Govt boosts telemedicine, allows more approved chronic diseases to be subsidised

Singapore

IN a move that is seen as giving a boost to telemedicine, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has allowed the use of government subsidies and Medisave to pay for the video consultations of regular follow-ups of all approved chronic diseases.

Patients were first able to tap the Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) subsidy for chronic ailments (Chas Chronic) and Medisave to pay for video consultations in April, but only for seven of the chronic conditions under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP). MOH said in a statement: "The expansion will enable more patients whose conditions are stable to benefit by avoiding a physical visit to the clinic while still receiving care."

The temporary extension of the scheme to cover video consultation for chronic conditions will continue until the Public Health Preparedness Clinic (PHPC) scheme is deactivated, or as otherwise determined by MOH. PHPCs have been providing subsidised treatment, investigations and medications during this Covid-19 outbreak.

Healthcare professionals who wish to provide video consultations covered by Chas Chronic subsidies and Medisave are first required to undergo telemedicine e-training.

Guidelines are provided to ensure that video consultations are carried out only for suitable patients - those who do not need an in-person physical examination by a doctor. Specifically, video consultations can be carried out only if the healthcare provider has had prior physical consultations with the patient, who will still need to visit the clinic for a physical consultation when deemed necessary.

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Analysts The Business Times spoke to said that the move will be welcomed by healthcare providers and may encourage more patients to opt for telemedicine.

Said CGS-CIMB analyst Ngoh Yi Sin: "We think allowing the use of subsidies and Medisave would be helpful towards offsetting some costs, and possibly encourage more people to adopt telemedicine." She noted that there has been a higher take-up rate for telemedicine during the circuit breaker period.

Meanwhile, healthcare providers stand to benefit as it will allow them to "better manage patient flow and capacity within a healthcare facility", said Phillip Securities research analyst Tay Wee Kuang. "This may also allow healthcare providers to check in more frequently with patients and vice versa," he added.

Still, certain limitations persist when it comes to telemedicine. "I do not think that the impact will be very huge as routine check-ups may require certain diagnostic tests to be conducted, which would otherwise be unavailable through a video consultation," said Mr Tay.

Ms Ngoh said that while patients with chronic conditions would be more receptive towards such initiatives, they are unlikely to replace consultations for more critical conditions and higher intensity treatments.