Dr Thomas Lee Hock Seng asked why the Ministry of Health (MOH) does not allow private specialist clinics to do e-filing for insurance claims on behalf of patients, and why insurers are prohibited from processing, or are allowed to refuse, claims without e-filing ("Cut costs by letting clinics e-file for insurance"; March 23).

All Medisave and MediShield Life claims have to be e-filed to ensure accountability and efficiency in claims processing, due to the high volumes involved.

All clinics, including private specialist clinics, are allowed to e-file for day surgery claims, as long as both the facility and the doctor carrying out the surgery are Medisave/MediShield Life accredited.

Medical institutions/clinics and doctors are required to be accredited by MOH before Medisave and MediShield Life claims can be submitted, to ensure that there is accountability in making claims for their patients.

Different insurers may have different claims assessment requirements for private insurance coverage.

Applications for Medisave/MediShield Life accreditation can be done online at MOH's online Medisave accreditation application website (https://www.mediclaim.moh.gov.sg/mmae/OverviewApplication.aspx).

We thank Dr Lee for his feedback.

Lim Bee Khim (Ms)
Director
Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health