Standardising and Capping Medical Report Fees for Activation of LPA across Different Hospitals to Prevent Disparities

Mr David Hoe asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) why there are significant disparities in medical report fees charged by different restructured hospitals for the activation of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA); (b) whether the Ministry will consider standardising and capping such fees to avoid undue financial burden on families; and (c) whether means-tested subsidies or financial assistance for LPA activation can be provided to families in need.

Public healthcare institutions set fees for these medical reports on a cost recovery basis for manpower and other administrative costs incurred. Doctors may need to spend more time and effort to review medical records for more complex cases, and hence the charges may vary.

Patients with financial difficulties can approach medical social workers at public healthcare institutions for assistance with their medical report fee.