If a skin biopsy is “positive,” it means the lab found an abnormal result. This could include inflammation, infection, precancerous changes, or skin cancer, depending on what was tested.

Your clinician will review the pathology report and explain what the result means. The next step may include monitoring the area, applying a medication, removing more tissue, or referring you to a specialist such as a dermatologist or surgeon. At Go Medical, we help patients understand their biopsy results and arrange appropriate follow-up when needed.

Medically necessary skin biopsies are covered under Manitoba Health with a valid Manitoba Health card. This means there is no private fee for a biopsy when it is medically indicated.

Your clinician will assess the skin concern and determine whether a biopsy is appropriate. If the biopsy is being done for a cosmetic or non-medically necessary reason, any potential fees would be discussed with you before proceeding.

Skin biopsies are performed by Go Medical physicians at our partner clinics across Winnipeg. The procedure is done in-clinic and usually takes just a few minutes.

All biopsies at Go Medical are performed by licensed physicians with training in minor procedures. If your family doctor referred you, results can be shared with them for follow-up.

In Manitoba, medically necessary skin biopsies are typically covered under Manitoba Health with a valid Manitoba Health card. Additional cosmetic or elective removals may not be covered.

For patients with out-of-country or private health insurance, medically necessary procedures may be eligible for coverage depending on the insurance plan. Patients should confirm coverage directly with their insurer. Any fees for uninsured, cosmetic, or elective procedures would be discussed before proceeding.

A skin biopsy is usually very well tolerated. Before the biopsy, the area is numbed with local freezing. You may feel a brief pinch or stinging when the freezing is injected, but after that the area should feel numb during the procedure.

After the biopsy, the area may be mildly sore or tender for a few days. Your clinician will provide aftercare instructions and explain what to watch for as the area heals.

Urgent care clinics and emergency rooms are designed to assess and treat urgent medical problems. While they may evaluate a concerning skin lesion, they do not always perform skin biopsies, especially for non-emergency concerns.

If a skin spot is changing, bleeding, not healing, painful, or concerning for skin cancer, it should be assessed by a medical provider. Go Medical offers skin assessments and, when appropriate, medically necessary skin biopsies in a clinic setting.

Go Medical often has same-day, next-day, or next-week appointments available for skin assessments and biopsies. In most cases, we can see patients within 2 weeks.

Appointment availability may vary depending on the type of concern, whether an assessment is needed first, and the clinic schedule. If a skin lesion is changing, bleeding, painful, not healing, or otherwise concerning, patients are encouraged to contact the clinic to arrange an appointment.

ed flag signs of melanoma include a mole or skin spot that is changing in size, shape, colour, or texture. Other concerning signs include an irregular border, multiple colours, bleeding, itching, pain, a sore that does not heal, or a spot that looks noticeably different from your other moles.

A helpful guide is the ABCDEs of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter larger than 6 mm, and Evolution or change over time.

If you notice a new or changing skin lesion, especially one that is bleeding, painful, not healing, or looks unusual, it should be assessed by a medical provider. Go Medical can assess concerning skin lesions and arrange a medically necessary biopsy when appropriate.

Common skin conditions include moles, skin tags, cysts, lipomas, warts, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, acne, fungal infections, and sun-related skin changes. Some skin spots are harmless, while others may need assessment to rule out precancerous changes or skin cancer.

If a skin lesion is new, changing, bleeding, painful, not healing, or looks different from your other spots, it should be assessed by a medical provider. Go Medical can assess common skin concerns and arrange a medically necessary skin biopsy when appropria

A skin lesion should be assessed by a medical provider if it is new, changing, growing, bleeding, painful, itchy, not healing, or looks different from your other spots. Other concerning signs include irregular borders, multiple colours, darkening, crusting, ulceration, or a sore that keeps coming back.

It is also important to have a lesion checked if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, significant sun exposure, tanning bed use, or a weakened immune system.

Go Medical can assess concerning skin lesions and arrange a medically necessary skin biopsy when appropriate.