NHS: Just pick it off

While visiting the NHS (Britain's National Health Services), I happened to have this conversation on my way out from the Dr. visit:

Me:  Oh, one more thing.  I have this mole on the shoulder and I think my bag has iritated it.  It hurts a bit and seems weird. Can you take a look at it?
Doc:  Hm, let me take a look.  Oh, that is not a mole.  That is a skin tag.  I know it is brown like a mole, but it is not a mole.
Me {raised brow}:  Really?
Doc:  Yes, nothing to worry about.  They are benign.  You can just pick it off.
{easily 30 seconds of silence as I processes this information, most likely with one squinty eye}
Doc:  Well, I mean I can send you to a specialist and he can shave it off for you, but that may scar.  Generally we tell people to pick them off with their fingernail.
{more silence ... my mouth may have been hanging open, probably two squinty eyes}
Me:  Did you say "pick it off"?
Doc:  Yeah, it may take a while and may bleed a bit since that's a big one.
Doc{after settling in that I as a foreigner may not be accustomed to this more cost effective solution}: Or, if that bothers you I guess you could go to the specialist.
Me:  Um, no.  Thanks.  I guess I'll see how it goes.

What???  Really???  The pros and cons of social medicine.  Free advice.