dermatolgists in the UK

due to a slightly abnormal pathology result from my dermatologist, it's now been recommended that i find a dermatologist in the UK once i arrive to establish a regular checkup routine in order to keep an eye out for other problems.  i've just had the abnormal place on my back removed, so all should be fine as far as that goes, but i'm a bit anxious about making sure any future problems are identified.  has anyone here had any experience with getting referrals to a dermatologist? can i expect a long wait?  does anyone know how well skin cancer is dealt with there? 

i have skin cancer on both sides of the family, and I admit to burning a few times as a child.  I keep a careful watch on all moles, and a few years ago one started to look a bit funky.  I went to my GP, who said that although she was pretty sure it was fine, she would be happy to refer me to a dermatologist. 

I could have seen one through my private insurance in 2 weeks. Instead I waited 5 for a NHS appointment (which was with the same Dr, just at a different hospital!).  I was happy to wait b/c I wasn't overy concerned.

When I went to the dermatolgist, he gave me an 'open referral'.  He said that because of my fair skin, family history, previous burns, lots of freckles/moles, I was more at risk.  The 'open referral' allowed me to make appointments directly with him for 18 months.  I never used it, and would now need to go too the GP if I had any other issues.

My advice is to go to your GP early on, bring your previous notes, explain that you'd like a check every 12 months, and see what they say.  Also, please know that since you've had prior skin issues, any future skin issues may not be covered by any private insurance you take out in the UK.

thank you for sharing!  that's exactly the sort of information i was looking for and the not being covered under private insurance is a good heads up too--i will make sure to get a referral early on through the NHS. 

hopefully this was just a one-time abnormality and doesn't show up again-- i can count on one hand the number of times i've worn a bathing suit outside in the past 10 years. i really try to avoid the sun as much as possible, so i was a bit surprised when they called me with the results