What Are Family Clinics?
Family clinics are like healthcare centres where both healthy and sick individuals receive routine or occasional medical care. Just like its name, a clinic is smaller than a hospital, where its patients do not require specialist treatment or overnight care. In other words, patients who visit family clinics are those who experience minor illnesses which can be cured with oral or topical medicines.
Patients can visit family clinics either on a walk-in or appointment basis. Walk-in family clinics were originally designed to provide a healthcare option to those who require basic medical services at a fraction of the cost of emergency rooms or those who simply need a minor health consultation. They have since evolved as an effective healthcare option for anyone requiring basic medical care.
Since family clinics are generally not designed for life-threatening emergencies, they often offer medical treatments for common, non-life-threatening ailments such as:
- Severe cold or flu
- Serious earache
- Unusual or severe migraine
- Fever
- Abnormal rash
- Routine medical appointments
- Basic illnesses
- Immunisations
The responsibilities of family clinics also include serving those with minor injuries such as:
- Minor broken bone
- Mild eye injury
- Back pain
- Minor cuts and burns
- Sprains
- Basic, non-life-threatening injuries
Available Treatments at Family Clinics
Staffed by experienced doctors, physicians, and nurses, a typical family clinic provides walk-in outpatient services and professional medical treatments such as:
- Outpatient consultation and treatment for chronic medical conditions
- Concerns with fertility
- Basic illnesses such as fever, flu, cold sore, chicken pox, shingles, rashes, etc.
- Health screening
- Statutory medical examinations*
- Minor surgical procedures* – bone fractures, etc.
- Immunisation for children and adults
- Travel medicines
- Outpatient physiotherapy services* (appointment and walk-in)
- Mental health consultation
- Dental care *Depending on the clinic
What Are the Roles of Family Clinics?
The roles of family clinics can range from providing medical certificates to offering basic medical care. Most of the time, the doctors working in family clinics are responsible for managing common complaints, recognising important diseases, uncovering hidden underlying medical conditions, and managing acute and chronic illnesses.
1) Family clinics provide preventive medical care
Some professional doctors in family clinics are proficient in educating patients about disease prevention and health maintenance. They care for your well-being, including your mental and emotional needs. Some available treatments include:
- Stress relief
- Mental stability
- Fertility testing
- Anger management counselling
- Weight control and nutritional counselling
- Teaching the best forms of physical exercise for healthy living
2) Family clinics manage common complaints
When your child has a flu virus, or you feel like you’re coming down with a fever, your family clinic’s doctor is the best go-to medical resource for appropriate consultation and medical prescription. Moreover, if you or your child requires immunisations for a school camp or overseas trips, your family doctor is usually the first stop for such needs.
3) Family clinics diagnose emerging medical conditions
If you have been visiting the same family clinic over long periods, your family physicians will know your medical history very well. From the medical records, they know what’s “normal” for you and will easily recognise new or unusual medical symptoms. Your family doctor’s familiarity with your medical records helps him/her to observe a significant change that might indicate a serious or hidden condition.
Family doctors are often the first to screen you for early signs of serious diseases such as cancer, and often they’re the first to detect emerging conditions. They consult and interpret tests to diagnose conditions, explain the results to you, then monitor your progress and reevaluate your treatment.
4) Family clinics manage chronic illnesses
Chronic illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and cancer are some of the most common conditions managed by family doctors. They offer continuous and personalised care to you while using diagnostic tests to assess your progress and determine the best individualised treatment plan.
5) Family clinics are the backbone of your health
Family clinics provide professional nurses, physician assistants, and doctors who can coordinate your health. While providing basic care, they can also refer you to a specialist if your condition becomes serious and requires a more specific focus. However, they will remain involved and informed, acting as your primary care consultant. This relieves the stress of having to deal with the situation alone. Your family doctor interfaces with a huge network of physicians to provide you the best integrated healthcare.
To provide you with the best family clinics on our tiny island, this is a comprehensive listing of some of the best clinics in Singapore with professional doctors and nurses.
