Services Provided
Services Provided
You will find a full range of medical services here including areas of special training in skin cancers and gynaecology. Each doctor's services are explained on this website or you can phone us to find out more
Skin Cancer Doctors:
Dr Graeme Edwards
Dr Krish Dinesh
Dr Christopher Oh
Dr Stuart Emmerson
Dr Lisa Whitmarsh
Studies have shown that doctors trained in the use of dermoscopy have a high degree of accuracy in detecting skin cancers.
Any lesion which appears to be suspicious will be noted and explained to you. Photos can be digitally taken. Detailed analysis includes looking for patterns within the spot aiming for a remarkable amount of detail.
What are the treatments?
The doctors will discuss with you the full range of appropriate treatments.
You may need the application of a medical cream, or a biopsy (where a small part of the lesion is sent for pathological examination) or excision (where the lesion is removed). Or you may be totally fine.
We also have a reminder system for those patients that have skin types requiring regular checks e.g. annually, six monthly etc. We will notify you when it is time to return for your checkup.
Skin Cancer Checks are pain-free and easy
Book a skin cancer check. Early detection is vital.
Email: manager@cpmc.com.au
Have your FULL MEDICAL CHECK-UP… it’s as easy as 1 2 3
A medical checkup is one of the most important steps you can take. Our medical checkups are tailored to you as in individual.
We also provide follow-up care which is most important.
Also we recommend only tests that you need, and avoid expensive unnecessary tests.
What you do first:
Book with the doctor for a 30 or 45 minute appointment for medical history taking, listening to any concerns/questions, ordering of tests tailored to your needs. (Patients over 50 are recommended to have a 45 minute visit and patients under 50 years may prefer to book a 30 minute initial consult).
• Have recommended tests e.g. fasting blood test, at Pathology next door
It is best to do this in the morning as you need to fast for 10 hours – water only
• Return to see the doctor for a discussion about your results and items that need follow-up
If you have not had a recent skin check we recommend you book a 15 minute appointment with Dr Graeme Edwards, Dr Christopher Oh, Dr Stuart Emmerson or Dr Lisa Whitmarsh who specialise in this. You can book this part before or after your full health check appointment. (The fee for a skin check is the same as our standard appointment fees)
What you may cover in your Health Check appointment:
The Women’s Well-being Health Check
Give yourself peace of mind & the attention you deserve.
• Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
• Assessment of Risk Factors
• Diet and Weight
• Help to quit smoking
• Stress management
• Blood sugar (diabetes)
• Immunisations update eg. Travel & Hepatitis
• Pap & Breast Check
• Your individual concerns
• Spot and mole check (You can book this separately
with one of our skin doctors – 15 minute appointment)
For further details on appropriate tests see: Women's Health
The Men’s Tune-Up
If you’d like to keep your body in tune then a full medical check-up is the solution.
• Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
• Assessment of Risk Factors
• Diet and Weight
• Help to quit smoking
• Stress management
• Blood sugar (diabetes)
• Prostate blood test
• Your individual concerns
• Spot and mole check (You can book this separately
with one of our skin doctors – 15 minute appointment)
For further details on appropriate tests see:
Medline Men’s Health Checks
Health Direct Men’s Health Checks
Assessment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk on the basis of the combined effect of multiple risk factors (absolute CVD risk) is more accurate than the use of individual risk factors.
In Australia, 64% of the adult population have three or more modifiable risk factors.
As cardiovascular disease is largely preventable, an approach focusing on comprehensive risk assessment will enable effective management of identified modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes and, where needed, pharmacological therapy.
What are the management goals?
Decisions regarding management of absolute CVD risk are made according to the individual’s absolute risk level. The management goal is to reduce the patient’s level of absolute risk.
Such risk factors include:
Age and sex
Family history of premature Cardiovascular Disease
Social history including cultural identity, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and mental health
BMI: body mass index.
eGFR: estimated glomerular filtration rate.
