Skin cancer clinics in Australia: workload profile and performance indicators from an analysis of billing data

In reply: Our previous publications1,2 should calm Chia and Shumack’s “alarm”. We have urged for the development of education, standards, accreditation, research and audit for skin cancer clinics.1 Over the past 12 months, the Skin Cancer Society of Australia has been formed (http://www.skincancersociety.com.au), standards have been developed, a process of skin cancer practice accreditation has been established, and a masters-level degree in primary care skin cancer medicine has been created (http://www.som.uq.edu.au/skincancer/masters.htm).

Our results described activities of a single network of skin cancer clinics.2 They should not be viewed as a benchmark, and caution must be exercised in making any generalisations from them. They are simply the first such data to be presented for public scrutiny. It will be important to see results from other skin cancer clinics.

Regarding flap repairs, we were unable to confirm the findings alluded to by Chia and Shumack based on a personal communication. However, we are currently undertaking a detailed analysis of relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule data for general practitioners and specialists and we look forward to presenting this for rigorous peer review and publication shortly.

Skin cancer medicine is an established component of primary care. Whether this occurs in mainstream general practice, “special interest services” or skin cancer clinics, the same standards apply to all.