MOH to consider compulsory itemised billing at Chas clinics
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — With half of patients’ complaints in recent years related to how much they are being charged at Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) general practitioner and dental clinics, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is looking at introducing compulsory itemised billing to make fees more transparent.
Responding to a question raised by Nee Soon Member of Parliament (MP) Lee Bee Wah, Minister of State for Health Lam Pin Min shared in Parliament yesterday that there have been 300 complaints against clinics listed under the programme from 2013 to 2015, out of the 5.8 million Chas claims over the same period.
“About half of the complaints were related to charges at Chas clinics, including incorrect billing and high fees. Other complaints included operational issues resulting in incorrect subsidy, refusal by the clinic to provide itemised billing, customer service issues, and concerns over the professional practice of the doctor or dentist,” said Dr Lam.
Concerns about clinics overcharging were also raised by other MPs such as Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade GRC), who asked about control measures to ensure clinics do not over-prescribe patients.
He also questioned if it was a widespread problem, and urged MOH to take a more proactive approach to the issue.
Dr Lee further suggested making itemised receipts mandatory for clinics to make charges more transparent to patients, to which Dr Lam responded that MOH is “seriously considering making it compulsory” and details would be “announced very soon”.
Last month, two dental clinics were suspended from Chas after audits found that both clinics continuously filed claims that did not comply with rules and guidelines, including filing claims for procedures they did not perform.
A few more clinics have also been referred to the police for investigation, said Dr Lam, adding that regular audits of Chas claims are conducted.
He noted that policing fees charged by clinics is not straightforward as fees depend on a variety of factors such as the patient’s condition, the length of consultation, the treatment and medication provided, and the cost structure of the clinics, including rental and other overhead costs.
Also pointing out the complaints about income eligibility criteria for the Chas Blue subsidy tier being too low despite rising medical costs, MP Liang Eng Hwa (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) asked about plans to merge the Blue and Orange subsidy tiers.
Pointing out that lower- to middle income Singaporeans — or about half of all resident households — are eligible for Chas, Dr Lam said MOH will regularly review the subsidy quantum and scope of coverage of Chas, including eligibility criteria, in the years to come.
