Do you need a referral for nail surgery?

Nail surgery can include removing part or all of a nail, taking a small nail or skin sample, or treating a problem around the nail. A dermatologic surgeon may first examine the nail and decide whether surgery is appropriate. That assessment can be arranged directly at some clinics, while other services ask for a referral from a general practitioner or dermatologist. A referral is an access or coordination step; it does not by itself confirm that surgery is needed.

Contact the chosen clinic and ask whether self-referral is accepted, which clinician can refer you, and whether previous records or photographs are useful. Describe the nail problem, how long it has been present, any pain or drainage, and treatments already tried. Ask whether the appointment is for an assessment or for a procedure, because the service may need to examine you before scheduling surgery. If you use health cover, check its referral and pre-authorisation requirements separately.

Arrange medical review promptly for a rapidly changing dark mark under a nail, unexplained bleeding, spreading redness, marked swelling, pus, fever, or severe pain. These features can need assessment before any planned nail procedure. Do not remove or repeatedly cut the nail to investigate it yourself, as this can obscure the finding and irritate the surrounding skin.

Ask: What is the suspected nail problem? Is surgery necessary, and what part of the nail would be treated? Who will perform it? What wound care and activity restrictions should I expect? Which symptoms after the procedure should prompt an urgent call?