Living in Singapore

[ChiefKiasu]

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"2087111\" time=\"1666950123\" user_id=\"14025:

Call me a cheapo.
When you see a doc at the polyclinic and ask fot Vit B, it would be relatively cheap.

Same for panadol ...

Yeah... but the doctor will charge you for the appointment, will he not?

[Liew Nga Wing]

Can we use our medisave money for our consultation at Polyclinic? I don’t know because my company always pay 85% of my consultation fee at Polyclinic.

[starlight1968sg]

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2087155\" time=\"1666967446\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2087155 time=1666967446 user_id=195250]
Can we use our medisave money for our consultation at Polyclinic? I don't know because my company always pay 85% of my consultation fee at Polyclinic.[/quote]

we share a similar medical benefit scheme.

[starlight1968sg]

ChiefKiasu\" post_id=\"2087141\" time=\"1666958459\" user_id=\"3:

Yeah... but the doctor will charge you for the appointment, will he not?

Yes, but still cheaper than buying panadol, lozenges etc outside.

My point is : a cough syrup at a GP can costs as much as $12.50 but a cough syrup (ok, dont know if same brand but still cough syrup) at a polyclinic costs much much lower

Now visiting a polyclinic is not simply walk-in. One needs to make an appointment and the slots filled up quickly when they are open 10pm the night before.

Hence it is easier to die than to fall sick :stompfeet:

[floppy]

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2087155\" time=\"1666967446\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2087155 time=1666967446 user_id=195250]
Can we use our medisave money for our consultation at Polyclinic? I don't know because my company always pay 85% of my consultation fee at Polyclinic.[/quote]

Only for selected outpatient treatment, such as the management of chronic diseases, vaccinations, health screenings, or CT/MRI scans.

https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/healthcare-financing/using-your-medisave-savings/using-medisave-for-outpatient-treatments

[sharonkhoo]

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2087155\" time=\"1666967446\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2087155 time=1666967446 user_id=195250]
Can we use our medisave money for our consultation at Polyclinic? I don't know because my company always pay 85% of my consultation fee at Polyclinic.[/quote]

Info here:
https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/healthcare-financing/using-your-medisave-savings/using-medisave-for-outpatient-treatments

Medisave use for outpatient treatments is limited to what is described there. For common ailments, we have to pay for ourselves unless over 60 (up to a limit per year). If eligible, you could apply for a CHAS card - the blue and orange ones give subsidies for common ailments.

[floppy]

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"2087188\" time=\"1667004908\" user_id=\"14025:

Yes, but still cheaper than buying panadol, lozenges etc outside.
...

Only if you are buying branded medicine.
E.g. Paracetamol is the generic name of the painkiller. Buying a house brand (e.g. unity, guardian) or \"no brand\" 500mg paracetamol (which is what the polyclinic and most doctors will give you) is cheaper than buying Panadol (which is a trademark / brand owned by GSK). Both will do the same work.

[sharonkhoo]

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"2087188\" time=\"1667004908\" user_id=\"14025:

Yes, but still cheaper than buying panadol, lozenges etc outside.

My point is : a cough syrup at a GP can costs as much as $12.50 but a cough syrup (ok, dont know if same brand but still cough syrup) at a polyclinic costs much much lower

Now visiting a polyclinic is not simply walk-in. One needs to make an appointment and the slots filled up quickly when they are open 10pm the night before.

Hence it is easier to die than to fall sick :stompfeet:

Try buying generics and over-the-counter medications? I think cough syrups at pharmacies (depends on brand, exact drug, size of bottle etc) can be around $10 plus/minus? I recently bought a bottle of something for my daughter for $8. I prefer to self-medicate for simple things - saves time, medicine charges and consultation fees. My girls will have to see a doctor if they need MC, but my husband and I are self-employed.

Anyway, once you are old enough to register with a family doctor, I think the medication costs are supposed to be similar to polyclinics' charges.

[lee_yl]

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"2087188\" time=\"1667004908\" user_id=\"14025:

My point is : a cough syrup at a GP can costs as much as $12.50 but a cough syrup (ok, dont know if same brand but still cough syrup) at a
polyclinic costs much much lower

Now visiting a polyclinic is not simply walk-in. One needs to make an appointment and the slots filled up quickly when they are open 10pm the night before.

Hence it is easier to die than to fall sick :stompfeet:

Choose 2:

FAST
CHEAP
GOOD

Good and fast, not cheap
Cheap and good, not fast
Fast and cheap, not good

[starlight1968sg]

slmkhoo\" post_id=\"2087192\" time=\"1667005481\" user_id=\"28674:

Anyway, once you are old enough to register with a family doctor, I think the medication costs are supposed to be similar to polyclinics' charges.

I think you are referring to the recent initiative launched by MOH that each person is \"tagged\" to a doc/GP.
Till now, I dont understand how it works.

In my case, I have routine check-ups for dental, eyes and womb. The former is at woodlands polyclinic. The latter at NUH. If I have minor illness eg cough, sore throat etc, then I will go to a polyclinic. I used to go BB polyclinic. With the current Make an Appointment system, when am unable to get a slot at BB polyclinic, I would have to visit any polyclinic I can locate.

How do i fit into this initiative?