Related Conditions
• Diabetes
• Chronic Kidney Disease (albuminuria ± urine protein, eGFR)
• Familial hypercholesterolaemia
• Evidence of atrial fibrillation (history, examination, electrocardiogram)
• Smoking status
• Blood pressure
• Serum lipids
• Nutrition
• Physical activity level
References:
Treatment
Book a skin cancer check with our trained doctors. They will discuss treatment options including removals here at our clinic.
When planning the treatment, your doctor will take a number of factors into account, eg. the type and size of the skin lesion of concern, with risk factors in mind.
There are many types of treatments and this is why the doctor here needs to see you first to advise the best option for you.
Skin cancer treatment options
Discussion of skin cancer is usually divided into melanoma (by far the most dangerous form) and the non-melanoma skin cancers, which include basal cell cancers and squamous cell cancers.
The treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer has a high success rate, provided that the skin cancer is detected at an early stage.
Australians should regularly check their skin for new growths, sores that won’t heal, or any changes in the colour, shape or size of existing skin spots.
Visiting the doctor for a skin check is an important step.
Types of treatment for skin cancer
Biopsies and Excisions
For very small skin lesions a biopsy can be used. Sometimes this will be the only treatment necessary. However, in some cases, if the skin lesion or cancer a larger amount of skin may need to be removed.
Typically these are 45 min appointments with costs starting at about $400 depending on the type and size and number of lesions. Medicare provides a rebate of approximately 1/3 of the private fee.
For more information please discuss at your initial diagnosis appointment with the doctor.
Cryotherapy
This technique uses extreme cold to treat pre-cancerous skin conditions and some small skin cancers. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the tumour to freeze and kill abnormal or bothersome cells.
Creams and Gels
There are creams and gels that can be used as a treatment for some skin cancers (usually superficial basal cell carcinoma) and pre-cancerous lesions. This type of treatment is not suitable for all types of skin cancers and can be discussed with your doctor.
Getting treated
Skin cancer treatment has a high success rate if started early. However, people who have been treated for skin cancer at any time have a higher-than-average risk of developing new skin cancers. As such, it is extremely important to continue to examine yourself and to visit your doctor regularly for follow-up checks. Also people with risk factors e.g. fair skin, sunburn in earlier years, high mole/spot count should be especially active in seeing their doctor for advice and regular doctor skin checks.
Email: manager@cpmc.com.au
Why get tested?
Many people who have an STI (sexually transmissible infection) don’t have symptoms, so may not even know they have one.
Testing and using condoms are the best ways to stay in total control of your sexual health.
All our doctors can help with an STI check.
If left untreated some STIs can cause unpleasant symptoms and could lead to long-term problems such as infertility.
When should I get tested?
It’s a good idea to have regular sexual health check-ups once you start having sex, when you change sexual partners or start a new relationship.
You and your partner should get tested before you stop using condoms.
See your doctor if you have had unsafe sex or have symptoms such as pain, discharge or itching in your genital area.
How will I know what test to have?
There is no single test to detect all STIs. Your doctor will ask you about any symptoms and discuss your sexual history.
They will use the information from your conversation to work out the tests you should have.
STIs such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia, can be detected soon after you have been infected, even if you show no obvious signs.
How are STIs tested?
As a general rule you will have either a urine test, a swab, a blood test or a simple physical examination. The type of test depends on which STI is being treated.
Most test results are sent to the doctor here at our clinic at approximate 3-4 days after the test. You can contact us here at the clinic for your results at that time.
Are STI tests expensive?
The cost depends on the tests required and where you go. Most common tests are covered by Medicare.
Check with the doctor or at the Pathology Centre, whether this applies.
What is the treatment if I test positive?
If you have an STI your doctor will talk with you about the infection and if there is a need for further tests and the sort of treatments involved.
Bacterial STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Other STIs such as herpes and genital warts can be managed to decrease your symptoms.
Can I still have sex if I have an STI?
For the more common STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, avoid sex until you have finished your full course of treatment and for at least a week following.
If you do have sex you should use a condom.
For other STIs like genital warts and HIV it is best to talk to your doctor about the options.
Iron Infusions for Women and Men
Many people are run down and tired. Often the cause is a lack of iron. For some people they have very low iron levels and this can be dangerous for your health and wellbeing.
