SMA removes fee guidelines for doctors

Let me first draw a general outline for this move. Basically so as to not be in danger of violating the Competition Act, SMA has removed guidelines for fees charged by doctors on condition that docors do not charge outstandingly and that the doc must inform patients of their charges. Apparently it may be illegal. May cost too much to request for guidelines to be imposed too. Law firms and other statutory bodies are allowed to keep their fee guidelines, though.

My first reaction? -___-

My next? *raised eyebrow*

I mean, quite lame right, statutory bodies are exempt but health isn't. So... superficial? only-care-about-the-economy? Whatever. My brain's abit fuzzy at the moment. Can't quite find the right word.

Wah lao. At the current GP (and other private pracs) prices some people (like me) are already deterred from visiting them as far as possible, preferring to sweat out my fevers or allow time to heal most other ailments at home. If (as they should) these charges rise further, won't more sick people (like me) not want to see a doctor?

That's a rhetorical question.

What is the point of telling the patients the charges (though before treatment) after they have walked or driven all the way to the clinic? They've already driven or cycled or walked all the way there. Most of us will just reluctantly pay for it and vow never to go to 'that expensive clinic at block X' only to find out that all subsequent clinics we try our luck at charge equally costly costs.

Haiya. No choice lah. I just find it rather disappointing that health be treated as just another trading good which has to have competitive prices 'for the good of the economy'. And that setting guidelines for healthcare charges can ever be deemed illegal. So... haiya brain still fuzzy. Still can't find the right word.