When I was 62, I went to a private hospital to carry out a colonoscopy. I was told that it was necessary after passing age 60.
The procedure cost $1,500 plus another $500 to remove a polyp. The doctor told me to come back in 5 years time for the next examination.
Seven years later, I decided to go to a polyclinic to get an appointment as a subsidized patient. It was told that there is a waiting time. It is okay with me.
The polyclinic doctor asked many questions to determine if the colonoscopy was necessary. I told the doctor that I was told that it was advisable to carry out the procedure every five years.
Sorry, Mr. Tan. I still have to ask these questions to determine the necessity. Suddenly, the 5 years interval become not applicable.
I told the doctor that my previous procedure discovered a polyp that was found to be benign. Okay, it is now advisable to carry out another colonoscopy.
I had an appointment at KTP Hospital at a date that was more than a month away. I was not in a hurry, so the waiting time was okay.
I had to attend a pre-surgery appointment at KTP Hospital. I had to go through the interview again to determine if it was necessary. The earlier report from the polyclinic did not matter. I gave the doctor the same reply "I had polyp earlier". That opened the door.
I also had to go through financial counselling. The charge, after government subsidy, was estimated to be $1,000.
I did some research on what a colonoscopy cost in other cities, including Sydney, Australia. It was lower than $1,000 in a private clinic.
The operation was uneventful. They did not find any polyp at this occasion. The final bill came out to $600. I asked why was the estimate given by the financial counselor so much higher? I did not get any explanation.
I am certain that if I was paying in full as a private patient, I would not be asked any question. Our public hospital are in the business of making profit.
I do not like the PAP system of running Singapore. It is wasteful and result in costly medical procedures. It is also harmful for ordinary people.
Tan Kin Lian
The procedure cost $1,500 plus another $500 to remove a polyp. The doctor told me to come back in 5 years time for the next examination.
Seven years later, I decided to go to a polyclinic to get an appointment as a subsidized patient. It was told that there is a waiting time. It is okay with me.
The polyclinic doctor asked many questions to determine if the colonoscopy was necessary. I told the doctor that I was told that it was advisable to carry out the procedure every five years.
Sorry, Mr. Tan. I still have to ask these questions to determine the necessity. Suddenly, the 5 years interval become not applicable.
I told the doctor that my previous procedure discovered a polyp that was found to be benign. Okay, it is now advisable to carry out another colonoscopy.
I had an appointment at KTP Hospital at a date that was more than a month away. I was not in a hurry, so the waiting time was okay.
I had to attend a pre-surgery appointment at KTP Hospital. I had to go through the interview again to determine if it was necessary. The earlier report from the polyclinic did not matter. I gave the doctor the same reply "I had polyp earlier". That opened the door.
I also had to go through financial counselling. The charge, after government subsidy, was estimated to be $1,000.
I did some research on what a colonoscopy cost in other cities, including Sydney, Australia. It was lower than $1,000 in a private clinic.
The operation was uneventful. They did not find any polyp at this occasion. The final bill came out to $600. I asked why was the estimate given by the financial counselor so much higher? I did not get any explanation.
I am certain that if I was paying in full as a private patient, I would not be asked any question. Our public hospital are in the business of making profit.
I do not like the PAP system of running Singapore. It is wasteful and result in costly medical procedures. It is also harmful for ordinary people.
Tan Kin Lian
1 comment:
Had a dead tooth needing root canal treatment. Waiting for 2 half weeks before getting an appointment at SGH Dental clinic thru Polyclinic, then appt for procedure 6 months later.
The PG Card is not so PG after all. Guess after New Year hv to go to private specialist at MT E. A six month waiting list, Malaysian relatives advised to go Malaysian Private hospital, fasterest, cheaperest.
Falling into the trap of our Govt, seek medical attention up north, like putting our parents in old folks homes in J.B.
Bo bian.
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