Each of our doctors can assist with a simple blood test - to find out your iron status. Then if needed, Dr Edwards or Dr Krish Dinesh can assist for your straight forward infusion.
If an iron infusion is the answer, it only takes 45 mins (plus 30 mins wait after). You will feel like a new you.
How to find out more?
Please call 9650 4218 and we can assist with your queries or bookings.
or email Leona on manager@cpmc.com.au
You may have tried to quit before on your own and found it too hard.
Research shows that there are a few different types of support that increase the likelihood of success:
1. Quitting medications – they both reduce cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms
2. Nicotine replacement products
3. Guidance from a professional advisor or coach to help you manage habits and emotions linked to smoking
See one of our doctors for the latest medications with success in helping individuals quit smoking.
It is never too late to quit!
It is never too late to improve your health!
For further information check: QUIT Website
Pathology tests
Located on our floor for your convenience
Pathology tests involve the laboratory testing of blood, body fluids and tissues. Blood tests, urine tests and stool (or faeces) tests are more common types of pathology tests.
The best choice of pathology tests and when to use a test depends on your individual circumstances. By seeing a doctor at our clinic, you will discuss the best tests to diagnose problems you are experiencing. The doctor will give you a written referral for your test – which is typically bulk-billed (if you have Medicare).
Our nearest pathology collection centre, Australian Clinical Labs is right next door.
Open 8am – 4.30 pm Mondays- Fridays.
www.clinicallabs.com.au
You can walk in on the day for your test.
Then contact us by phone or see the doctor for review of your test results.
Ask the doctor when you get your referral about the expected time for the results to be back here at the Clinic.
Tests take different amounts of time to be completed but most tests are returned to the doctor within 3-4 days. Pregnancy tests typically have a one day turnaround.
Radiology tests
Testing by Xray, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI are some of the tests which may be recommended for your diagnosis.
Our doctors are keen to ensure that you have the right sort of test for your problem. It is also important to go to the right radiology centre that has the best machines and specialists to diagnose your problem.
For instance, gynaecology problems and testing in pregnancy are recommended by our doctors to be tested at a specialty women’s radiology centre.
We also prefer to use radiology centres with staff who have a special interest in musculoskeletal (orthopaedic, rheumatological and sports medicine) imaging when that is required.
Most test results take only until the next working day to be reported on and sent to us by the specialist radiologists. Films are now viewed online, eliminating the need for you to have films printed.
Please contact our Practice Manager via email to discuss your needs for a pre-employment medical.
Typically the needs vary for different jobs and for different companies.
Before booking it is important that we understand your requirements and processes.
Email Leona : manager@cpmc.com.au with your request or queries.
All our GPs treat general and common skin problems.
For acne and difficult to treat skin problems Dr Graeme Edwards, Dr Krish Dinesh or Dr Christopher Oh has treated many patients.
Skin cancers are a special area of diagnosis. See above information regarding Skin Cancer Checks and also Removal of Skin Cancers, Cysts and Moles.
About Acne (Source: www.acne.org.au)
Acne is the most common of skin diseases, affecting 85 per cent of Australians aged 15-24 years old. Very few people manage to escape their teenage and young adult years without some pimples and blackheads.
Acne usually clears spontaneously for many people by their mid-20s. However, for some young people acne is a far more serious problem with the possibility of permanent physical, mental and emotional effects.
When it comes to acne, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a guy or girl as both sexes get acne.
Adolescent boys and young men (13 – 25 years old) have higher levels of androgens (hormones that rule the development of the sexual organs) than females so they are more likely to have acne and unfortunately, are also more likely to have severe acne. Acne in guys usually settles during their early 20s.
Females are more likely to suffer with ongoing acne. In some cases, this means acne can be hanging around even in your 30s and 40s. Females can also develop acne for the first time after puberty.
Myths About Acne (Source: Australasian College of Dermatologists )
There are many myths surrounding acne.
The first myth is that acne somehow is an allergy. Acne is not an allergic disease.
Another myth relates to diet. It was often though that chocolates, dairy foods, citrus fruits, cola and various other foods and beverages somehow cause acne. Most patients with acne realise that changing their diet does not eradicate their acne.
