Skin conditions · By referral
If you have a new, changing, or bothersome bump or spot, the first step is having it looked at. Dr. Baldwin assesses skin lesions and, when it is appropriate, removes common benign growths. Many appropriate treatments can be completed in a short office procedure.
Not every spot should simply be removed. Some lesions need to be evaluated before anything is done, both to confirm what they are and to make sure nothing concerning is missed. A lesion with features that need a closer look is assessed carefully, and sampled or referred on where that is the right step. A concerning lesion is never removed without proper assessment.
When removal is appropriate, the method depends on the type of lesion - options include freezing (cryotherapy), shaving or gently scraping the surface, and, for some lesions, a small excision. Treatment is done in a short visit under local anaesthetic where needed, and some lesions are sent to the lab to confirm the diagnosis. What is involved for your specific lesion is explained at your visit.
Assessment and medically necessary removal are covered by MSP and seen by referral. Removal of a lesion purely for cosmetic reasons is generally not covered. When a cosmetic removal is appropriate, it may be provided as a private-pay service after assessment; any costs are discussed with you before treatment so there are no surprises.
Yes. A referral from your family doctor or nurse practitioner is required before an appointment is arranged, including for a cosmetic concern. This makes sure the lesion is assessed appropriately before removal is considered.
Common reasons for referral include bothersome skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, cysts, milia, cherry angiomas, lesions of uncertain diagnosis, and lesions that may need assessment or removal.
Medically necessary assessment and treatment may be covered by MSP. Cosmetic removal is generally not covered. If a private-pay procedure is appropriate, the fee is explained before you decide whether to proceed.
Ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner to send a referral to Dr. Baldwin at Hillside Medical Clinic in Victoria or Kensington Medical Clinic in Burnaby, and the clinic will contact you to arrange an appointment. If you are unsure whether a spot needs attention, that is exactly the kind of thing an assessment is for.