Suspension of Chas oarticipation for Joash Family Clinic & Surgery

1. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has served Joash Family Clinic & Surgery^[1] a notice of suspension of its Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) participation. The suspension will take effect from 26 April 2019.

2. Audits by MOH on the CHAS claims made by Joash Family Clinic & Surgery revealed severe non-compliances. The clinic had over a period of time made numerous non-compliant CHAS claims such as claims for patient visits with no relevant supporting documentation.

3. MOH takes a serious view of such errant practices in making CHAS claims. We have referred the case to the Police. The doctors from this clinic will also be referred to the Singapore Medical Council if found with any medical mismanagement or unethical behaviour.

4. Once suspended, the clinic can continue to provide treatment, but the treatment it provides will not be covered by CHAS subsidies. CHAS patients of the suspended clinic may also refer to the CHAS website (www.chas.sg) for alternative CHAS clinics in the vicinity.

5. MOH closely monitors clinics’ CHAS claims and most CHAS clinics comply with our guidelines. MOH takes a serious view of breaches of our CHAS guidelines and will not hesitate to take action where non-compliance is uncovered. We also remind healthcare professionals to uphold a high standard of professionalism and adhere to their Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines.

6. MOH encourages CHAS patients to actively engage their doctors and dentists if they have any queries on their bills. If they come across any suspicious or unusual CHAS claims made for them, they can contact MOH (1800-225-4122).

7. CHAS and Pioneer Generation cardholders who wish to check the CHAS subsidies that clinics have claimed for them may do so by logging into the “MY CHAS” module on the CHAS wesbite (www.chas.sg) or by calling the CHAS hotline (1800-275-2427).

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
10 APRIL 2019

^[1] Joash Family Clinic & Surgery, 1030 Upper Serangoon Road, S534767