If I am referred to the emergency department under the GPFirst programme, will the fee at the emergency department cover all investigations and tests?
The attendance fee at the emergency departments 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 emergency departments of participating hospitals and the UCC.
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 emergency department 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 after assessment by your GP, you will receive a $50 subsidy on the prevailing attendance fee at the CGH, SKH, KTPH, NUH, NTFGH emergency departments or UCC @ Admiralty.
Will the participating hospitals’ emergency departments and UCC reject patients if they have been referred inappropriately?
No patient will be turned away at the emergency departments or UCC. If patients are referred to the emergency department 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 emergency departments and UCC via participating GP clinics using the 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 and 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 respective emergency departments 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 A&E because my condition requires urgent treatment. However, I would like to go to the A&E at KTPH as I live in Yishun. Will my GPFirst referral be valid?
Patients who visit GPFirst participating clinics will be referred to the emergency department of the nearest hospital or UCC in the region. Patients are encouraged to adhere to GPs’ advice of seeking immediate treatment at the nearest emergency department to ensure he/she receives the required urgent care in a timely manner.
Can patients living in areas outside the mentioned regions consult GPs participating in GPFirst and qualify for its benefits?
Patients are encouraged to seek treatment and follow up with their regular GPs to receive timely medical assistance. If their GPs are participating in the GPFirst programme, they will enjoy its benefits - as long as the terms and conditions stated are fulfilled. This is regardless of where the patient resides.
Can patients be referred to the emergency department in other hospitals under GPFirst?
No. GPFirst and its benefits are applicable only at the above mentioned hospitals and UCC.
How much would I be charged at the participating GP clinics?
Patients will pay the fees charged by their respective GPs.
