Video consultations now allowed for more chronic conditions covered by Chas and MediSave

PATIENTS can now turn to video consultations for regular follow-ups for the 20 chronic conditions under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), with the expansion of the Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) subsidy for chronic ailments (Chas Chronic) and MediSave, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Friday.

Patients can use the prevailing Chas Chronic subsidy and MediSave (MediSave500 and Flexi-MediSave) limits to offset the cost of these video consultations, related drugs and investigations.

Video consultation was at first offered to just seven of the chronic conditions in "a time-limited and exceptional extension" of the Chas Chronic subsidy and MediSave on April 3. At the time, video consultations were the way to go, in support of safe-distancing measures at clinics amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (Previously, the Chas subsidy and Medisave were available only for patients going for physical consultations.)

Since then, 235 private healthcare institutions have shown themselves able to provide video consultations that can be covered by Chas Chronic subsidies and MediSave.

MOH said in a statement: "The expansion will enable more patients whose conditions are stable to benefit by avoiding a physical visit to the clinic while still receiving care."

The temporary extension of the scheme to cover video consultation for some conditions will continue until the Public Health Preparedness Clinic (PHPC) scheme is deactivated, or as otherwise determined by MOH. (PHPCs have been providing subsidised treatment, investigations and medications during this Covid-19 outbreak.)

MOH added that it will review the use of the Chas Chronic subsidy and MediSave for video consultations in the longer term.

Healthcare professionals who wish to provide video consultations covered by Chas Chronic subsidies and MediSave are first required to undergo telemedicine e-training. Guidelines are provided to ensure video consultations are carried out only for suitable patients - those who do not need an in-person physical examination by a doctor.

Specifically, video consultations can be carried out only if the healthcare provider has had prior physical consultations with the patient, who will still need to visit the clinic for a physical consultation when deemed necessary.

The list of private healthcare institutions providing Chas Chronic subsidy and MediSave for video consultations of the selected chronic conditions can be found here. Patients can also check with their healthcare provider on their suitability for video consultations for selected chronic conditions.

The list of chronic conditions under the CDMP are:

1. Diabetes *

2. Hypertension *

3. Lipid disorder *

4. Major depression *

5. Schizophrenia *

6. Bipolar disorder *

7. Anxiety *

8. Stroke

9. Asthma (stable and no acute exacerbation)

10. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (stable and no acute exacerbation)

11. Dementia

12. Osteoarthritis

13. Benign prostatic hyperplasia

14. Parkinson's disease

15. Chronic kidney disease (nephrosis/nephritis)

16. Epilepsy

17. Osteoporosis

18. Psoriasis

19. Rheumatoid arthritis

20. Ischaemic heart disease

* These were the initial seven selected conditions for which follow-ups through video consultation were eligible under Chas Chronic subsidy and MediSave usage from April 3.