Minor Procedures and Occupational Health in Wollongong
Our GPs at Illawarra General Practice perform a range of minor procedures at our Wollongong CBD practice, including removal of skin lesions and lumps and treatment of ingrown toenails. We also provide pre-employment and work medicals, fitness-for-work assessments and workers compensation care for patients and employers across the Illawarra.
Some procedures may incur a small fee, and medicals for employment or insurance are not covered by Medicare. Our reception team can explain any costs when you book.
Minor procedures at our practice
Many minor procedures can be done in the practice under local anaesthetic, without needing to go to hospital. Your GP will first assess you, explain whether a procedure is suitable, what's involved and any risks, and answer your questions before you decide.
Skin lesion removal
If you have a mole, spot or skin lesion that is new, changing or causing concern, your GP can examine it and discuss whether it should be monitored, biopsied or removed. If removal is recommended, the lesion is usually cut out under local anaesthetic and the area closed with stitches.
Removed tissue is usually sent to pathology for testing. Your GP will discuss the results with you and arrange any further treatment or specialist referral if needed.
Lumps and cysts
Your GP can assess lumps under the skin, such as cysts and lipomas, and discuss whether removal is appropriate. Some lumps may need imaging or specialist assessment first.
Ingrown toenails and nail removal
For painful or recurring ingrown toenails, your GP may recommend removing part or all of the nail under local anaesthetic. Your GP can also discuss treatment to reduce the chance of the nail growing back into the skin.
Preparing for your procedure
When you book, let reception know the procedure is for a lesion removal or nail procedure, so the right length of appointment can be arranged. Please tell your GP if you take blood thinners or other medicines, have allergies, or have a condition that affects healing, such as diabetes.
Aftercare
Your GP will explain how to care for the wound, what to watch for and when to return. If you have stitches, they are usually removed after around one to two weeks, depending on where they are on your body.
Contact the practice if the area becomes increasingly red, swollen, hot or painful, or if you develop a fever.
Pre-employment and work medicals
Our GPs conduct pre-employment and workplace medicals to the requirements set by your employer. The content of the medical depends on the role and may include a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and checks of vision, hearing, blood pressure and other measurements.
When you book, please tell reception that the appointment is for a work medical, and bring:
- Any forms or instructions from your employer
- Photo identification
- Your glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them
- A list of your medicines
Medicare does not cover medicals required for employment, so a fee applies. Our reception team can confirm the cost when you book.
Fitness-for-work and occupational health assessments
Our GPs can assess whether a person is fit to perform their usual duties, or what adjustments may be needed, for example after an illness or injury. We can also provide workplace health assessments and advice for employers and employees.
Employers seeking assessments for staff are welcome to contact our reception team to discuss requirements.
Insurance and sports medicals
Our GPs can complete medical examinations for insurance applications and for sports participation. Please bring the forms provided by your insurer or sporting organisation, and photo identification.
Medicare does not cover medicals required for insurance purposes, so a fee applies.
Workers compensation care
If you've been injured at work, our GPs can assess and treat your injury, complete the medical documentation needed for your claim, and support your return to work. In NSW, your treating doctor can issue a certificate of capacity, which records your injury, your capacity for work and your treatment plan.
What to bring to your first appointment
- Your claim number, if you have one
- Your employer's name and contact details
- The insurer's name and contact details, if known
- Details of how and when the injury happened
Who pays for workers compensation appointments?
Workers compensation consultations are not billed to Medicare. Treatment for an accepted claim is usually paid by your employer's workers compensation insurer. Our reception team can explain how billing works for your situation.
Make sure you report your injury to your employer as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Your consultation is bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. A small fee may apply for the procedure itself, which we'll discuss with you beforehand.
No. Book an appointment with one of our GPs, who will assess you first and discuss whether a procedure is appropriate.
Most skin lesion removals are closed with stitches, which are usually removed after around one to two weeks. Your GP will explain what to expect for your procedure.
In NSW, injured workers can generally choose their own treating doctor. You're welcome to book with one of our GPs for your workers compensation care.
The cost depends on what your employer requires. Please call reception on (02) 4216 5511 with your employer's requirements for a quote.