Latest news with #privatehealthcare
CNA
3 hours ago
- Business
- CNA
Mount Elizabeth hospitals not always most expensive among private providers, CNA finds
SINGAPORE: Despite its reputation for premium pricing, Mount Elizabeth hospitals do not consistently charge the highest fees among private healthcare providers in Singapore, a CNA review of medical billing data has found. Based on typical bills for 10 common medical procedures listed on the Ministry of Health's (MOH) cost comparison portal, Mount Elizabeth topped the list in only three cases. The "typical bill" refers to the median cost paid by patients in 2023. While Mount Alvernia Hospital was found to be cheaper in some instances, it was excluded from CNA's comparison as it operates as a not-for-profit institution. In the three cases where Mount Elizabeth was most expensive, Mount Elizabeth Novena charged 5.1 per cent more for a knee arthroscopy, 11.3 per cent more for hernia repair and 38.2 per cent more for an appendicectomy compared with the next-most expensive private hospital option. However, the same data showed that Mount Elizabeth is not always the costliest option. For example, fibreoptic colonoscopy day surgery and iridectomy at Mount Elizabeth Orchard and Novena were cheaper than at other private hospitals. Insurer Great Eastern announced on Tuesday (Jun 17) that it has stopped issuing pre-authorisation certificates for policyholders admitted to the two Mount Elizabeth hospitals. Such certificates are still available for other hospitals and day surgery centres, it said. Pre-authorisation refers to the insurer's approval of coverage for medical costs before treatment. 'In the last few years, we have observed that certain private hospitals have been charging significantly more than others for the same treatment, same clinical outcome, similar level of complexity, as well as for procedures that are less complex," the insurer said on Thursday in response to CNA's queries. "The cost difference in total bill size typically ranges between 20 and 30 per cent but can sometimes go higher in some cases.' Based on MOH data, the typical inpatient bill for a knee arthroscopy – a surgical procedure to diagnose problems within the knee joint – at Mount Elizabeth Novena was S$22,559 (US$17,560) and S$22,208 at Mount Elizabeth Orchard. It was cheaper at Gleneagles Hospital, which charged S$21,456. For an appendicectomy – removal of the appendix – Mount Elizabeth Novena charged S$30,808, compared with S$22,297 at Raffles Hospital, while for hernia repair, Mount Elizabeth Novena charged S$35,944, higher than the S$32,288 charged by Gleneagles. In contrast, iridectomy, a surgical procedure primarily to treat glaucoma, was cheaper at Mount Elizabeth Orchard (S$2,367) and Mount Elizabeth Novena (S$2,602) compared with Farrer Park (S$3,874). Beyond MOH's data, CNA reviewed itemised hospital bills from Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Parkway East and Gleneagles over the past two years. While Mount Elizabeth charged marginally more for common items such as hygiene sheets and lignocaine injections (1.7 to 7.7 per cent higher), it charged less for other items, such as ECG electrodes. Mount Elizabeth Orchard and Novena are operated by IHH Healthcare Singapore, the country's largest private healthcare provider. Other hospitals under its umbrella – including Gleneagles and Parkway East – are not affected by Great Eastern's pre-authorisation suspension. CNA contacted IHH and Great Eastern for comment on the pricing differences. In response, IHH said that comparing the typical bill sizes across hospitals and interpreting them at 'face value' is 'overly simplistic' and 'misleading' in reflecting each hospital's value and affordability. 'The Table of Surgical Procedures is a ranked listing of procedures that focuses on the intent and outcome of the surgical procedure. It does not reflect the surgical access route or the technologies, facilities and equipment used. Neither does it reflect the expertise and skill of the healthcare practitioners involved,' an IHH spokesperson said. The spokesperson also said that the two Mount Elizabeth hospitals, due to their level of 'equipping and capabilities', tend to take in more complex cases across all specialties, as doctors also make 'active choices' on where to admit patients based on the patient's best clinical interests. 'It is therefore natural that the average bill sizes seen at these two hospitals be higher compared to other facilities,' the spokesperson added. Great Eastern referred CNA to its previous statement. Great Eastern said earlier that the move is part of its efforts to manage rising healthcare costs and ensure affordability for its policyholders. "We want to assure our policyholders that there is no change to their coverage, and they can still receive treatment and submit claims as usual with no impact to their benefits," a spokesperson added. The IHH spokesperson said that their analysis of publicly available data from MOH does not correspond to Great Eastern's claims that bills at Mount Elizabeth hospitals are 20 to 30 per cent higher. They added that they have formally written to the insurer and are 'awaiting their response'. IHH previously expressed "surprise" at Great Eastern's move, saying it has been in active discussion with the insurer over the past few months. 