Rising Costs of Dermatological Care in Australia
Patients are increasingly avoiding essential dermatological care due to the rising costs associated with this medical specialty, according to a recent report. The Consumers Health Forum has highlighted the growing financial burden on patients, especially those without Medicare concessions.
According to data from health directory Cleanbill, the average cost for a first visit to a dermatologist for an adult without concessions is now $230 out of pocket, while follow-up appointments cost approximately $190. These figures represent a significant increase over the past year, with first visits rising by nearly $18 and follow-ups by almost $20. The increases were even more pronounced in smaller states such as Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania.
Dr Elizabeth Deveny, CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, emphasized the impact of these costs on patients. She stated that specialist care is becoming something people must budget for, and in many cases, they are forced to go without it. This is particularly concerning in dermatology, where ongoing care is often medically necessary.
The gap between what Medicare covers and what specialists charge has been widening for years, leading to increased financial strain on patients. Dr Deveny added that no one should have to decide whether they can afford to follow up on a skin cancer check.
Workforce Challenges in Dermatology
Dermatology is a small workforce, with just under 700 specialist dermatologists and about 130 trainees nationally. In comparison, psychiatry has 6,500 qualified psychiatrists and more than 2,500 trainees. This disparity highlights the challenges in meeting the growing demand for dermatological services, which is partly driven by high skin cancer rates.
Many dermatologists are also shifting towards more lucrative cosmetic work outside of Medicare, leaving fewer specialists available for essential treatments. As a result, waiting lists are growing longer, and out-of-pocket costs continue to rise.
Limited trainee places, which are government-funded, further exacerbate the issue. According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, the number of training positions is constrained by funding and capacity within public hospitals and outpatient clinics. These facilities remain under-resourced relative to the demand for dermatological care.
Cost Transparency and Patient Awareness
James Gillespie, CEO of Cleanbill, noted that some repeat patients may have arrangements with their specialists that lead to lower fees. However, these arrangements are typically not available to first-time patients. Cleanbill aims to provide insight into the general billing policies of clinics and practitioners, enabling patients to be aware of costs before booking an appointment.
Gillespie also mentioned that the report aligns with findings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The most recent data from 2024-25 estimates that nearly 810,000 Australians over 15 did not see a specialist when they needed to due to cost.
Challenges in Funding and Access
A spokesperson from the Australasian College of Dermatologists explained that dermatology care can be time-intensive, with doctors managing chronic disease, cancer surveillance, and complex patient needs. Additionally, rebates have not kept pace with practice costs such as staffing, rent, medical indemnity insurance, equipment, and compliance requirements.
The spokesperson emphasized that current funding settings are placing pressure on affordability and equity. Without reform to Medicare rebates and investment in public dermatology services, there is a risk that patients with fewer financial resources or those living in regional and outer metropolitan areas will face longer wait times or limited access to care.
Ensuring equitable access to dermatology care requires sustainable Medicare funding and adequate resourcing of public hospital dermatology clinics. This approach would reduce the burden on patients and individual specialists.
