Mole Check and Private Dermatology Referral London: Skin Cancer Screening, Skin Conditions, and Fast-Track Specialist Access
Last updated: March 2026
The Online GP by The Wellness
If you have a mole that has changed, a new skin lesion you are concerned about, or a skin condition that is not responding to treatment, The Online GP by The Wellness provides same-day GP skin assessments and same-day referral letters to private dermatologists. NHS dermatology waiting times currently run 12 to 20 weeks for routine referrals and 2 to 6 weeks even for urgent suspected cancer pathways. A private GP referral can get you in front of a dermatologist within days. Video consultations for skin assessment start from £250. In-person consultations start from £295. All clinical decisions, including whether a referral is appropriate, are at the sole discretion of the assessing doctor. All cases are accepted at the complete discretion of the clinic.
WhatsApp us for a same-day skin assessment | Call 020 3951 3428 | Email team@thewellnesslondon.com
When should you see a doctor about a mole or skin lesion?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK, over 16,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year in the UK, and the incidence has been rising steadily. Non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) are far more common, with over 150,000 cases annually.
Early detection saves lives. Melanoma diagnosed at stage 1 has a five-year survival rate of over 95%. Melanoma diagnosed at stage 4 has a five-year survival rate of approximately 20%. The difference between these outcomes is often a matter of weeks or months in presentation.
You should see a GP about a mole or skin lesion if it has changed in size, shape, or colour. If it has become asymmetrical (one half does not match the other). If it has an irregular or blurred border. If it contains multiple colours (brown, black, red, pink, white, or blue). If it is larger than 6mm in diameter or is growing. If it is itching, bleeding, crusting, or inflamed. If it is a new mole that appeared after the age of 30. Or if you have any skin lesion that concerns you for any reason.
The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6mm, Evolution or change over time) provides a useful framework, but it does not capture all melanomas. Some melanomas are amelanotic (non-pigmented) and present as pink or red nodules. When in doubt, get it checked.
Worried about a mole? WhatsApp us for a same-day assessment. Do not wait.
What happens during a GP skin assessment?
The GP conducts a focused skin assessment that evaluates the lesion against clinical criteria and determines the appropriate next step.
Clinical history. When did you first notice the lesion? Has it changed? How quickly? Any symptoms (itching, bleeding, pain)? Personal or family history of skin cancer? History of significant sun exposure or sunburn? Previous moles removed?
Visual assessment. For in-person consultations, the doctor examines the lesion directly, assessing size, shape, colour, border, and surface characteristics. For video consultations, the doctor examines high-resolution photographs (patients are asked to send clear, well-lit photographs before the consultation). Video assessment is suitable for many skin concerns but has limitations for lesions where dermoscopy (magnified examination) would add diagnostic value.
Clinical decision. Based on the assessment, the doctor will determine one of three pathways. If the lesion is clearly benign (for example, a seborrhoeic keratosis, skin tag, or cherry angioma), the doctor will reassure you and advise on monitoring. If the lesion has features that require specialist assessment (dermoscopy, biopsy, or excision), the doctor will write a same-day referral letter to a private dermatologist. If the lesion has features raising suspicion of skin cancer, the doctor will arrange an urgent referral. Under NICE NG12 (Suspected cancer: recognition and referral), the two-week wait pathway applies through the NHS, but a private referral can achieve specialist assessment within days.
What skin conditions can a GP assess and treat?
Beyond mole checks, the GP can assess and manage a wide range of skin conditions. The most common include:
Acne. Mild to moderate acne can be managed entirely at GP level with topical treatments (benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics) and oral antibiotics where indicated. Severe or treatment-resistant acne requires referral to a dermatologist, particularly if isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is being considered, as this can only be initiated by a specialist.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis). The GP can prescribe emollients, topical corticosteroids, and calcineurin inhibitors. Referral to dermatology is indicated for eczema not responding to standard treatment, suspected contact dermatitis requiring patch testing, or consideration of systemic treatments.
Psoriasis. Mild psoriasis can be managed with topical treatments. Moderate to severe psoriasis, or psoriasis affecting quality of life, joints, or nails, warrants dermatology referral for consideration of phototherapy, systemic treatments, or biologics.
Rosacea. The GP can prescribe topical and oral treatments for rosacea. Referral is indicated for treatment-resistant cases or ocular rosacea.
Fungal skin infections. Including athlete's foot, ringworm, and fungal nail infections. The GP can prescribe topical and oral antifungals.
Urticaria (hives). Acute and chronic urticaria can be assessed and treated at GP level. Chronic urticaria lasting more than six weeks may warrant allergy testing and specialist referral.
Hair and scalp conditions. Including seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and alopecia. Our hair loss page covers hair loss in detail.
