Do I need a referral from my GP to have a mole privately removed?

June 12, 2014 By Skin Surgery Clinic Team

A question that we are often asked at the clinic:

The simple answer is no, a GP referral is not necessary. Many of our patients do come to us with a referral from their GP, but it is not a requirement. We are medically registered to be able to treat you if you self-refer to us.

“There is an increasing prevalence of skin cancers in the UK, so non-suspicious (benign) moles are very rarely removed on the NHS. To get a benign mole removed, you would almost always need to do so privately and will be charged a fee.” (Source: NHS UK)

At the Skin Surgery Clinic, consultations and procedures are always carried out by a GP or a Consultant. There will be no difference in the level of care that you will receive and the information that you will be given about your mole, whether you go to your own GP or come and see us, except perhaps that our Doctors have a special interest in skin concerns and see a greater number of moles in their daily practice.

There will be no change to your future eligibility of free NHS services if you choose to seek private treatment for mole removal.