FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CONSULTATION RELATED

1. What are the consultation charges?

- First Visit: $180 before GST (up to 20 mins consult, up to 10mins admin, total: up to 30 mins)

- Review Visit: $110 before GST (up to 15 mins consult)

- Additional Time block: $50 before GST (up to 15 mins consult)

2. What are the prescription charges?

- $30 - $40 before GST (for medication that GC have in stock. (patient may choose to buy elsewhere)

3. What payment modes do you accept?

- We accept the following payment modes:

- Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Paynow and Bank Transfer

4. What are the charges for a medical report?

- $300 to $500 before GST (depending on number of pages)

5. Which are the insurance companies or health network panels that GUTCARE specialist doctors are on?

- GUTCARE is on most shield plan and corporate insurance panels  or health network panels of third-party administrators (TPAs). For more details, click here

- Employees with employee health benefit cards of third-party administrators with GUTCARE specialist doctors on their panel can expect benefits of cashless consultations, investigations, and medications or a co-payment sum of these bills.

- GUTCARE welcomes all patients with or without insurance. Our friendly staff will work with you to understand your available financing options.

6. Do you see paediatric patients?

- GUTCARE specialist doctors do not usually see paediatric patients under the age of 16, unless your doctor or specialist has referred your child to a GUTCARE doctor for a specific gastroenterology issue.

7. Which doctors practice in each GUTCARE clinic?

-Please see here.

8. What is the exact location of each GUTCARE clinic?

- Please note that we are located within the premises of the hospital, in each of the medical centers of the respective hospitals. For more details, please refer to Contact us.

INSURANCE RELATED

1. How much does a gastroscopy cost?

- In general, a gastroscopy costs about $1,100. Removal of polyps and histology tests may incur additional costs

- If you have an Integrated Shield Plan, you may be eligible for a cashless procedure depending on your plan and rider as well as CPF claimables (Medisave). Please contact us or speak with your insurer.

- While the amount claimable may differ due to withdrawal limits set by the CPF board, the maximum is up to $650.

- To search an estimated fee for gastroscopy, visit

https://www.moh.gov.sg/cost-financing/fee-benchmarks-and-bill-amount-information

2. How much does a colonoscopy cost?

- A colonoscopy procedure may cost around $1,800. Removal of polyps and histology tests may incur additional costs. 

- If you have an Integrated Shield Plan, you may be eligible for a cashless procedure depending on your plan and rider as well as CPF claimables (Medisave). Please contact us or speak with your insurer.

- While the amount claimable may differ due to withdrawal limits set by the CPF board, the maximum is up to $1,250.

- To search an estimated fee for colonoscopy, visit

https://www.moh.gov.sg/cost-financing/fee-benchmarks-and-bill-amount-information

3. How much does a gastroscopy and colonoscopy cost if performed together?

- Costs differ on a case-to-case basis. A gastroscopy and colonoscopy may cost around $2,900 (excluding hospital fees). 

- If you have an Integrated Shield Plan, you may be eligible for a cashless procedure depending on your plan and rider as well as CPF claimables (Medisave). Please contact us or speak with your insurer.

- While the amount claimable may differ due to withdrawal limits set by the CPF board, the maximum is up to $1,600.

4. What is the claims process?

- With regard to hospital procedure-related claims, an electronic filing submission (e-file) facility has been set up by MOH to electronically submit your insurance claims for Medishield Life and Integrated Shield Plans.

- For those under corporate medical plans with third party administrators or international health insurance plans, the claims process varies. The steps may include notifying your insurer, paying for any treatment, including deductibles, co-insurance and co-payment, and submitting claims to your insurer.

- The claims process may be delayed if there are incorrectly filled forms, missing documentation or the insurer requiring time to investigate if the claim is for a pre-existing condition.

PROCEDURE RELATED

1. Am I able to have the consultation and endoscopy on the same day?

- We do not usually perform the consultation and gastroscopy or colonoscopy on the same day.

- We strongly encourage patients to have their consultation and gastroscopy or colonoscopy on separate days to ensure adequate duration of fasting and to ensure a good bowel preparation for the colonoscopy.