Family Clinic |
HK Family Clinic & Surgery |
| Speciality | HK Family Clinic & Surgery Pte Ltd is a General Health Clinic in Ang Mo Kio, Singapore. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.healthhub.sg/directory/14/58316/hk-family-clinic-n-surgery-pte-ltd |
| Address | 410 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, #01-817, Singapore 560410 |
| Telephone | 6552 8757 |
| Operating Hours | Saturday: 8:30am–2pm
Sunday: Closed Monday-Thursday: 8:30am–2pm, 6–8:30pm Friday-Saturday: 8:30am–2pm |
HK Family Clinic & Surgery Pte Ltd is a private Singaporean company incorporated in 2009. The clinic is visited by doctors like Dr. Khoo Bee Sim and Dr. Hiak Pai Foon.
Aside from medical examinations and health screenings, the clinic provides:
- Acute medical care
- Chronic medical follow-up
- General family medicine services
- Minor surgeries
- Skin check
- Treatment of infectious diseases
- Vaccination/immunisation
Family Clinic |
I-Health Medical Clinic |
| Speciality |
At I-Health Medical Clinic, they continually innovate to provide the best patient experience – caring service, short waiting times, and affordable healthcare. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.i-healthmedical.com |
| Address | 30 Bendemeer Rd, #01-883, Singapore 330030 |
| Telephone | 6291 1371 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday: 5–10pm
Monday-Friday: 8:30am–2pm, 5–10pm Saturday: 8:30am–2pm |
At I-Health Medical Clinic, they aim to be the first clinic on your mind for all your healthcare needs. The clinic strives to provide the highest quality of medical care for children, the elderly, and people of all ages and conditions.
Incorporated in 2010, the clinic is CHAS accredited – this means that you can avail of the subsidies accorded you by your Community Health Support Scheme (CHAS) card, Merdeka Generation (MG) card, or Pioneer Generation (PG) card.
Key Services
- Treatment of acute/ chronic diseases
- Health screening
- Pediatric services
- Geriatric health services
- Vaccination/ immunisation
Family Clinic |
338 Family Clinic |
| Speciality | 338 Family Clinic is the one-stop solution for all, designing the best patient experience and medical care. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.healthhub.sg/directory/14/56679/338-family-clinic |
| Address | 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, #01-1615, Singapore 560338 |
| Telephone | 6454 9408 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday: 8:30am–12pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:30 am–12:30 pm, 2–4:30 pm, 7–9 pm Wednesday & Saturday: 8:30am–12:30pm, 2–4:30pm Friday: Closed |
338 Family Clinic is an ACRA-registered entity that has been operating in Singapore since 2006. The resident doctor is Dr. Yeong Mun Hoh, a general practitioner/ family doctor. The clinic provides exceptional health services suitable and personalised for everyone, including:
- General Medical Programmes
- Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)
- Community Health Assistance Scheme (CHAS)
Family Clinic |
Prudence Family Clinic Pte Ltd |
| Speciality | Prudence Family Clinic was established to provide personalized and high-quality care to both the local and expatriate communities. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | prudencefamclinic.com |
| Address | 512, #01-524 Bishan Street 13, 570512 |
| Telephone | 6251 5512 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday: 8:30am–2:30pm, 6:30–10:30pm
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30am–2:30pm, 6:30–10:30pm Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 8:30am–2:30pm |
Prudence Family Clinic believes in personalised care, treating patients as individuals rather than just a disease. They take pride in working with the patients to tailor their management according to their needs and circumstances so that outcome is optimised and costs are controlled.
At Prudence Family Clinic, patients can be seen without fear of being judged or stigmatised, regardless of your background or condition. Apart from general medical services, they specialise in:
- Men’s health
- HIV & STD management for men and women, and
- Medical aesthetics.
Family Clinic |
Tay Family Clinic |
| Speciality | Tay Family Clinic offers a holistic approach to health and wellness through a strong foundation and knowledge in medical care. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.healthhub.sg/directory/14/60644/tay-family-clinic |
| Address | 326 Serangoon Ave 3, #01-376, Singapore 550326 |
| Telephone | 6281 0981 |
| Operating Hours | Saturday-Sunday: 8:30am–12:30pm
Monday-Friday: 8:30am–12:30pm, 6:30–9pm |
Tay Family Clinic takes pride in providing the best medical care for all patients. The clinic, helmed by Dr. Tay Wee Sen, takes pride in providing the patients with the highest quality of medical care to meet their needs.
