Minor procedures · assessment first
A minor procedure starts with a clinical decision, not with the procedure.
A minor procedure does not start with a blade, needle or anaesthetic. It starts with a decision: can this problem be safely handled by a GP, and is the right next step a procedure, medication, monitoring, testing or onward referral?
Allow enough time: if you hope the procedure can be performed during the same visit, it is often sensible to book two consecutive appointments. The decision to proceed is always made after assessment.
Price: examinations, supplies and a minor-procedure facility fee may be charged in addition to the consultation. See Mehiläinen’s price list; the exact estimate depends on the findings and procedure performed.
Available appointments and booking are handled in Mehiläinen’s appointment service.
Care route
When should I book, call 116117 or call 112?
Book an appointment if
- you have a defined problem that may need a minor procedure but first needs medical assessment
- the problem is a wound, abscess, nail problem, foreign body, joint symptom or local lump
- you need to know whether it can be treated in a GP setting or needs another route
Call 116117 if
- there is heavy bleeding, rapidly spreading infection, fever, severe deterioration or deep injury
- procedure safety is unclear because of location, illness or medication
- you are unsure whether hospital emergency care is needed
Call 112 if
- there is chest pain, severe shortness of breath, impaired consciousness, stroke-like symptoms or another emergency
- general condition deteriorates rapidly or the person cannot stay awake
- bleeding, pain or injury feels immediately life-threatening or function-threatening
This is not an emergency department. At the appointment the aim is to examine the situation and decide the next sensible step: self-care, medication, a minor procedure, tests or referral.
How the appointment works
You can come with the problem; you do not need to know the procedure name.
It is enough that you have a defined problem and are not sure what should be done with it. Examples include a wound, painful lump or skin change, suspected abscess, inflamed or ingrown nail, foreign body, joint pain or acute painful external haemorrhoid symptoms.
During the appointment I examine the problem and decide what is the most sensible next step. To a patient these may all feel like “something needs to be done”, but medically a wound, abscess, nail problem, lump and joint pain follow different clinical paths.
A minor procedure is performed only when it appears necessary, safe and well timed. Sometimes the best decision is not to do a procedure, but to observe, medicate, calm the situation or refer onward.
Procedure pages
More detailed pages about common procedure-related problems
Booking details
What is useful to mention if you hope for a procedure?
- what the problem is: wound, abscess, nail problem, foreign body, lump, joint pain or another defined finding
- where it is and how long it has been there
- whether there is fever, spreading redness, pus, bleeding or a recent injury
- whether you use blood-thinning medication or have diabetes, immune-suppressing treatment or a major drug allergy
If you hope for a procedure during the same visit, mention it and preferably book two consecutive appointments. The decision is still made only after examination.
Related pages