It costs $230 out-of-pocket to see a dermatologist. Many Australians go without – despite soaring skin cancer rates

The most recent available data estimates almost 810,000 Australians over 15 didn’t see a specialist, such as a dermatologist, when they needed to because of cost Photograph: Sam Mooy/AAP

Patients are increasingly going without medically necessary dermatological care, the head of the Consumers Health Forum says, as a new report reveals the rising cost of the specialty in Australia.

Dermatology is expensive and getting pricier, with an average first visit now costing an adult patient without concessions $230 out of pocket, while follow-up appointments cost almost $190, the report from health directory Cleanbill found.