As a GP (General Practitioner) clinic, Tay Family Clinic delivers:
- Preventive,
- Acute, and
- Chronic care for patients.
Family Clinic |
Enlight Family Clinic |
| Speciality | Enlight Family Clinic was incorporated on 7 August 2012 as a sole proprietor in Singapore. They are committed to improving their patients’ life experiences through enhanced medical quality. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.healthhub.sg/directory/14/57933/enlight-family-clinic |
| Address | 226C Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 563226 |
| Telephone |
6456 0022
|
| Operating Hours | Monday-Friday: 8:30am–1pm, 2–4:30pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8:30am–12pm |
Enlight Family Clinic maintains the highest standard of service for all patients. This sole proprietorship, founded in 2012, provides holistic primary care services for patients, which include:
- Preventive care
- Prenatal care
- Health education
- Immunisation/ vaccination
Family Clinic |
Dr Chua & Lee Family Clinic |
| Speciality | Dr. Chua & Lee Family clinic is a multi-disciplinary family clinic that advocates for its patients through its outreach and health awareness programmes. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.healthhub.sg/directory/14/65727/dr-chua-n-lee-family-clinic |
| Address | 213 Bishan Street 23, Singapore 570213 |
| Telephone | 6261 6988 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday: Closed
Monday-Friday: 8am–12pm, 2–4pm Saturday: 8am–1pm |
Dr. Chua & Lee Family Clinic is committed to delivering competent care for all. Dr. Chua Soo Piang is their anchor doctor, assisted by two regular doctors, Dr. Goh and Dr. Toh.
As a health and wellness clinic that offers services to manage and improve your health at any age, one can expect to receive remarkable medical care.
Key Services
- General medicine
- Clinic programmes
- Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)
Family Clinic |
NTUC Health Family Medicine Clinic |
| Speciality | When you visit Unity Family Medicine Clinic, you can ask for the same doctor who will be familiar with your medical history. You can expect a shorter waiting time as we encourage all patients to book appointments with us in advance, where possible. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://ntuchealth.sg/family-medicine-clinic/ |
| Address | 264 Serangoon Central, #01-205, Singapore 550264 |
| Telephone | 6281 2638 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday: Closed
Monday-Friday: 9am–6pm Saturday: 9am–12pm |
The NTUC Health Family Medicine Clinic works in collaboration with the National Healthcare Group to bring one-stop healthcare services closer to you and your loved ones, and to care for your long-term healthcare needs.
Their qualified family physicians are supported by allied healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive care. These include Dr. Cedric Si, Dr. Chan Shijie, Dr. Darren Chen, Dr. Eng Soo Kiang, Dr. Janine Yeo, and Dr. Neo Hui Yee.
Key Services
- Swab And Send Home (SASH) – COVID-19 swab tests
- Acute primary care
- Chronic disease care
- Diabetic foot screening
- Diabetic retinal photography
- Vaccination
- Health screening
- Occupational health services
- Laboratory services
- Minor surgical procedures
- Disability assessment
Subsidies
- Merdeka Generation Package
- Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PGDAS)
- Interim Disability Assistance Programme For Elderly (IDAPE)
- Seniors’ Mobility And Enabling Fund (SMF)
- Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)
Family Clinic |
Tan & Yik Clinic & Surgery |
| Speciality | Tan & Yik Clinic & Surgery is a medical and surgical clinic that offers services to manage and improve your health at any age. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.healthhub.sg/directory/14/60633/tan-n-yik-clinic-n-surgery |
| Address | 116 Bishan Street 12, #01-36, Singapore 570116 |
| Telephone | 6258 4122 |
| Operating Hours | Monday: 8:30am–12:30pm, 2:30–4:30pm, 7–9pm
Tuesday: 8:30am–12:30pm, 2:30–4:30pm Wednesday: 8:30am–12:30pm, 2:30–4:30pm, 7–9pm Thursday: 8:30am–12:30pm, 7–9pm Friday: 8:30am–12:30pm, 2:30–4:30pm Saturday-Sunday: 8:30am–12:30pm |
At Tan & Yik Clinic & Surgery, they pride themselves on putting their patients first. They have been in business since 2008, providing effective, evidence-based quality treatments for all patients.
