I Saw a Physician Assistant for a Skin Cancer Full Body Exam Scan, and I Will Do It Again

By Renee Feldman

3 min read

I choose my doctors carefully. I usually ask my gynecologist for a referral when I need a specialist. She, along with my cardiologist and internist, are all affiliated with the same large teaching hospital in NYC. I used to see a dermatologist who was also at that hospital, but he doesn’t take insurance and the bills got to be too high. So I asked local friends to recommend a dermatologist, but few liked their doctor enough to recommend them.

Trying to find a new dermatologist

When I did find a friend who liked her dermatologist, I started to see that doctor, and I liked her too. She did my full body check, biopsied suspicious moles, two of which were basal cell carcinomas, and was attentive. Then she left the practice. When it was time for my next skin cancer full body check, they offered me an appointment with another doctor or with a PA. I, of course, picked the doctor. But then I needed to see someone to diagnose an acute issue, which turned out to be eczema, and the only person who had time available when I could get there was the PA.

I found her to be knowledgeable, informative, patient, and thorough. She took her time examining me, and took time to talk to me and answer my questions. She told me that she does body checks, and also mentioned that she often has more availability than the doctors in the practice, meaning I could reach her and see her more easily/more quickly.

Hestiant to see a physician assistant for a skin exam

That all sounded positive and beneficial for a regular appointment to treat a skin issue, but I wasn’t convinced to see her for a full body check for skin cancer. Many questions danced through my mind: would she “catch” every possible skin cancer, would she know what to biopsy and what was just a mole, cyst, age spot? Did she have enough experience and was she trained well enough to examine me for skin cancer? My basic question was, did I trust her?

Then I remembered that my two basal cells were found by an aesthetician, not by my dermatologist. My dermatologist did the biopsies, but an aesthetician is the person who noticed the two spots on my face that looked “different” to her. I decided to give the PA a try, but I was still nervous. I called the office and asked to book an appointment with the PA for my biyearly skin check. I could hear the fear/trepidation in my voice and I’m sure the receptionist heard it too. As we discussed possible dates for my appointment, she said, “You know, J found my basal cell.” I immediately felt better.

Feeling satisifed and safe with a physician assistant skin check

I am happy to say the appointment went very well. I don’t know why, but I trusted her as she scanned my body. I did feel vulnerable as she scanned my face, neck, arms, legs, and back, as well as less visible areas such as my scalp, between my toes, and the soles of my feet. She took her time, did not seem rushed at all, answered all my questions, looked at every spot I asked her to check, and seemed thorough. I felt comfortable and confident as she examined every part of my body. She did remove two spots, and said she didn’t think they were cancerous but wanted to biopsy them just to be sure.

I felt confident in her ability to find anything suspicious and send it for a biopsy. Even with my dermatologist, I had often wondered if she missed something. I felt the same level of trust in the PA’s ability to find anything that could be cancerous as I did with my doctor. When I left the office, I booked my next skin cancer full body exam with her. And the two spots she removed did not turn out to be skin cancer!

Please comment and let us know if you see a PA or NP for a fully body check, and tell me about the experience in a few words. Have you been satisfied, and why or why not? Thank you!