Skin infections. Including cellulitis, impetigo, and herpes simplex. The GP can prescribe appropriate antibiotics and antivirals.
For any skin condition not responding to first-line treatment, the GP can arrange a same-day referral to a private dermatologist.
WhatsApp us about a skin condition.
Why are NHS dermatology waits so long?
NHS dermatology is one of the most overstretched hospital specialties. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, routine dermatology referrals currently wait 12 to 20 weeks for a first appointment in most areas. Even the two-week wait urgent pathway for suspected cancer has been under pressure, with some areas exceeding the target.
The British Skin Foundation estimates that skin conditions account for approximately 24% of all GP consultations in the UK, yet dermatology receives a disproportionately small share of NHS funding and training places. The result is a mismatch between demand and capacity that has worsened year on year.
For patients with a suspicious mole, a painful or disfiguring skin condition, or treatment-resistant eczema or psoriasis, waiting months for a dermatology appointment is not clinically or personally acceptable. A private referral provides access to the same consultants, typically within one to two weeks.
How much does a skin assessment or mole check cost?
Video consultation from £250. Suitable for most skin assessments. Patients send clear photographs before the consultation. The doctor assesses the images alongside the clinical history during the video call.
In-person consultation from £295. Recommended for mole checks where the doctor wants to examine the lesion directly, for multiple lesions, or for conditions requiring close visual assessment.
Referral letter to private dermatologist included within the consultation fee where clinically appropriate.
Blood tests where relevant (for example, autoimmune screening for suspected autoimmune skin conditions) from £195.
Specialist referral costs (separate from The Online GP). Private dermatology consultations in London typically cost £200 to £350 for a first appointment. Dermoscopy and biopsy are usually included or carry a small additional fee. The GP referral letter provides the clinical information the dermatologist needs to prepare.
The clinic reserves complete discretion over whether a case is accepted and the final charge.
WhatsApp us to book a skin assessment
The process
1. Contact us.WhatsApp, call 020 3951 3428, or email team@thewellnesslondon.com. If you are booking a video consultation for a skin concern, send clear photographs in advance (good lighting, close-up, with a ruler or coin for scale if possible).
2. GP consultation. The doctor conducts a skin assessment, takes a clinical history, and determines the next steps. For mole checks, the doctor evaluates the lesion against clinical criteria and explains their findings.
3. Outcome. If the lesion is clearly benign, you receive reassurance and monitoring advice. If a dermatology referral is indicated, a detailed referral letter is emailed same-day. If the doctor is concerned about a possible skin cancer, an urgent referral is arranged immediately.
4. Specialist appointment. You book with the private dermatologist directly. Most can see you within one to two weeks. We can recommend experienced dermatologists in London.
Important information
A GP skin assessment is not a substitute for dermoscopy. Dermoscopy (examination with a specialised magnifying instrument) is performed by dermatologists and significantly improves diagnostic accuracy for pigmented lesions. If the GP considers dermoscopy necessary, they will refer to a dermatologist.
If you have a rapidly changing, bleeding, or ulcerating skin lesion, do not wait. Contact us immediately for an urgent assessment and referral.
All clinical decisions are at the sole discretion of the assessing doctor.
Acceptance of cases is at the complete discretion of the clinic. Final charges are determined by clinical complexity.
All doctors are GMC-registered. The Online GP operates as part of The Wellness, a private medical clinic at 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London.
Frequently asked questions about mole checks and skin assessments
Can a GP diagnose skin cancer? A GP can identify features suspicious for skin cancer and arrange an urgent referral. Definitive diagnosis requires specialist assessment with dermoscopy and, in most cases, a biopsy performed by a dermatologist or surgeon.
Can I send photos by WhatsApp for a quick opinion? A clinical assessment requires a formal consultation. However, sending photographs before a video consultation allows the doctor to review the images in advance and makes the consultation more efficient. We do not provide clinical opinions based on photographs alone without a consultation.
How often should I get moles checked? There is no universal screening recommendation for the general population. Patients at higher risk (fair skin, history of sunburn, family history of melanoma, large number of moles, previous skin cancer) should consider annual skin checks. The doctor can advise on your individual risk.
Can you remove moles? Mole removal is a minor surgical procedure performed by a dermatologist or surgeon, not during a GP consultation. The GP refers you to the appropriate specialist.
The Online GP by The Wellness 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London Phone: 020 3951 3428 WhatsApp to book | Book online: thewellness.co.uk
Skin assessments from £250 (video), £295 (in-person). Referral letter included where clinically appropriate. All clinical decisions at the sole discretion of the assessing doctor. All cases accepted at the discretion of the clinic. Final charges determined by clinical complexity.