- Medical examinations
- Minor surgeries
- Vaccination/ immunisation
- Acute medical care
- Care for chronic illnesses
- Health screening
- General family medicine
Family Clinic |
Temasek Medical Clinic |
| Speciality | Temasak Medical Clinic is a patient-centred organisation operating based on compassion and trust. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.temasekmedicalcentre.com/ |
| Address |
212 Lor 8 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310212
|
| Telephone | 6252 3206 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday: Closed
Monday-Wednesday: 8:30am–12:30pm, 2–9pm Thursday-Saturday: 8:30am–12:30pm |
Temasek Medical Centre provides comprehensive healthcare and aesthetic services for people of all ages in Singapore. Headed by Medical Director Dr. Janet Lee Yeng Fen, their team of general practitioners includes Dr. Ooi Yee Jin, Dr. Koo Xian Yeang, and Dr. Ng Chiew Fang.
They provide the following services:
- Medical examinations
- Health screening
- Acute medical care
- Chronic illness check-ups
- Vaccination
- Men’s and women’s health
- Minor surgeries
Family Clinic |
FAITH Clinic (Toa Payoh) |
| Speciality | Located in Toa Payoh, the FAITH Clinic provides a comprehensive range of medical services for local patients. |
| Pricing | Click here to make an appointment |
| Website | faithmedical.sg |
| Address | 211 Lor 8 Toa Payoh, #01-19, Singapore 310211 |
| Telephone | 6252 7896 |
| Operating Hours | Saturday-Sunday: 9am–12:30pm
Monday-Friday: 8:30am–12:30pm, 2:30–4:30pm, 7–9pm |
At the FAITH Clinic, they pride themselves in terms of offering remarkable services and treatments that are customisable for their patients. Its medical team is composed of Dr. Martyn Gostelow, Dr. Goh Shao Sheng, Dr. Mervin Goh, Dr. Trin Lyovarin, Dr. Ng Yau Tung, and Dr. Lee Hang Keong.
As a neighbourhood family clinic, it is quite a gem, providing effective and high-quality medical services for all patients, including:
- Chronic illness check-ups
- Vaccinations
- Infant and pediatric care
- Minor surgeries
- Health screening
- Medical examinations
- Weight management
- Aesthetic medicine
- Men’s and women’s health
- Acute medical care
Eligible Singapore citizens and permanent residents who are under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Pioneer, and Merdeka Generation can enjoy subsidies at FAITH clinics.
Family Clinic |
Regent Clinic |
| Speciality | Regent Clinic provides exceptional medical care for all patients. The clinic offers all patients high-quality medical care to meet their needs. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.healthhub.sg/directory/14/59754/regent-clinic |
| Address | 301 Upper Thomson Rd, #03-12 Thomson Plaza, Singapore 574408 |
| Telephone | 6456 4431 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday: Closed
Monday-Friday: 9am–12:30pm, 2–4pm Saturday: 9am–12:30pm |
Regent Clinic maintains the highest standard for all patients with a confident and warm approach to all healthcare services. They provide affordable, high-quality primary care, with doctors who are strongly committed to looking after both young and old patients, whether it’s for standard medical procedures or the management of acute and chronic diseases.
Regent Clinic offers the following services:
- Medical examinations
- Vaccinations and immunisations
- Acute medical care
- Minor surgical procedures
- Care for chronic illnesses
- Health screening
- General family medicine services
Family Clinic |
Vitacare Family Clinic (Seletar) |
| Speciality | The team at Vitacare Family Clinic at Seletar believes in delivering professional medical services, one patient at a time, and aims to partner with, their patients in achieving better health through disease prevention. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | http://vitacare-clinic.com |
| Address | Fernvale Link, #01-03 Block 417, Singapore 790417 |
| Telephone | 6315 1608 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday: 9am–1pm
Monday-Thursday: 8am–1pm, 5:30–9:30pm Friday: 8am–1pm Saturday-Sunday: 9am–1pm |
Vitacare Family Clinic’s GP family clinics are conveniently located in Punggol, Seletar, and Sembawang, which are headed by anchor doctors.
