I visited the National Dental Centre recently. Right after registration, I was told to have a jaw X-ray taken before proceeding to see the specialist.

In the very brief consultation I had with the specialist, she was not in possession of the X-ray nor did she make reference to it. However, I was duly billed for consultation and the X-ray procedure.

I paid the invoice in full but subsequently wrote in to question the need for that X-ray and requested a refund.

After several e-mail exchanges, the centre refunded me in full for both the X-ray procedure and consultation.

There is no justification to impose a costly procedure on a patient before even setting eyes on him or knowing the purpose of the visit or treatment sought.

Ooi Mun Kong