Naturally patients with acne should continue to observe a healthy diet but occasional “indiscretions” will not cause further acne lesions to develop.
Another myth is that acne is an infectious disease. It is true that antibiotics are used in the treatment of acne but acne is not an infectious disease. It is not contagious and cannot be spread to other people.
A further myth is that acne is due to lack of cleanliness. Acne is not caused by lack of cleanliness and in fact excessive cleaning and scrubbing can make acne worse.
A final myth is that sunlight is beneficial for acne. Most dermatologists agree that sunlight and ultraviolet light has no beneficial effect in the treatment of acne.
In fact sunlight and ultraviolet light may cause premature aging and skin cancer and should not be recommended as treatment for acne.
Using the right skin care products can make a big difference in your acne control, promote skin health and help keep your skin looking young. With the huge number of skin care products and ranges available, choosing the best products for your acne and skin can be confusing.
Start by getting information from someone you can trust; someone who is trained in this area. Your pharmacist, general practitioner or dermatologist are good people to speak to for guidance in choosing the right skin care products to help control your acne, plus avoid treatment related problems.
Don’t base your skin care on how good the skin of a well-paid, Photoshop edited model or celebrity appears in an acne product advertisement.
Seeing a doctor
There is nothing wrong in seeking medical advice for your pimples. After all, acne is a medical condition so it’s the smartest thing you can do.
It’s time to see a doctor as soon as acne starts interfering with your enjoyment of life. If you get medical treatment for your particular type of acne (sooner rather than later), it can reduce the risk of physical scars that may be permanent and can help with the emotional hurt and stress that acne may cause you.
Different treatments have different methods of action. Some unblock pores; others reduce oil production or reduce the bacteria that complicates acne.
When deciding which type of therapy to recommend, a doctor will consider individual circumstances such as the extent and severity of the acne, if you have scars or at risk of scarring as well as the emotional and social impact on the affected person.
A combination of both skin treatments and tablets is often beneficial.
Adverse effects are a possibility with any medication, including acne medications, but most will be mild and manageable. The more common or more potentially serious ones are included in the following information along with advice on how these can be minimised or prevented.
Some of the medical treatment options for acne include:
* Antibiotics
* Retinoids
* Hormonal agents
* Fixed combinations
For women, acne may be a combined skin and gynaecological problem. Dr Graeme Edwards at our Clinic has a focus on both these areas in combination.
Source: The Australian College of Dermatologists
Our clinic provides a full range of womens health treatments. We pride ourself in providing a high standard for our female patients. Whether it is an annual checkup, or pre-pregnancy advice or helping with gynaecology needs ... we have a doctor to meet your needs.
Dr Patricia Civitico can assist with the Menopause -with her advanced training.
Explore more below by clicking the link
With Dr Patricia Civitico and Dr Graeme Edwards
What is Shared Maternity Care?
Shared Maternity Care means that during your pregnancy you can see the same general practitioner for most of your pregnancy visits with some visits at the hospital.
Together, the hospital and your chosen GP will ‘share your care’.
The birth of your baby is at the hospital e.g. Royal Women’s Hospital.
Why choose shared care?
Shared Care is a popular choice for women who are healthy with a normal pregnancy.
In choosing Shared Care you:
- have most of your care close to your home or work
- see the same doctor who gets to know you and your baby
- build a relationship with your doctor and continue to see them after your baby is born
- have fewer hospital visits
Shared Care doctors here charge the normal consultation fee. They are highly experienced in pregnancy management, and their advice and recommendations give you the best care.
How shared care works?
You attend to see the GP here who will explain the Shared Care process.
They will order your first set of blood tests so that you and the hospital are fully informed.
A good time to see the GP here is in your first 8 weeks. This ensures that you are fully informed and that you are successfully booked with the hospital.
Public Shared Care
Our doctors are registered to do shared care with a wide range of public hospitals in Melbourne including the Royal Women’s Hospital, the Mercy, Monash, Sunshine, Sandringham and more.
If you are not privately insured, this is an ideal option. You are able to access the expertise of our shared care GPs and have your delivery booked with a hospital that you will get to know prior to baby being born.