'We do not agree with GE's claim about higher prices at two of our hospitals for similar procedures and case profiles," its group COO and Mount Elizabeth CEO Yong Yih Ming said on Wednesday. "Each of our hospitals has different focus and areas of excellence - Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital house facilities and equipment that allow specialists to manage patients and perform surgeries that are not available at other hospitals.' This is also why some of the more complex cases are managed at these two hospitals, he said. In response to media queries, MOH said on Thursday it is engaging Great Eastern to better understand the implications of its decision. Integrated shield plans (IPs) are commercial products, the ministry said. While MOH regulates the key parameters of these products for financial sustainability, insurers retain discretion over administrative processes like pre-authorisation. "However, IP insurers would have to ensure that policyholders continue to be able to access the full benefits of their policies in accordance with the terms and conditions for claims, as stated in their policy contracts," it added. MARKET DYNAMICS, COST STRUCTURE DRIVE PRICING VARIATION Experts told CNA that pricing differences across private hospitals are influenced by a range of factors, including the time and resources required and the hospital facilities used. 'Public hospital fees are subsidised by the government and are structured to ensure patient affordability. In contrast, private hospitals operate independently and need to factor in staffing, overheads, service-level costs and profitability when setting prices,' said Mr Joshua Siow, who is a partner at Simon-Kucher and its head of healthcare and life sciences in Singapore. For example, in the case of different drug prices, public hospitals rely on a centralised procurement system, which helps standardise prices across institutions, said Ms Verlene Law of The Reg Consultants, a regulatory service provider specialising in pharmaceutical and medical companies. Private hospitals procure drugs independently and prices can differ based on their supplier agreements and business models, she said. Private hospitals may also serve different patient segments or offer specialised clinical services that justify higher fees, said Mr Siow. "Patient experience, hospital infrastructure and differing target customer segments can contribute to variation," he said. "Importantly, some institutions may be equipped with specialised equipment or specialist capabilities that may not be routinely available at other centres.' He added: 'As for-profit institutions, private hospitals in Singapore operate independently and serve varied patient segments. In this context, pricing is shaped less by regulation and more by consumer choice – patients can select their providers, and hospitals must remain reasonably price-competitive to sustain demand.'
Zawya
a day ago
- Health
- Zawya
Oman: FSA prepares for second phase of Dhamani platform
Muscat: In preparation for launching the second phase of the National Health Insurance Platform 'Dhamani' scheme, the Financial Services Authority organized a preparatory meeting with insurance companies and representatives of private healthcare institutions to arrange for implementing the second phase of the 'Dhamani' electronic platform. The second phase includes readying the 'Dhamani' electronic platform to exchange medical documents such as x-rays, prescriptions and medical referrals between private healthcare institutions and insurance companies on the one hand and between all hospitals, complexes, clinics and specialized health centers on the other hand. The two-day meeting was organized within the framework of the community participation adopted by the FSA while developing regulatory schemes. The meeting reviewed the nature of the components of the phase with the relevant parties to find out mechanisms for dealing with them, in addition to discussing the key challenges expected in the implementation and how to address them. This phase is considered important within the framework of launching the 'Dhamani' electronic platform as it progresses the platform towards broader services such as building a unified medical record for the insured that allow access to all the details of visits to any health institution linked to the platform. The national health insurance platform 'Dhamani' also adds value in organizing health insurance transactions in the Sultanate of Oman by linking operational and financial transactions between insurance companies, private healthcare institutions; health insurance claims administrators and regulators including government entities supervising the insurance market and private healthcare institutions. It is worth noting that the platform proved its efficiency and digital effectiveness during the operational period, as the number of health insurance transactions concluded through the platform reached more than 4 million transactions until the end of May 2025. All insurance institutions were linked to this platform in addition to the connection of all private hospitals licensed by the Ministry of Health, which are 33 hospitals. While the number of health complexes linked to the platform has reached 37 private health complexes so far, 20 clinics and 44 health centers. The platform also provides its services to more than 650,000 health insurance policyholders with a data and information exchange rate of up to 40,000 transactions per day. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Why Wes Streeting thinks the private sector could help NHS
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he would consider a greater role for the private sector in the NHS to tackle waiting lists, which currently affect 7.39 million people. Streeting stated he would not be bound by 'outdated ideological battles' and that it would be 'foolish to turn away' from private healthcare, emphasising that treatment remains free at the point of use. He argued that utilising private sector capacity does not contradict NHS principles and is essential to provide timely care, drawing from his personal experience with cancer treatment. His comments are expected to spark controversy among Labour MPs on the left, with concerns about expanding the private sector's role in healthcare. The government stated that previous partnerships with the private sector have delivered more than 500,000 treatments, and the Patients Association welcomed the potential for increased private sector involvement to address the NHS backlog.