- Infant and Children Care
- Baby and child vaccination
- Skin rashes and eczema
- Sensitive cough and sensitive nose management
- Adult Medical Care
- Comprehensive health screening
- Vaccinations (travel and Haj)
- Geriatric health
- Chronic disease management
- Weight management
- Management of skin diseases and allergies
- Women’s health
- Pap smear/ Cervical and breast examination
- Menstrual cycle problems
- Family planning/ contraception
- Pre-marital screening
- Men’s health
- Hair loss
- Sexual health (STD screening and treatment)
- Arthritis and joint pain management
- Skin tag, lumps, and wart removal
- Wound stitching and dressing
Family Clinic |
Family Healthcare Clinic & Surgery Pte Ltd |
| Speciality | Family Healthcare Clinic & Surgery Pte Ltd strives to offer the best medical care for all patients. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.healthhub.sg/directory/14/57980/family-healthcare-clinic-n-surgery |
| Address | 151 Serangoon North Ave 2, Singapore 550151 |
| Telephone | 6288 9557 |
Family Healthcare Clinic & Surgery Pte Ltd provides all patients with the best quality of medical care to resolve their concerns. In operation since 2008, the clinic is headed by GP/ Family Doctor Lee Cheong Cheng.
The clinic provides:
- Chronic disease management
- Community Health Assistance Scheme (CHAS)
- Functional assessment
- Integrated screening programme
Family Clinic |
Sian Chay Medical Institution (Hougang Branch) |
| Speciality | Sian Chay Medical Institution is a social service agency committed to its goal of serving the people. The medical institution is established as the premier TCM Hub championing “Wellness Lifestyle, Blissful Living in Singapore”. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.sianchay.org.sg |
| Address | 603 Hougang Ave 4, #01-221, Singapore 530603 |
| Telephone | 6383 5905 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday: Closed
Monday-Saturday: 9am–12pm, 1–5pm |
Sian Chay Medical Institution offers consultations on traditional Chinese medicine and low-cost treatments for the community, irrespective of their race or religion. Its mission is to promote and develop traditional Chinese medicine while doing humanitarian work in Singapore.
Their services include:
- Internal medical consultation
- Acupuncture
- Tuina therapy
- Orthopaedic
Family Clinic |
DA Clinic Group @ Anchorvale |
| Speciality | DA Clinic Group offers a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services through their clinics located island-wide. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.healthcare.com.sg/item/da-clinic-anchorvale/ |
| Address |
351 Anchorvale Rd, #01-01, Singapore 540351
|
| Telephone | 6241 7460 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday-Saturday: 9am–12pm, 6–9pm
Monday-Friday: 9am–9pm |
DA Clinic Group has an experienced medical team consisting of doctors, specialists, nurses, and phlebotomists who seek to provide quality care in an enriching, welcoming, and tech-enabled environment.
Supported by the Singapore-based medical App, Doctor Anywhere, patients no longer have to wait in line at the clinic to consult a doctor. Services offered include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Treatment of acute and chronic conditions in adults and children
- Health screenings
- Work-related screening
- Immunisation and vaccination
Family Clinic |
Healthmark Medical Clinic |
| Speciality | Healthmark Medical Clinic offers a comprehensive range of medical and healthcare services through its clinics. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.healthmark.com.sg/ |
| Address | 639 Punggol Dr, Singapore 820639 |
| Telephone | 6875 6696 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday: Closed
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am–2pm, 6–9pm Friday: 8:30am–2pm Saturday: 8:30am–1pm |
Healthmark Medical Clinic has a group of experienced doctors, specialists, nurses, and physicians who seek to provide good medical care in a clinical environment. At its helm is Dr. Derek Leong, a seasoned family doctor who specialises in chronic care and sports medicine.
Their services include, but are not limited to:
- Acute care
- Chronic disease management
- Health screening
- Pediatric services
- Women’s health
- Men’s health
- Travel vaccination
Family Clinic |
Physio & Sole Clinic (Kovan) |
| Speciality | Physio & Sole Clinic is your one-stop podiatry and physiotherapy family centre in Singapore for musculoskeletal pain, sports injury, foot pain, and other related conditions. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://physioandsole.com.sg |
| Address | 208 Hougang Street 21, #03-217, Singapore 530208 |
| Telephone | 9152 1305 |
| Operating Hours | Sunday-Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12–9pm Wednesday: 10:30am–7:30pm Thursday: 10:30am–9pm Friday: 10:30am–7:30pm Saturday: 9am–6pm |
Physio & Sole Clinic’s team of licensed professionals works together to make treatment for physical problems related to injury, disease, illness, and ageing more accessible in Singapore.
