab Testing: Coverage for biopsies and laboratory analysis can depend on where the service is provided and whether the ordering physician is enrolled with MSP.
- Surgical Excision: When skin cancer is confirmed, surgical excision performed in a hospital setting is typically covered by MSP.
Private health insurance may offer partial coverage for some services, and patients are encouraged to check with their provider for details.
My De-Enrollment from MSP
Until 2024, all physicians at Kelowna Skin Cancer Clinic were enrolled in MSP. At that time, consultations could be billed to MSP, while elective technologies (such as full-body photography) were offered privately.
MSP has since updated its policies. If elective technology is used during a visit, the full visit must be billed privately, and the physician offering those services cannot be MSP-enrolled. To continue offering full-body photography and digital dermoscopy, I de-enrolled from MSP. The other physicians at the clinic remain enrolled and continue to provide MSP-covered services, but they cannot offer elective imaging technologies.
What This Means for Patients
Patients may book directly with me without a referral, but these visits are billed privately. Any additional procedures (such as biopsies or liquid nitrogen treatment) also carry private fees, which are discussed in advance.
Because I am the only de-enrolled physician at the clinic, full-body photography appointments are booked specifically through my practice. Patients who prefer to see one of my MSP-enrolled colleagues for other services can join their waitlist for publicly funded appointments.
Our goal is to ensure that patients have clear information about their options so they can choose the pathway that works best for them.
Access and Appointment Options
At our clinic, patients can book private appointments directly, without the need for a referral. Tools like full-body photography can help document the skin and highlight changes between visits. These methods are used alongside a clinician’s examination.
If you would like more information about appointment types or fees, feel free to contact the clinic. A member of our team can explain the available options and help you book a visit.
Skin Care Clinic FAQs
If you have questions about visiting a private skin cancer–focused clinic, here are some common ones.
+ Do I need a referral to visit a private skin cancer clinic?
No. You can book an appointment directly with our clinic. A referral is not required for private visits.
+ What types of services are available?
Our clinic provides services such as mole mapping, clinical skin examinations, monitoring of moles and lesions, photodynamic therapy (PDT) for certain conditions, and procedures like biopsies or surgical excisions when appropriate.
+ What happens if my results indicate skin cancer?
If an assessment or biopsy confirms skin cancer, we will discuss the findings with you and outline the management options available. When needed, we coordinate with your primary care provider and arrange referrals to other specialists or services.
+ What imaging tools do you use for monitoring?
We use digital imaging tools, including FotoFinder mole mapping, to document the skin and help track changes over time. These tools support clinical assessment and are used in conjunction with an examination by a health-care provider.