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Dr. Ngun Kok
Wah. Dear <<Anaesthetic Consultant>>, Re: Additional Charges for Procedures Performed
Under an Anaesthetic At the last MAB meeting held on 10 December 2003, it was brought up that certain anaesthetists were submitting additional charges for procedures performed for patients while under an anaesthetic. I would like to remind you of Schedule B, attached herewith, which forms an integral part of our contract with the hospital. In particular, please note that the 35 % anaesthetic fee includes “Preoperative car, as well as care during a procedure …” Hence, any procedure performed during an anaesthetic that is normally thought of as part and parcel for that particular surgical procedure should not entail an additional charge to the patient. For example, insertion of arterial lines, and central venous monitoring lines which are indicated either due to the complexity of the surgery or the condition of the patient should be done within the 35 % anaesthetic fee. Another example would be taking a blood sample for group and cross-match for a bleeding patient. However, if the procedure performed was not for the benefit of the surgery per se, but was, for example, needed for post-operative monitoring but done under anaesthesia for the comfort of the patient may carry an appropriate additional charge. Other examples include provision of postoperative pain relief by patient controlled analgesia, or taking blood or CSF samples for culture and sensitivity. I hope this clarifies any confusion you may have had as to the admissibility of such charges. Yours sincerely, Dr. Ngun Kok Wah. |
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Created:- 02 Jan 2004