You’ll be taken into a private area. For a thorough skin check, you will need to remove your clothing. A doctor or nurse trained in skin cancer screening will examine your skin from head to toe using a dermatoscope, a special tool that helps detect early signs of skin cancer. They’ll note any spots or moles that look unusual and let you know if anything needs monitoring or treatment.
Not everyone will need the Vectra 3D Total Body Photography, but if you do, you’ll step into the machine and stand with your arms and feet slightly apart. Once you’re in position, it’s just like having your photo taken- though with a very bright flash.
Mobile skin clinic
We’ve partnered with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation to bring lifesaving skin checks to members and regional communities.
What is it?
Westfund is partnering with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation (ASCF) to bring lifesaving skin checks to our regional communities.
ASCF has launched the world's first mobile 3D total body photography system, made possible by Westfund's donation of the Vectra machine. The service will visit Westfund regions across NSW and QLD, giving members priority access to advanced melanoma detection technology and onsite care, including GP consultations and biopsies where needed.
Our goal is simple: Make early detection easier, more accessible, and closer to home for our members.
Finer details
What will I need to pay?
Nothing at all! ASCF skin checks are free—Westfund members can book priority appointments at Member Days, while the wider community is welcome to drop in when the mobile truck visits their area.
If you need follow-up appointments or biopsies with your regular GP or dermatologist, there may be some out-of-pocket costs.
What is the 3D Vectra?
ASCF’s 3D Vectra technology uses 96 cameras to capture a complete, high-quality image of your skin from every angle. When combined with dermoscopy (magnified imaging of individual lesions), detection accuracy is even higher. Dermoscopy itself improves melanoma detection sensitivity by 20–30% over naked-eye exams.¹
Do I need a referral?
No referral needed! If you’re a Westfund member and the mobile clinic is in your area, you’ll receive an invite from Westfund with a link to book your skin check through ASCF's website.
How does it work?
Step 1
Book your appointment! As part of this, you'll be asked to complete a checklist to better understand your skin cancer risk factors.
Before your appointment, you will receive a reminder from ASCF reminding you of the details and how to prepare.
Step 2
Arrive at the location 15 mins before your scheduled appointment. Check in with ASCF team and take a seat in the truck's waiting room.
Step 3
For a thorough skin check, you will need to remove your clothing. While not everyone will need to use the Vectra machine as part of their check, if you do, it's best to wear skin toned underwear as some colours or patterns can be picked up by the cameras. Disposable underwear will also be available for you to use.
Step 4
Whether your skin check is done by a nurse using a high tech dermatoscope or the Vectra machine, spots will be mapped, and anything unusual flagged for a closer look. With the Vectra machine, the process takes just seconds—96 cameras create a detailed 3D image of your body.
Follow ups
If something needs attention, you’ll have a few options. We recommend ASCF refer you back to your regular GP or dermatologist for follow-up. You’ll receive a referral letter with photos of the unusual spots to make care between providers easier. If you don’t have access to a GP or dermatologist, there may be an onsite GP who can biopsy or remove the spot. These services are bulk billed, so please bring your Medicare card just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
About your skin check
What happens during a skin check?
What happens during a skin check?
How long does a skin check take?
How long does a skin check take?
A standard skin check usually takes about 20–30 minutes, including the 3D Total Body Photography if required. The photography itself only takes a few seconds once you’re in position.
What areas of my body are checked?
What areas of my body are checked?
Your entire body will be checked, including areas you might not usually see, like your scalp, ears, back, and feet. You can choose to skip any area you’re not comfortable with.
Can I have a skin check if I have makeup or sunscreen on?
Can I have a skin check if I have makeup or sunscreen on?
Yes, though we may ask you to remove small areas if they’re covering a spot we need to check closely.
What is the 3D Vectra Machine?
What is the 3D Vectra Machine?
The Vectra 3D Total Body Photography system captures the entire skin surface in ultra-high resolution and creates a full-body 3D map of every mole, helping practitioners monitor lesions over time. People at higher risk of skin cancer will be offered a scan in the 3D Vectra machine.
Is the skin check done in a private space?
Is the skin check done in a private space?
Absolutely. Every skin check is done in a private consultation room on the truck to ensure your comfort and privacy.
Can I bring someone with me during the check if I feel uncomfortable?
Can I bring someone with me during the check if I feel uncomfortable?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring a support person.
Visiting the ASCF Skin Check Truck
Do I need to book an appointment or can I walk in?
Do I need to book an appointment or can I walk in?
Bookings are preferred as spots fill quickly, but if there’s time available, we’re happy to take walk-ins.
How do I book an appointment?
How do I book an appointment?
We'll update this webpage when the first 2026 dates are available. Members in a Westfund Care Centre location will receive an email invite to book an appointment in the new year.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
No problem, just click the booking link and update your personal booking details. It’s quick and easy. If you have any questions, our friendly team is here to help. Send us an email or call 1300 937 838.
What will I need to pay?
What will I need to pay?
Skin checks with ASCF are free for Westfund members and non members. Consultations for biopsies or pathology will be bulk-billed through Medicare.
Do I need a Medicare card?
Do I need a Medicare card?
No, everyone is welcome. However, if a doctor offers to take a biopsy on the day, we’ll ask for your Medicare card to bulk bill through Medicare.
How do I prepare and what to bring to your check?
How do I prepare and what to bring to your check?
Please bring your Medicare card and wear comfortable clothing that can be easily removed. While not everyone will need to use the Vectra machine as part of their check, if you do, it's best to wear skin toned underwear as some colours or patterns can be picked up by the cameras. Disposable underwear will also be available for you to use.
Can I still have a skin check if I already see a dermatologist?
Can I still have a skin check if I already see a dermatologist?
Yes! Regular checks are always encouraged. You can take your report from us to your specialist for follow-up.
How often should I get my skin checked?
How often should I get my skin checked?
Most people should have a professional skin check at least once a year, or more often if you have a history of skin cancer or lots of moles.
Everything You Need to Know About the ASCF Skin Check Truck
Is the truck wheelchair accessible?
Is the truck wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the truck has a wheelchair lift. Please let the operator know when you arrive. The 3D Total Body Photography does require you to stand unaided for a few minutes, but if you’re unable to do that, you can still have a skin check with one of our practitioners.
Where is the truck located?
Where is the truck located?
We'll update this webpage when the first 2026 dates are available. Members in a Westfund Care Centre location will receive an email invite to book an appointment in the new year.
The ASCF has two trucks that travel to various locations and events across the year. If you live outside a Westfund Care Centre location or missed out on booking a Westfund member day, we recommend visiting their website for upcoming stops.
How is my privacy protected?
How is my privacy protected?
All images and data are stored securely and handled in line with Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988. This means your health information is protected and used only for your care.
What qualifications do the ASCF practitioners have?
What qualifications do the ASCF practitioners have?
All ASCF practitioners are qualified under AHPRA. The ASCF team includes Registered Nurses with special training in skin cancer and doctors with a special interest in skin cancer.
What if I need follow-up care?
What if I need follow-up care?
If further treatment or management is required, you'll be referred back to your own GP. If you don’t have one, the ASCF has a network of doctors who can assist with ongoing care. In some cases, the GP on the truck may be able to perform the procedure on certain days. This could mean coming back on a different day than your initial check.