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In light of recent discussions on the issuance of medical certificates (MCs) by telemedicine providers, Doctor Anywhere (DA) assures our patients and partners of our commitment to transparency and compliance with healthcare regulatory requirements.
Since we started Doctor Anywhere in 2017, we have implemented robust processes that align with the latest Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines to regulate MC issuance in Singapore.
In this post, we address common questions and concerns regarding MCs in Singapore. Our objective is to provide clear and concise information to enhance understanding and prevent misinformation regarding the Ministry of Health’s recent circular on the issuance of MCs via telemedicine platforms.
1. What changes has the MOH recently implemented regarding the issuance of medical certificates (MCs) by telemedicine providers?
The Ministry of Health has tightened the rules on the issuance of MCs, requiring every MC issued to include the name and professional registration number of the issuing medical practitioner, ensuring that MCs are provided only after proper clinical evaluation. These measures aim to enhance the accountability of telemedicine services and ensure that MCs are not misused for non-medical reasons like avoiding work or school.
2. How does Doctor Anywhere ensure the legitimacy of the medical certificates you issue?
Since our establishment in 2017, we have adhered to rigorous standards that are now mandated by MOH. Our processes include:
- Medical Consultations: Our licensed doctors conduct video call consultations, ensuring thorough clinical evaluations for conditions that can be appropriately assessed via virtual consultations, and appropriate issuance of MCs.
- Documentation and Record Keeping: All medical documentation including Referrals and MCs, are stored securely for future reference.
3. Are the doctors on your platform qualified to issue medical certificates?
Yes, all doctors on our platform are fully licensed and registered with Singapore Medical Council, and have undergone the MOH Telemedicine training course. They are experienced healthcare professionals who adhere to strict medical and ethical standards when issuing MCs.
4. How can I verify the authenticity of a medical certificate issued by Doctor Anywhere?
Patients and employers can verify the authenticity of a MC through our secure online verification system: https://doctoranywhere.com/mc-validation
Each MC includes a unique identifier that can be checked against our records to confirm its validity.
5. What measures are in place to prevent the abuse of medical certificates issued via telemedicine?
To prevent abuse, we have implemented several measures, including:
- Controlled Issuance: Our doctors issue MCs only after a clinical assessment and when medically justified. Our telemedicine platform is also designed to facilitate communication among doctors regarding concerns about MC-seeking behavior, enabling vigilance and quick identification of cases with multiple recent consultations.
- Secure Digital Verification: Our service includes digital security measures to verify the authenticity of medical certificates issued on the Doctor Anywhere telehealth platform. This ensures that each MC is genuine and meets all required standards for validity.
- Regular Audits and Robust Protocols: We regularly conduct internal audits to ensure appropriate practice by every doctor, including the issuance and duration of MCs. Following the latest MOH licensing conditions, we have also introduced additional processes to escalate cases of frequent MC recipients to our governance team for thorough review. This helps prevent abuse and ensures that patients with genuine health issues receive the necessary care or are referred to a higher level of care if needed.
6. Is a medical certificate from Doctor Anywhere accepted at workplaces and schools?
Yes, MCs issued by doctors via video consultations through the Doctor Anywhere mobile app are accepted at both workplaces and schools. These MCs are recognised by employers and educational institutions throughout Singapore, and can be verified via our online MC validation service.
7. What should I do if I suspect a medical certificate has been issued fraudulently?
If you suspect that a MC has been issued fraudulently, please contact our Support team immediately at doctoranywhere.com/contact-us. We will investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action to address any issues.
As your trusted healthcare partner, Doctor Anywhere is committed not only to compliance with healthcare regulations but also to transparency. We fully support the MOH’s recent efforts to tighten regulations around medical certificates, as these measures are essential for enhancing accountability, ensuring high quality medical care, and upholding ethical standards in the healthcare industry.