They are well-versed in English, Mandarin, and various dialects, which help them provide high-quality allied healthcare services that improve the patient’s quality of life.
Headed by Director Chee Wai Siong Wesley, their team of musculoskeletal therapists, podiatrists, and physiotherapists perform treatments that include:
- Chronic pain management
- Sports injury treatment
- Sports massage therapy
- Sports strapping/ taping
- Cycling injury treatment
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
- Manual therapy
- Post-surgery physiotherapy
- Postural analysis
- Schroth for scoliosis
Family Clinic |
GreenForest Family Clinic |
| Speciality | GreenForest Family Clinic is a baby bonus-approved institution registered with the Ministry of Social and Family Development. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | https://www.healthhub.sg/directory/14/58195/greenforest-family-clinic |
| Address | 878C Tampines Avenue 8, #01-71 Tampines Greenforest, 523878 |
| Telephone | 6785 0157 |
| Operating Hours | Saturday-Sunday: 9am–1pm
Monday-Thursday: 9am–2pm, 6–9pm Friday: 9am–2pm |
GreenForest Family Clinic has several experienced doctors, specialists, nurses, and physicians who seek to provide exceptional medical care. Founded in 2017, they are also a CHAS-accredited clinic.
Their services include:
- Vaccination/ immunisation services
- General family medicine
- Acute care
- Health screening and medical examinations
- Chronic medical check-ups
- Health and wellness programmes
Family Clinic |
The Clinic Group @ Tai Seng |
| Speciality | The Clinic Group aims to add value to your life, in terms of healthcare and well-being by providing the highest medical benefit, highest efficacy, and easiest treatment plan. |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
| Website | theclinicgroup.com.sg |
| Address | 18 Tai Seng St, #01-07/08, Singapore 539775 |
| Telephone | 6384 0160 |
| Operating Hours | Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Monday-Friday: 8:30am–1pm, 2–6pm |
The competent medical professionals at the Clinic Group can meet your health needs with their long experience in providing corporate medical services. With clinics located at corporate hubs, they aim to provide affordable medical services to professionals who have busy lifestyles.
The staff at their clinics offer dependable and professional services, which include:
- Management of acute and chronic illnesses
- Travel health and immunisation
- Physiotherapy
- Health screenings
- Family planning
- Cardiac services
Present clinic situation
Many independent GPs within Singapore operate on a walk-in model, on top of possessing independently-run pharmacies. They are generally accessible, with most operating during the evening and at least one session over the weekend.
Independent walk-in GP clinics can sometimes take corporate insurance credit, a broad employment bonus within Singapore.
Regarding individuals who carry these credit or membership cards, no or minimal billing is required covering basic essential treatments. When submitting payments, a single 10-minute consultation can come up to about $30-50, exclusive of blood testing or pharmaceuticals.
These family physicians are usually geared towards and trained to diagnose and prescribe medication for speedy treatments covering basic illnesses such as influenza and fever.
Consulting a specialist
Consulting a specialist is relatively convenient; just dial a physician’s number and arrange for a consultation.
No additional referrals are needed barring insurance requirements, which differ based on each individual plan’s terms and conditions.
Those with corporate health insurance credit must visit GPs who are within the list of appointed clinics in order for specialist charges to be waived.
For most Singaporeans, in order to use Medisave to help finance consultations with government-employed health specialists in public hospitals, it is required to first visit a polyclinic physician to obtain specialist referrals.
Every insurance coverage differs in detail and you should understand your special coverage individually, often when specialist referrals or emergency insurance is demanded.
Ways to choose a competent family physician
The competent family doctor should have the capability and be happy to assist in treating basic illnesses within your household, as well as teaching about over-the-counter pharmaceuticals you could apply.
Extended waiting durations are not exclusively the sole indication of a qualified physician. Consideration should be shown for the patient’s time, and operations should be streamlined to ensure punctually-executed appointments.
