When it comes to skin cancer, early detection is key – but long wait times in the public system can make that difficult. A private skin cancer clinic offers easier access to screenings and treatment, ensuring concerns are addressed as soon as possible.
According to the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA), there are only 770 dermatologists across Canada, making access to specialized care limited. In British Columbia, we offer the only private skin cancer clinic, providing direct access to advanced screening and treatment without the need for a referral.
Finding Focused Care
With over a decade of experience in skin cancer detection and treatment, I’ve dedicated my practice to providing care that isn’t always accessible through the public health system. Our Kelowna clinic serves patients from across Canada, reflecting a growing demand for technology-driven skin cancer prevention.
As strong advocates for early detection, my team and I focus on proactive care. Instead of waiting for suspicious skin changes to appear, or declare itself, we use mole mapping and manual examinations to monitor your skin over time – helping to catch potential concerns as early as possible.
What Our Skin Clinic Offers
At our clinic, we focus on advanced skin cancer detection and treatment using the latest technology. From thorough screenings to long-term monitoring, our services help identify concerns as early as possible, having a pro-active approach.
Mole Mapping
Mole mapping creates a high-resolution record of your skin, allowing us to track changes in moles over time. This is especially valuable for detecting melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. By comparing images from different visits, we can identify subtle changes in size, shape, or colour that may indicate malignancy.
This proactive approach is particularly beneficial for individuals with numerous moles or a family history of melanoma. Learn more about mole mapping in our General Practitioner’s Guide.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that targets abnormal skin cells using a photosensitizing drug and a specific light source. Once activated, the drug produces oxygen that destroys the targeted cells.
PDT is used to treat certain types of skin cancer and precancerous lesions, offering an effective alternative to more invasive treatments.
Understanding What’s Covered
In Canada, Medical Services Plans, or MSPs, generally cover medically necessary services, including the diagnosis and treatment of confirmed skin cancers. However, coverage can vary for preventative measures:
- Mole Mapping: advanced digital mole mapping systems like FotoFinder are considered an elective technology and are not covered by MSP.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): MSP does not cover the services associated with PDT. Some private insurance companies might cover the medication used for this procedure.
- Biopsies & Lab Testing: Coverage for biopsies and lab testing depends on the provider and referral source – more on this below.
- Surgical Excision: If skin cancer is confirmed, surgical excision at a hospital is covered by MSP.
Note: private health insurance plans may offer some coverage for specific services, so it’s always best to check with your provider.
My De-Enrollment from MSP
Before 2024, all doctors at Kelowna Skin Cancer Clinic were enrolled in MSP. At that time, we could bill MSP for consultations while offering elective technology services, like full-body photography, as a private add-on.
However, MSP has since changed its rules, requiring that if any elective technology was used during a visit, the entire visit had to be billed privately and the doctor could not be enrolled in MSP. To continue offering this essential service, I had to de-enroll from MSP. However, I am the only doctor at the clinic who has done so. My colleagues remain enrolled and can still provide MSP-covered services, but they can no longer offer full-body photography or digital dermoscopy.
What This Means for You
Patients can now see me without a referral, but these visits will have a private fee, similar to a dental appointment. Additional procedures, such as biopsies or liquid nitrogen treatments, will also have fees, which will always be discussed upfront.
Since I’m the only de-enrolled doctor at the clinic, patients needing full-body photography must book with me. If you choose to see one of my colleagues for other services and treatments, you can be added to a waitlist for a MSP-covered visit.
While this situation isn’t ideal, our commitment to providing top-quality skin cancer care hasn’t changed. Our clinic is the only one in BC offering full-body photography, a globally recognized tool in early detection, and we remain committed to ensuring our patients have access to the best possible care and early detection services.
Accessible and Efficient
At our clinic, you get personalized access to care – no referral needed. A blueprint of your skin means we can catch potential issues early and start treatment sooner, giving you peace of mind when it matters most.
Choosing private care is an investment in your health. With focused care, advanced technology, and direct access to services, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin.
Get in touch to learn more or book your appointment today!
Skin Care Clinic FAQs
If you have questions about visiting a private skin cancer clinic, here are some of the most common ones we hear:
+ Do I need a referral to visit a private skin cancer clinic?
No, you do not need a referral. You can schedule an appointment directly with our clinic.
+ What types of treatments are available at a private skin cancer clinic?
We offer a range of treatments, including mole mapping, surgical excision, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and ongoing monitoring.
+ What happens if my results indicate skin cancer?
If your results show skin cancer, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan and guide you through the next steps. We’ll also coordinate with your primary care physician and refer you to specialists if needed.
+ What advanced technologies do you use for screening?
We utilize advanced technologies such as FotoFinder mole mapping, which allows for detailed digital imaging and precise tracking of moles.