How did CPF get confidential medical report?

dragg SG

extracted from straits times forum.

I wish to highlight the fact that Singapore has no respect for a patient's confidential medical records.

Recently I was reapplying for a Home Protection Scheme under the HDB for my flat.

To my dismay, the lady working in the CPF's insurance department was able to obtain my medical report from SGH to ask me questions about my hospital stay.

Aren't a patient's medical records confidential? How can anyone in CPF have access to my medical records?

I suffer from depression. That was one-and-a-half years ago. I am recovering. In fact I am taking night classes for my second degree. And my IMH visit is once every two months, in order to get medication.

But I was rejected for HPS cover. Why aren't recovering mental patients allowed a chance to live a normal life? Must this mark of being a mental patient in the past follow us?

The government, which supposedly should protect my interest, is not helping me. By rejecting me for HPS cover, it means that I may lose the flat if something untoward happens to my husband. So much for being an all-inclusive society.

One thing is for sure. I will never be looked at in the same way again. It's a condition that I cannot help, but it's a mark that will follow me.

Ng Siew Choo Ms

sgboy SG

During your admission to any hospital, the hosptal will normally require you or your next-of-kin to sign a document, normally known as "Conditions of Services/Hospital Policies".

One of the clause will normal state something like that

CONSENT TO DISCLOSURE OF MEDICAL RECORD AND INFORMATION

The undersigned irrevocably and unconditionaly authorises:
(a)the hospital, its medical staff, medical practitioners practising with or at the hospital to have access to and use information and details contained in the patient's medical and other records kept with or by the hospital, its medical staff or medical practitioners practicing with or at the hospital.;
(b)the disclosure of the patient's said medical and other records (i) whenever and to whoever the law requires; (ii) to such persons as may require the same to faciliate the performance of any required Medisave audit activity as well as such other audit activity sanctioned by the hospital's Medical Advisory/Board and/or Administration; and (iii) pursuant to any request by the Ministry of Health or other relevant government authority; and (c) the transfer and/or release of all or any of the patient's medical records between the hospital and/or establishments.

dragg SG

so cpf board has the right.

ilovemyrolex SG

no leh, i don’t get it… it doesn’t say CPF Board can get the info.

sgboy SG

(iii) pursuant to any request by the Ministry of Health or other relevant government authority

kops21 SG

every damn organisation will have a clause which state: subject to changes w/o prior noticed.

ilovemyrolex SG

then shouldn't it read

(iii) pursuant to any request by the Ministry of Health or other irrelevant government authority

Lance_han SG

Originally posted by ilovemyrolex:
then shouldn't it read

[b](iii) pursuant to any request by the Ministry of Health or other irrelevant government authority
[/b]

Same la. the word Government makes everything look legal le... Razz Laughing

Ito_^ SG

lol Laughing ke lian

Rhonda SG

Why am I not surprised that the government is able to extend its tentacles to our 'confidential' medical reports? Rolling Eyes

They are all-knowing and all-controlling. What do they NOT know about us? Razz

Be afraid... be very afraid!! Laughing Big brother's watching you!! Twisted Evil