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rswanson Member
When we moved, I wanted to get connected with a dermatology practice that focused more on the treatment of skin cancer than aesthetics. When I found a well-respected one, the PA was the only one taking new patients. I too was hesitant, but I have been to her twice for full skin checks and feel very confident in her care.
1. Renee Feldman Moderator
 I'm so glad you had a good experience with a PA!
2. Renee Feldman Moderator
 Nina, I've been thinking the same as I read all the comments on this article. I'm thinking the patient's experience depends on the individual PA, derm or derm surgeon. I've been reading about good experiences with each specialist. And I've had great experiences with both a dermatologist and a PA, as have others. So as with everything, the experience probably differs depending on the personality, attitude, and expertise of the specialist.
rwf04 Member
Do the PA have to have a doctor sign off on their findings? I know the NP's and PA's that I have gone to had to have the doctor's (MD) signature.
1. rwf04 Member
 I have not. I addressed my mole with my NP that I see. She referred me to dermatology because it looked suspicious. One other time I went to a MD but no luck. So I just see a dermatologist whenever I have anything I want checked. It is true that it takes awhile to get in with a derm but it beats an unknown diagnosis from a gp. Let me know what you find out about what the PA says. Maybe I can find one who does deal with moles and be able to get in quicker. I have read somewhere else that PA's are knowledgeable in moles. Thank you in advance.
2. Renee Feldman Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="2102218" username="rwf04"/> I totally agree with you that it's best to see someone in dermatology to look at a mole or any suspicious spot. Do you also get a yearly skin check? I hope you can find someone to see on a regular basis. I will definitely let you know what my PA says about whether she has to have a doctor sign off on her findings. My feeling about that is that it's probably better to have two sets of professional eyes reviewing my test results or other findings. But I'll let you know. By the way, my PA works in an office with several dermatologists and I do know she has tons of experience in the field. I feel lucky to have found her. Please reach out with any other questions and I'll write again at the end of the month after my visit. Feel free to read other articles on the site and let us know what you think. Stay safe. Renee <a href='http://SkinCancer.net' target='_blank'>SkinCancer.net</a> Author Moderator
rwf04 Member
I forgot to add. I get every 6 month checks. The second derm I went to insisted I get 6 month checks. So when the first derm emailed me she said she would do the 6 month checks as well. She originally was doing once a year checks.
1. Renee Feldman Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="2102218" username="rwf04"/> I'm so happy to hear that you're getting 6 month skin checks! Me too, as recommended after my basal cell diagnosis and treatment. I don't know about you, but it makes me feel more secure knowing a trained professional is examining me thoroughly twice a year. How do you feel about going every 6 months? Renee <a href='http://SkinCancer.net' target='_blank'>SkinCancer.net</a> Moderator Author
2. rwf04 Member
 Happy to do the 6 month check ups. I know I miss a lot when I look but also see things that changes. I've seen some changes in past couple of months. I have appt in January. Always happy to see my derm to see if things are ok. Almost wish I could do 3 months checkups as I see changes a lot. Most times it's nothing but good to know it.
denise3p Member
I also see a PA. She's more accessible. She seems to take more time than the doctor. (That seems to be a thing for almost all practices. And I speak as a patient and former Medical Office employee.) She is thorough and I have every confidence in her. She has seen me three times now and is very familiar with my skin. A good PA is as good as a good doctor. But seeing someone regularly and not jumping from doc to doc is really beneficial when it comes to skin checks.
1. Renee Feldman Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="2089954" username="denise3p"/> I have had the same experience as you talk about here, in that my PA takes more time examining me than the dermatologist ever did She definitely does a more thorough check of my skin. I'm so glad that you have confidence in your PA. As a psychologist I know that feeling confident and supported by your health care professional is correlated with good health. Thanks for also noting that seeing the same health care professional regularly is key for successful skin checks. That makes sense and I appreciate you sharing that fact. Stay well and thanks again
rligon Member
I used to see a Dermatologist but when I had to reschedule my last yearly check up she was not available. So I made the appointment with her PA. I was extremely satisfied with the visit with the PA. she done a more thorough check from head to toe literally. My Dermatologist had never checked me over as well as the PA did. So from now on I make my appointments with the PA I feel more comfortable that she will find anything that needs to be removed and biopsy. I have had squamous cell twice so far. With Mohs surgery both times. So the moral of my story is a PA can be as good as the Dr if not better in some cases.
1. Renee Feldman Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="2101505" username="rligon"/> Thanks for sharing your experience with a PA. I had such a similar experience, with the PA doing a more thorough check than my dermatologist did. I feel the same as you do -- that the PA will find anything suspicious. I hope you are well. Thanks again for commenting here.
GTHarvey Member
Reading the prior comments here I see that they are not current, over two years old. I have a current concern since I have not had a full body skin scan since moving from L.A. to Las Vegas, about 4 or 5 years ago. I go to see the Derm every 6 months since I have a history of BCC and SCC with multiple SKs and AKs on my head, chest, back and shoulders. My last Derm in L.A. was an older male Dr. Here in Vegas, my Derm has been a younger male PA who has never completed the full body scan. He left the practice recently and they assigned me to a younger female PA whom I saw once several months ago. My next scheduled appointment is scheduled for March. I am hesitant to ask for a full body scan from the young lady without sounding strange...
1. Scott Matheny Member
 Hello, thanks for your post. If I understand you, you are hesitant to ask for a full body scan because it might be and uncomfortable situation. My thoughts are that physician's assistants are trained professionals and have done full body scans either alone or with dermatologists present. If you have concerns, I would think you could ask for a different PA, if available or maybe discuss your concerns before the appointment. I am never hesitant in asking for a full body scan no matter the gender or age of the professional. All I care about is getting a good check up and moving on with my day. Hope this helps. Scott <a href='http://skincancer.net' target='_blank'>skincancer.net</a> moderator

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