Doctors given more time to sort out contracts with third parties

Singapore

DOCTORS here would have another six months to sort out their financial arrangements with third-party administrators (TPAs), insurance entities and patient-referral providers from January, now that the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) has clarified its position on fee payments between these parties.

In an advisory issued to doctors on Tuesday, SMC said that while the 2016 Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines (ECEG) would come into force on Jan 1, rules relating to fee payments between doctors and third parties under section H3(7) would be enforced only from July 1 next year.