Me Time!

[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.

[sharonkhoo]

Funz\" post_id=\"2122277\" time=\"1699407934\" user_id=\"6230:

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.

I so agree with this! I think it's just silly to spend 2 hrs in a clinic waiting room to see a doctor, just to get paracetamol and cough mixture, and that precious MC. Now that WFH is a norm, my daughters sometimes will just self-medicate if it's something mild, and ask to WFH (even if it's not a regular WFH day) rather than bother with getting an MC. I think it's a win-win for the employer - the staff can still do most of the important work, and if they leave some of the less urgent stuff for the next day, it's not usually a big deal. Of course, this doesn't apply to all types of jobs, but if it's applied to those who can, it will relieve the clinics of some of the crowds.

[00skyblue00]

slmkhoo\" post_id=\"2122278\" time=\"1699409559\" user_id=\"28674:

I so agree with this! I think it's just silly to spend 2 hrs in a clinic waiting room to see a doctor, just to get paracetamol and cough mixture, and that precious MC. Now that WFH is a norm, my daughters sometimes will just self-medicate if it's something mild, and ask to WFH (even if it's not a regular WFH day) rather than bother with getting an MC. I think it's a win-win for the employer - the staff can still do most of the important work, and if they leave some of the less urgent stuff for the next day, it's not usually a big deal. Of course, this doesn't apply to all types of jobs, but if it's applied to those who can, it will relieve the clinics of some of the crowds.

But schools also require MCs still especially for sick during exam. I know private GP has started using virtual consultations but I have yet tried. Guess we will use our home tools like thermometer to show the doctor? Not sure how they prescribe med for cough and sore throat though, without hearing our lungs?