Look beyond the receptionist! Yes, competent clinicians are usually rare to find. Though a competent receptionist might be necessary to make your experience a positive one, one should not assess a clinic solely based on the quality of the counter staff.
Family physicians should not hasten or prolong treatments, but act in the best interests of the patient.
Some things to consider when looking for a good match: Does the family physician listen to your feedback without interrupting you? Are they attentive to requests? Do they inform you of your condition and cure, or fix an appointment for the next consultation of their own initiative if needed?
A good family physician is trained in pre-emptive treatment, but also refrains from prescribing a pile of antibiotics for each minor ailment.
In addition, they should also refrain from snide mockery if you visit them looking for a confirmation of an online self-diagnosis or the efficacy of another type of treatment. These are modern times. Physicians themselves search for such knowledge on Google (but with expert screening, of course). If the right information is shared during a screening, a patient’s independent research works hand in hand with a doctor’s diagnosis.
Good family doctors also help patients to take charge of their own healthcare, apart from passively listening to a provider’s instructions.
Most clinics will inform patients if a regular physician is absent, but since records are usually shared within the same clinic and across branches in the same network, the doctors’ partners could easily continue the treatment. Such factors can be an important consideration for those with children or those with pre-existing conditions and allergies, as this information can allow stand-in doctors to make educated decisions about the next step in treatment or prescribe the correct medication in an urgent or emergency situation.
Family Physicians (FP) in Singapore
Research reveals that most people who visit one family doctor as their main family physician generally have improved health and better-managed chronic conditions as compared to those who switch on impulse.
The title of Family Physician is a protected one in Singapore, and requires a medical practitioner to practice at least one year of relevant Family Medicine in the past three years to be eligible to apply to the Family Physicians Accreditation Board (FPAB).
Doctors with training in Family Medicine (FM) work in a wide variety of roles in Singapore. However, the FPAB has determined that FM practice has the following five key characteristics:
- Care should be provided to the patient and family.
- Care should be to a population in a community, and not be restricted to specific age groups or gender.
- Care should be comprehensive and holistic. This means that a wide range of services should be offered (including health promotion, preventive care, acute care, chronic care, and end-of-life care) to meet the needs of patients and families.
- There should be a continuing and longitudinal relationship between the patient and the doctor. Patients may be referred for more specialised care when needed, but the continuity of care should be maintained.
- Care should be coordinated, in that the social and healthcare needs should be identified, and the doctor should coordinate care with other healthcare professionals and community resources.
In order to meet the requirements for the currency of practice, doctors should ensure that they have at least 30 hours per month of practice for 1 year in the last 3 years that meets the definition of Family Medicine. The Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (GDFM) or similar qualification is also a requirement for FP certification.
Perks of consulting an FP
While family physicians are usually generalists, certain doctors have added training in some specialties, such as occupational medicine, dermatology, geriatrics, and palliative medicine, just to name a few. However, most family treatment physicians have expert knowledge in curing prevalent chronic diseases such as diabetes, excess cholesterol, hypertension, and asthma, on top of the usual common ailments.
What, then, are the advantages of consulting an FP? In addition to being able to help treat a large spectrum of afflictions spanning universal age categories, they pay attention to holistic treatment. They are experienced in dealing with a wide range of common and uncommon illnesses across all age groups within a community, and they are the first line of defense when it comes to diagnosing diseases and conditions that require further specialist care. Their years of experience in the local community is also a boon.
According to your own individual preferences and needs, as well as the reviews and experiences of others, it is recommended to select a doctor skilled in family medicine to be your healthcare consultant on a regular basis. Finding a clinic near your home is also a plus.
Benefits of Family Clinics
Walk-in clinics offer a variety of advantages, making them a desirable option for healthcare.
- Provide on-demand care – No appointment necessary; you don’t have to wait for your provider’s schedule to open up; family clinics are often open in the evenings and weekends.
- Flexible business hours – Many family clinics have extended business hours and are open evenings and weekends. This is especially beneficial to those that work odd hours, or have trouble planning around a full schedule.
- Wait times are minimal – Wait times are significantly less than at an A&E, which frees up the A&E to treat life-threatening emergencies.
- Cost is minimal – Care is provided at a fraction of the cost of treatment at an A&E or hospital.
- Availability – With clinics available in most estates, a family doctor is often a close and convenient option.
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