My Clinic / Skin Clinic
Dr James Kang

First Visit

What Can I Expect at My First Consultation?

When you first arrive at our rooms you will be greeted at reception. They will ask you to complete a patient information sheet while you wait to meet a Nurse Practitioner who in turn will take you medical history in preparation to seeing the Surgeon. You can be assured that your information will be treated with the utmost of confidentiality.

Our surgeon will then:
  • ask you about your previous medical history, your current symptoms, and 
  • perform a clinical examination.

Patient History

A history provides important information and includes details of:
  • current medications or recent changes, especially hormones such as the pill / HRT
  • hormonal status /menstrual history
  • previous problems, particularly previous skin investigations, biopsy results
  • risk factors, particularly strong family history of skin cancer.
  • previous/ recent imaging /date and results /screening or diagnostic.
History of presenting symptom
  • site — constant or changing
  • duration — when and how first noted
  • any changes since first noted
  • relationship to menstrual cycles or Hormonal medication
  • associated symptoms.

Clinical Examination

A Clinical Examination provides further information on which to base further investigation.

After the patient has removed their clothing, our surgeon will look at skin while to see whether any changes are visible. 

The physical examination should establish the nature and site of any abnormalities found either on visual inspection.

In particular, the physical examination should establish whether there is a discrete lump present or an area of textural change. 

The findings of the clinical examination should be correlated with the area of concern found by the patient or referring doctor, and also specifically with any abnormalities which may have been reported on imaging.

Diagnostic Testing for Skin Abnormalities Cancer

The distinction between diagnostic testing for the assessment of skin cancer symptoms and skin cancer screening is an important one.


Screening is an assessment for patients who have no skin cancer symptoms. These patients are being assessed, with the aim of detecting cancer at an early stage. Patients with symptoms are most  appropriately assessed using the full range of diagnostic technologies, to provide an explanation for their symptoms and exclude cancer as a cause. 


For any further information feel free to contact us on (07) 3272 2202 or via email sbh@myclinics.com.au

 What Does A New Patient Need To BRING?

  • Past Pathology Reports
  • Any scans or surgical reports
  • A list of any Allergies to pharmaceuticals or other
  • Relevant Journal or Travel Plans
  • Employer’s Letter (if Work cover)
  • Medicare, DVA or Pension Card
  • List of Current Medications
  • Your Medical and Family History
  • Current Diet and Exercise
  • Drivers license or valid ID

Before (prep), During, After

Appointments Timing

Before you make an appointment please consider the following:
  • It is important to be as relaxed as possible during any examination. Try taking deep slow breaths, relax and think of something pleasant.
  • Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your doctor about your sexual and reproductive health. It’s easy to forget what you wanted to discuss once you are at the appointment.
Please plan your appointment appropriately or reschedule if necessary.

What Happens During Your First Visit?

During your first visit you and Dr James Kangdr  will discuss general health, past history, family history, gynaecological history, sexual health, and lifestyle.


It is important to be honest as it provides Dr James Kang with valuable information needed to assess and properly treat you.


We want you to feel free to discuss openly any questions or voice any concerns you may have without reluctance or hesitation, as anything dealing with your health is of extreme importance.

The Pelvic Examination

Dr James Kang may need to perform an examination. This may involve a  dermoscopic examination to look for any abnormal skin lesions, masses or growth.

How Long Will The Appointment Be?

As a guide please consider the average duration as being 30 minutes for the Initial Consultation

Can I Bring A Friend or Family Member?

Perhaps not for the initial consultation but Dr James Kang  encourages a friend or family member accompany you on a consultation with the surgeon if there is a possible adverse diagnosis 


If your family or friends can better understand your condition and treatment, they can also provide suitable help if and when required.

Can You Arrange An Interpreter?

An interpreter can arranged upon request, typically this is done over the online. Please let us know at the time of making the appointment.

Payment

[doctor]'s practice is a private service provider, this means typically payment in full is expected at the time of the appointment. Patient are then able to claim some of the fee back from Medicare if you have a referral letter.

A percentage of the fee may also be claimed from you private health insurance company. Please talk with our reception for further clarification of what is involved

What to Expect

Our aim is to provide you with all the information that you would need to make informed decisions about managing your health.

Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation at MBU we will ask the following:
  • Request detailed information about your symptoms,
  • Take a medical history of your current and past ailments,
  • Perform a thorough physical and/or other examinations.

What to Bring

On your first visit please remember to bring the following:
  • Medical Information
  • Referral Letter (GP, family physician or another doctor)
  • X Rays, MRI or CT scans
  • Medical and Family History
  • Copies of Pathology Reports
  • Any other relevant information
  • List of current medications
  • Allergies to pharmaceuticals or other
  • Relevant Journal, Exercise or Travel Plans

Personal Information

  • Medicare card, DVA card, pension card
  • Private Hospital Insurance details
  • Driver’s license or valid ID
  • If work-related - Employer’s Letter

Ask Questions

It’s not uncommon to have questions or doubts, which we will encourage you to clarify before you leave the clinic.

While certain diagnostic tests such as blood tests or imaging tests may be ordered to confirm your diagnosis. We will take time to explain the options for the possible treatments.

Some Questions to ask your Doctor

One of the most important thing to tell your doctor, apart from your medical history, is any specific concerns or fears you may have regarding your condition or treatment. It is normal to be nervous about your health, but it is hard for your doctor to allay your fears or reassure you should you keep your thoughts to yourself.

What are the other options besides surgery?

When surgery is recommended, it is often the best treatment, based on the evidence available. When considering surgery both you and your doctor will balance the risk of surgery against the risk of not having surgery. There may be multiple other treatments available and your own circumstances may mean you prefer not to have surgery.

Diagnosis and Recommendations

After reviewing any diagnostic results, [DOCTOR] will recommend appropriate treatment.

What is Next

Our staff will go through the details of the costs and logistics with you. Please contact my rooms to discuss consultation fees and payment options. If you still have questions when you leave the office, please do not hesitate to contact us, we are here to help.
NEW PATIENT FORM
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