Doctors must justify third-party fees, say three medical bodies

Singapore

DOCTORS who pay managed-care providers, third-party administrators (TPAs) or medical concierges fees must be prepared to justify them when questioned by relevant authorities on why the fees are reflective of the administrative services provided.

The Academy of Medicine Singapore (AMS), College of Family Physicians Singapore (CFPS) and the Singapore Medical Association (SMA) said this in a joint statement issued to doctors on Wednesday. It follows the Singapore Medical Council's (SMC) advisory on Tuesday on the financial arrangements between doctors and third parties including TPAs.