June 2017 updated AMS-CFPS-SMA joint advisory
The SMA, Academy of Medicine, Singapore and College of Family Physicians Singapore met with officials from the Ministry of Health and Singapore Medical Council (SMC) on 21 June 2017 over concerns regarding the amended contracts circulated by various managed care and third party administrator (TPA) companies. In particular, the three professional bodies highlighted difficulties doctors face when evaluating whether a particular contract complies with Guideline H3(7) of the SMC Ethical Code.
On 23 June 2017, the three professional bodies issued an updated joint advisory to complement SMC's Second Advisory on the Payment of Fees to Managed Care Companies, Third Party Administrators, Insurance Entities or Patient Referral Services. The full text of the joint advisory can be found here: https://goo.gl/sWUaoZ.
We also wish to take this opportunity to thank members who provided SMA with information and feedback relating to the business practices of various managed care and TPA companies.
Letter to insurance associations
We received feedback from members that some patients have been informed by their financial advisors/insurance agents that completion of insurance forms and drafting of medical reports were not chargeable.
On 12 June 2017, SMA wrote to the General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA) and Life Insurance Association Singapore (LIA), copied to Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). We reiterated that the completion of insurance forms and drafting of medical reports involved time and professional input from doctors; as such, professional fees will be incurred. SMA also reminded GIA and LIA that proof of patient consent was needed before such reports can be released to a third party (eg, insurance company).
SMA's letter can be viewed at https://goo.gl/5JPCbh.
SMA eMarket Portal
SMA recognises that it is crucial for the sector to adopt efficient procedures to function at an optimal level within the healthcare landscape today. After more than 60% of SMA Member respondents indicated their interest in a central e-procurement platform for medical supplies in a 2016 feedback gathering exercise, we have been developing SMA eMarket to meet this need. The platform aims to allow SMA Members to research, negotiate, order and track their purchases in a more time-efficient manner. Keep a lookout for more updates on SMA eMarket in our monthly publications or via email announcements over the next few months!
Meeting with MPS
On 27 June 2017, several SMA Council Members met with representatives from the Medical Protection Society (MPS). SMA provided feedback from MPS members relating to the recent changes with MPS's indemnity coverage and how it had affected the members. Other issues were also discussed, including how to improve on service quality for MPS members.