Me Time!

[Estéema]

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2122247\" time=\"1699344534\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2122247 time=1699344534 user_id=53606]
Looks like benefits those with chronic conditions more.

Also, i think the purpose of this initiative is to move the workload from the polyclinics to the heartland GPs for less urgent/chronic conditions. At polyclinics u dont get to choose a fixed doctor, whereas at GP clinics u can make appt with your favourite doctor.[/quote]

Indeed, we’ll hv choices for our primary care, once we move away fr Polyclinics. What wld all the PolyClinics’ role be moving fwd?

This national initiative moves the responsibility to the patient, for a personal choice of primary care. Individuals are expected not to change doctors after appointing a primary doc, apparently for better effectiveness. So, for those who do not hv a family doc, will hv to put some serious thots for a long-term doc for primary care.

I believe MOH will gradually enable all GPs access to their own patient records & vis-versa the hospital will hv all follow-up records of patients.

Hope GPs will ensure their charges are within reason & hopefully not over-medicate their patients.

[Estéema]

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"2122249\" time=\"1699344919\" user_id=\"14025:

consultations at polyclinics are heavily subsidized and hence relatively affordable.
consultations at GP arent.
Medicine as well.
Hence I prefer to go to the polyclinics.

I believe MOH will work out with those under PHS.

Our family doc hv been part of the PHS & I u’stand they hv access to same medication thro MOH bulk purchase under the SingHealth list of suppliers. I’ve not been overcharged nor over-prescribed medication I do not need. I’ve also not find it difficult to access Specialist for further investigation for any of my serious medical needs.

MIL’s regular medication for her chronic issues are all subsidized & most times, as a Pioneer, she didn’t need to pay or the small costs are deductible thro her MediSave. For the last year or two, I had nvr had a chance to pay for any of her consultation or medication, incl those repeat medication I collect on her behalf. 2 months back, she did her annual flu jab & it was FOC. Will be taking her for the updated Covid vaccination after my family trip.

Though I’m not sure if one prefers the supposedly high-end Raffles or Shenton centres hv diff charges for patients under Healthier SG Programme vs those corporate clients.

[00skyblue00]

So in near future, we cannot go polyclinic for general illness, flu, stomach aches, etc anymore?


GPs chain types charges min 60 or more for consultation, the last I come across, not includ medicines. Polyclinic only 14 includ medicines. most common medicines are subsidised so cost very low.

[sharonkhoo]

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2122247\" time=\"1699344534\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2122247 time=1699344534 user_id=53606]
Looks like benefits those with chronic conditions more.

Also, i think the purpose of this initiative is to move the workload from the polyclinics to the heartland GPs for less urgent/chronic conditions. At polyclinics u dont get to choose a fixed doctor, whereas at GP clinics u can make appt with your favourite doctor.[/quote]

I just looked - is it the case that you can't choose a polyclinic? Not that I want to, but the polyclinic didn't show up on the list (definitely closer than some of the private clinics on the list). And I saw that the clinic that usually go to is full! Again, I don't really mind as my \"usually\" is like once a year, and I'm OK to choose another one on the list. I decided that I'll wait till my husband gets his SMS invite and we'll choose the same clinic. Less complicated, I think.

[starlight1968sg]

slmkhoo\" post_id=\"2122256\" time=\"1699348703\" user_id=\"28674:

I just looked - is it the case that you can't choose a polyclinic? Not that I want to, but the polyclinic didn't show up on the list (definitely closer than some of the private clinics on the list). And I saw that the clinic that usually go to is full! Again, I don't really mind as my \"usually\" is like once a year, and I'm OK to choose another one on the list. I decided that I'll wait till my husband gets his SMS invite and we'll choose the same clinic. Less complicated, I think.

slmkhoo
I dont think polyclinics are included and I wonder why.
Yes, there is no hurry to choose your preferred clinic. Once chosen, you may change your choice of clinic only x (i dont rem the number) times.
My hubby and I chose the same clinic too.

[starlight1968sg]

00skyblue00\" post_id=\"2122255\" time=\"1699348689\" user_id=\"143605:

So in near future, we cannot go polyclinic for general illness, flu, stomach aches, etc anymore?

GPs chain types charges min 60 or more for consultation, the last I come across, not includ medicines. Polyclinic only 14 includ medicines. most common medicines are subsidised so cost very low.

We cant simply walk in to polyclinics nowadays. We need to make an appt 1st. The appt system for the next day opens at 10pm the day before.
I find this ridiculous bec I hv to forecast I will be sick then book the appt a day before!
I think this discourages pple from going to polyclinics but as you said, look at the vast difference of fees charged.

[00skyblue00]

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"2122258\" time=\"1699349431\" user_id=\"14025:

We cant simply walk in to polyclinics nowadays. We need to make an appt 1st. The appt system for the next day opens at 10pm the day before.
I find this ridiculous bec I hv to forecast I will be sick then book the appt a day before!
I think this discourages pple from going to polyclinics but as you said, look at the vast difference of fees charged.

Ikr, by the time you log in within mins, all time slots are no longer available. Wonder if there are kiasu people may just book slots to cancel the next day or didnt turn up? They should allocate some timeslots for same day patients to book.

Read somewhere that now polyclinics allow some time slots for elderly to walk in after feedback from public.

[sharonkhoo]

00skyblue00\" post_id=\"2122270\" time=\"1699369392\" user_id=\"143605:

Ikr, by the time you log in within mins, all time slots are no longer available. Wonder if there are kiasu people may just book slots to cancel the next day or didnt turn up? They should allocate some timeslots for same day patients to book.

Read somewhere that now polyclinics allow some time slots for elderly to walk in after feedback from public.

For my girls who need MCs sometimes, they go to a GP clinic - no way to get a polyclinic appointment on the day. For non-urgent things, we find that afternoons are better than mornings, and getting appointments for Wed- Fri afternoons is usually OK (unless just before or after a public holiday). I think it's just that we have too many people trying to see doctors for simple things which could be self-medicated or dealt with by senior nurses. The problem is the need to get MCs or prescriptions - I think nurses should be able to prescribe simple stuff (e.g. paracetamol, cough mixture, antihistamines) and give MCs.

[SG_KP1]

Try Doctor Anywhere for basic illness / need MC. They will talk to you online via an app and deliver prescriptions to you. No need to travel out when feeling unwell.

[Funz]

On the point of MC, I feel that the work culture need some tweaking. Maybe can function on some level of trust and not have to insist on MC for that 1 or 2 day absence. For prolonged absence then MC will be required as it will not make sense if you are sick for so many days and still not visit a doctor.


I am actually doing something like that with my staff. Less than 10% of my staff will utilise all 14 days sick leave. The few who always use up all their sick leave will use them all whether or not we require MC. However we save some on medical expenses when staff can rest without having to go to the clinic for MC. In any case, doctors will just give MC when requested whether or not there is genuine need.