Frequently Asked Questions

If I am referred to the Emergency Department (ED) / Urgent Care Center (UCC) under the GPFirst programme, will the fee at the ED/UCC cover all investigations and tests?

The attendance fee at the ED/UCC currently covers:

• Consultation
• General X-ray services, e.g. Chest and abdomen x-rays
• Standard Blood Investigations
• Standard Medications

Specialised investigations and non-standard medications required are not included and will be charged separately. This also applies to patients who go directly to the ED/UCC of participating hospitals.

Please note that there may be other services and procedures not mentioned above that are not included in the attendance fee. For more information, please enquire with the administrative staff at the ED/UCC of the respective hospitals.
 

How does the GPFirst programme benefit patients?

Under the GPFirst programme, most patients will be able to save costs and receive appropriate care at participating GP clinics in a timely manner.

If you have mild to moderate medical conditions, receiving treatment from your GP will cost you less as compared to going to the emergency department. If you are referred to the Emergency Department (ED) / Urgent Care Centre (UCC) after assessment by your GP, you will be prioritised over non-emergency cases and receive $50 subsidy on the prevailing attendance fee at the EDs of CGH, KTPH, NTFGH, NUH, SKH, SGH, TTSH or AH UCC and UCC @ Admiralty. 　
 

Will the participating hospitals’ Emergency Department (ED) and Urgent Care Centre (UCC) reject patients if they have been referred inappropriately?

No patient will be turned away at the ED or UCC. If patients are referred to the ED or UCC under GPFirst, the Terms and Conditions of GPFirst will apply to them, regardless of their medical condition.

Is GPFirst applicable to Permanent Residents and Foreigners?

Yes. GPFirst applies to all patients referred to participating acute hospital ED or UCC via participating GP clinics using the original GPFirst Referral Form.*
* Terms and Conditions apply
 

Will patients referred by polyclinics enjoy the GPFirst subsidy?

GPFirst applies to General Practitioners participating under the programme, and does not include referrals from polyclinics. Patients referred by polyclinics will continue to be given priority at the emergency department.
 

Is GPFirst applicable to CHAS patients, even though they have already received subsidised care at GP clinics?

The subsidy under GPFirst will apply to patients, as long as they are referred to the emergency department by participating clinics with the original GPFirst Referral Form. This includes patients under CHAS.
 

How does the participating acute hospital Emergency Department (ED) and Urgent Care Centre (UCC) identify patients referred under GPFirst?

GPs from participating clinics will refer patients using a GPFirst Referral Form. Only patients who present the original GPFirst Referral Form when they register at the referred to ED or UCC will qualify for the GPFirst programme benefits.
 

I visited a GPFirst participating clinic in Bedok and was given a GPFirst referral to CGH Emergency Department (ED) because my condition requires urgent treatment. However, I would like to go to the ED at KTPH as I live in Yishun. Will my GPFirst referral be valid?

Through GPFirst Programme, patients will be referred to the ED/UCC which is deem most appropriate by the GP. However, patients are encouraged to adhere to GP’s advice of seeking immediate treatment at the referred ED  to ensure he/she receives the required urgent care in a timely manner.
 

Can patients be referred to the Emergency Department (ED) in other hospitals under GPFirst Programme?

No, GPFirst and its benefits are applicable only at the EDs of CGH, KTPH, NTFGH, NUH, SKH, SGH, TTSH EDs, or AH Urgent Care Centre (UCC) and UCC @ Admiralty.
 

How much would I be charged at the participating GP clinics?

Patients will pay the fees charged by their respective GPs.