Private Shared Care
One of our GPs here, Dr Graeme Edwards, has a successful relationship with two private obstetricians who deliver at Frances Perry House (the private section of the Women’s Hospital).
The delivery and half of your pregnancy appointments are with the private obstetrician.
Those with private health insurance may find this an ideal option, as they have access to two doctors (the GP and private obstetrician) for their care and advice.
NOTE:
You can download more information on Shared Care at The Womens Hospital here
Acknowledged Source: www.thewomens.org.au/SharedMaternityCareAtTheRoyalWomensHospital
We provide care in Men's Health whether it be skin cancer checks, prostrate check, heart health, sti checks and more.
Meet one of our doctors for a short appointment for those one off needs or book a full medical checkup (usually 30-45 mins).
If you’d like to keep your body in tune then a full medical check-up is the solution
Meet with the doctor to discuss any of your concerns and to work out your risk factors
to ensure you keep in great health.
- Risk factors e.g. Cholesterol , family history, previous health issues
- Diet and Weight
- Heart risk assessment, blood pressure
- Skin cancer check
- Blood sugar (diabetes)
- Immunisation update
- Prostate blood test
- Quit smoking assistance
- Your concerns
This is a comprehensive check-up.
It does not have unnecessary expensive tests.
Blood tests are bulk billed.
You can do this straight after your doctor’s appointment
(remember to come fasted – water only for 10 hours prior)
or you can do it on another day at your nominated time.
Book with the doctor for a 30 – 45 minute appointment for medical history taking,
listening to any concerns/questions, ordering tests tailored to your needs.
(Patients over 50 are recommended to have a 45 minute visit and patients under 50 may choose to have a 30 minute initial consult.)
References:
1. Health screening in men aged 40 to 60
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007465.htm
2. Mens health checks
www.healthdirect.gov.au/mens-health
3. Health checks at different life stages
www.bupa.com.au/health-and-wellness/health-information/az-health-information/health-checks
Consultations with a psychologist can attract a Medicare rebate.
However you first need an Initial Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)
and referral letter from your GP. This requires a ½ hour consult with the GP.
Our GPs are happy to assist and have the information to get you started.
Please state you need an Initial Mental Health Treatment Plan when booking if this is your intention and request a ½ hour appointment.
At the end of your initial visit here you and your GP will have a written plan and referral.
To start with your GP can refer you for up to 6 sessions with a psychologist.
These sessions will attract a Medicare rebate, please check with your psychologist for their individual rates.
When you have used your recommended sessions, if you need more Medicare rebated sessions you need to return to your GP here for review.
This review appointment can be booked as a regular 15 minute consult.
At that consult you seek agreement from your GP that another group of sessions are recommended.
Please note Medicare sets the number of sessions you can claim per calendar year is the maximum number of sessions for claiming a Medicare rebate with your psychologist.
At the end of the calendar year if you have unused sessions from your GP referral they can carry over into the next calendar year.
You and your psychologist will need to keep track of the number of sessions you have used in the calendar year and the number used since your last GP referral.
Due to the complexity of the above arrangement feel free to discuss the Medicare rulings and arrangements with our Practice Manager, Leona.
It is strongly suggested that you also communicate with your psychologist regarding costs and Medicare rebates.
Consultations with some allied health providers can attract a Medicare rebate under certain circumstances as outlined by the Department of Health 2014
You may be eligible if you meet the criteria as explained by the Department of Health as follows:
A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for six months or longer, for example, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions and stroke. There is no list of eligible conditions; however, it is for patients who require a structured approach, including those requiring ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team.
When you are seeing a doctor here your medical conditions and care needs will be assessed and it will be worked out if you meet the guidelines set by Medicare.
Once found to be eligible, a plan will be documented which will include the other health care providers involved in your treatment. A special referral for Chronic Disease Management will be sent to the allied health provider (previously an EPC referral but now called a CDM referral).
This enables you to claim a Medicare rebate or Medicare funded visit with your allied health provider.
The maximum of number of visits for each patient is 5 per calendar year.
Please check with your allied health provider as to the system they use with Medicare once you have your referral from the doctor here.