2. Do I need to fast for the first visit?

- There is no requirement to fast for the first visit, unless the doctor has given specific instructions to do so.

3. What do I need to do to prepare for a gastroscopy?

- You will need to be fasted for a duration of 6 hours before a gastroscopy.

- You may take sips of water for your regular medication.

- Please inform the doctor or the clinic if you are diabetic and on medication for diabetes.

- A detailed patient information sheet with instructions will be given to you when the gastroscopy is scheduled.

4. What do I need to do to prepare for a colonoscopy?

- You should have a non-fibre diet for 48 hours before the colonoscopy

- Medication for the bowel preparation will need to be consumed on the night before the colonoscopy, as well as the morning of the colonoscopy.

- A detailed patient information sheet with instructions will be given to you when the colonoscopy is scheduled.

5. Should I see a doctor if I experience any complications after the gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy?

Look out for these symptoms and be sure to contact us immediately if you develop any of the following after your procedure:

- Breathlessness

- Persistent or severe abdominal pain

- Vomiting

- Fever or Chest Pain

- Stool that is unusually dark, black, or bloody

6. What's the ideal frequency for colonoscopy?

- It is advisable to go for a routine colonoscopy every five years on or after the age of 50. You are recommended to visit your doctor for an earlier colonoscopy if you experience any symptoms of gastrointestinal or colorectal conditions within the 5 year interval

7. What should i wear for my gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy ?

- It is advisable to wear loose and comfortable clothing on the day of your scope. Do not wear any jewelry, makeup or contact lenses on the of your scope.

8. Will I free pain during the gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy procedure?

- Both procedures will be done under sedation, patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Some may experience a mild discomfort or throat irritation (gastroscopy) afterward, but this is temporary.

9. How long does a gastroscopy procedure take?

- A gastroscopy is a fairly quick procedure that can take 15-30 minutes. It may take slightly longer if abnormalities are detected and a biopsy is needed to remove tissues for testing.

10. How long does a colonscopy procedure take?

- A colonoscopy usually takes 30-45 minutes. It may take slightly longer if abnormalities are detected and a biopsy is needed to remove tissues for testing.

11. What should I eat after gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy ?

- You may feel some mild bloating and gas after a scope so it’s best to stay away from foods that might worsen these symptoms. Eat foods that are easier to digest like soup, fish or toast. Keep away from beans, cauliflower or spicy foods, which can cause more bloating.

12. Will I experience any complications after a colonoscopy?

- While colonoscopy is generally considered a safe and effective procedure for examining the colon, like any medical intervention, it carries a small risk of complications. It's important to note that serious complications are rare, and the benefits of colonoscopy in detecting and preventing colorectal cancer often outweigh the risks. It is common to experience some abdominal discomfort or bloating after a colonoscopy. This is usually temporary and resolves on its own.

13. Will I experience any complications after a gastroscopy?

- Gastroscopy, also known as an upper endoscopy, is a generally safe and well-tolerated procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential complications, but they are rare. It is common to experience a sore throat or mild discomfort in the throat after the procedure. This is typically temporary and should improve within a day.

SERVICES RELATED

1. Do I need a doctor’s referral for a fibroscan or hydrogen-methane breath test?

- Yes, you will require a referral from a doctor to have the fibroscan or hydrogen-methane breath test performed at one of our GUTCARE clinics.

2. Do I need to fast before a fibroscan?

- You should fast for 2 hours before a fibroscan, and also drink only sips of water when necessary during this time.

3. What do I need to do to prepare for a hydrogen-methane breath test?

-There are dietary restrictions for 12 hours prior to the test. 

- A detailed patient information sheet will be given and explained when the hydrogen-methane breath test is scheduled.

4. How long will it take for a fibroscan report to be ready?

- It will take 3 working days for the report to be ready, and it will be sent to the referring doctor’s clinic.

5. How long will it take for a hydrogen-methane breath test report to be ready?

- It will take 5 working days for the report to be ready, and it will be sent to the referring doctor’s clinic.