Fee Collection during Post-health Screening Consultation at Polyclinics
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the fee collection practices at polyclinics for post-health screening consultations and why these procedures differ from those at general practitioner (GP) clinics. MP Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked about the rationale for such fees, and Minister Gan Kim Yong responded that polyclinics only charge standard subsidized consultation fees for patients needing follow-up evaluations. He explained that normal results are mailed or collected for free, while patients with chronic conditions can review results during scheduled appointments at no additional cost. Regarding GPs, Minister Gan Kim Yong noted that charging practices vary, but the enhanced Screen For Life initiative will provide subsidies at Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) GP clinics. Starting September 2017, eligible Singaporeans will pay a single nominal fee for both screening and follow-up, while Pioneers receive these services for free to support national health goals.
Transcript
75 Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the reason for collecting a fee at the polyclinic when patients receive their health screening results during the post-screening consultation; and (b) why does the practice differ from that of general practitioner clinics.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Patients with normal health screening results may have their results mailed to them and there is no need for them to visit the polyclinics. If they prefer, they can also collect their results at the polyclinics. There is no additional fee charged by polyclinics for the original issuance of the screening results.
For patients who require further evaluation, it is important that the doctor meets with the patient to review the results, address concerns and/or advise on management options. Medication and treatment may also be initiated if necessary. Patients with existing chronic conditions may review their results during their next scheduled appointment at no additional cost, or at a separate sitting, if necessary. A standard subsidised polyclinic consultation fee would apply for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.
General practitioner (GP) clinics offer different types of health screening and adopt different charging practices. Some package the health screening and post-screening consultation in a single charge, while others charge patients a separate fee for post-screening follow-ups. GPs may also decide that mailing of results would suffice when a face-to-face visit is not needed.
As part of the enhanced Screen For Life (SFL) initiative which will take effect from 1 September 2017, we are extending subsidies to all eligible Singaporeans for recommended screenings at Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) GP clinics. This is part of our national strategy to encourage health screening and follow-ups, as well as to reinforce the role of GPs in preventive health and chronic disease management. Under the enhanced SFL initiative, eligible Singaporeans will pay a single nominal fee for the screening tests and post-screening consultation where required. Pioneers need not pay.