Free Malaysia Today
11-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Private hospitals call for delay to 6% SST for non-Malaysians
Several associations raised concerns about the potential impact on service accessibility, pricing transparency, and operational preparedness, especially for sectors like healthcare. (Gambar Envato Elements) PETALING JAYA : Private hospitals are urging the finance ministry to postpone the implementation of the 6% sales and service tax (SST) on private healthcare services for non-Malaysians, set to take effect on July 1. In a statement, the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) raised concerns over the implementation time frame, saying 'private hospitals will need sufficient lead time to adjust administrative systems, billing processes, and compliance procedures'. APHM also said it had sent a written request to the finance ministry today for a 'more practical timeline'. 'This is to allow for a smoother transition, minimise disruption to patient services, and help ensure full compliance with the new requirements.' APHM also said it had sought further clarification on the policy's application, including its impact on professional fees, its treatment of foreigners residing in Malaysia, and other related implementation matters. The finance ministry announced two days ago that the service tax would be expanded to include rent, lease, construction, financial services, private healthcare, and education, with hopes that it would help generate RM51.7 billion in SST revenue next year. Under this policy, private hospitals will charge a 6% SST on healthcare services provided to foreign nationals. Since the announcement, several associations have raised concerns about the potential impact on service accessibility, pricing transparency, and operational preparedness, especially for sectors like healthcare and education which serve many non-Malaysians including foreign workers, expatriates, and international students.
Free Malaysia Today
04-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
EPF weighs £1.4bil sale of UK private hospitals
EPF has appointed broker Knight Frank to offer the 12 properties for sale, people with knowledge of the process said. KUALA LUMPUR : EPF is preparing to sell a portfolio of UK private hospitals that are valued at about £1.4 billion (US$1.9 billion). The fund has appointed broker Knight Frank to offer the 12 properties for sale, people with knowledge of the process said. The hospitals, which an EPF-led consortium bought for about £700 million in 2013, are operated by Spire Healthcare Group Plc, the people said, asking not to be identified as the process is private. Representatives for EPF and Knight Frank declined to comment. Healthcare property has seen a flurry of interest this year as investors seek out alternative assets with long-term indexed-linked leases. KKR & Co is vying with Primary Health Properties Plc to buy Assura Plc, a UK landlord that mostly owns doctor surgeries as well as a portfolio of private hospitals that it bought for £500 million last year. Aedifica SA agreed yesterday to buy rival Cofinimmo in a deal that creates a healthcare REIT with a combined gross asset value of more than €12 billion euros (US$13.7 billion). The use of private healthcare in the UK has grown as the country's National Health Service (NHS) struggles to bring down waiting lists that were swollen during the pandemic. A record 4.7 million had private health insurance through their employer in 2023, according to data compiled by the Association of British Insurers last year. The NHS also uses private hospitals to carry out procedures. The state backed healthcare provider spent £2.1 billion in private hospitals last year, according to a report by LaingBuisson. It spent a further £1.5 billion at private clinics. The UK government announced earlier this year that the NHS would use private healthcare to carry out additional appointments, scans and operations in order to reduce waiting times.
