Living in Singapore

[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?

[lee_yl]

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2087106\" time=\"1666949558\" user_id=\"17023:

Bought a bottle of Vitamin B at NTUC Unity. After discount, I paid $37.50. Walked out, I found that the next door Guardian Pharmacy is selling the same thing at $35 after discount.

Something wrong with NTUC’s cost structure.

DH says NTUC Unity is like public hospital while Guardian Pharmacy is like private hospital. I walked straight into NTUC w/o much thought because I have the impression NTUC is always selling at a cheaper price but sadly it’s no longer the case.