New ethical guidelines for doctors paying intermediary fees

Singapore

THE Singapore Medical Council (SMC) has revised its ethical guidelines to address financial arrangements between doctors and intermediaries known as managed care companies or third party administrators (TPAs). The new guidelines come into force on Jan 1, 2017.

SMC said doctors must not allow pressures inherent in these schemes to prevent them from providing the standard of care expected.

Referral fees to TPAs and insurance entities must "reflect their actual work in handling and processing the patients". The referral fees must not be based primarily on services provided or the fees the doctors collect. Fees paid must not be so high that they become fee …