2024 Cost of Gastroscopy in Singapore
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Patient FAQs about Gastroscopy Singapore
Q: Is gastroscopy painful?
A: Patients are typically sedated during the procedure, so they should not feel any pain. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or bloating afterward, but this usually subsides quickly.
Q: How often should I have a gastroscopy?
A: The frequency of gastroscopy screenings depends on factors such as age, medical history, and symptoms. Your healthcare provider can help determine the appropriate screening schedule for you.
Q: What should I expect after a gastroscopy?
A: After the procedure, patients may experience some throat discomfort or bloating. These symptoms usually resolve within a few hours, and patients can resume normal activities the same day.
Q: Can I eat immediately after a gastroscopy?
A: Patients are generally advised to wait until the effects of the sedative wear off before eating or drinking, which typically takes a few hours. Starting with clear liquids and then gradually moving to more solid foods as tolerated is recommended.
Q: Are there any risks associated with gastroscopy?
A: Gastroscopy is considered a safe procedure with a low risk of complications. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, albeit rare, such as reactions to the sedative, bleeding, or perforation (a tear) of the stomach or esophagus wall.
Gastroscopy in Singapore
Gastroscopy, also known as an upper endoscopy, is a procedure where a thin tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth to view the upper digestive system. This is the go-to method for doctors to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions affecting the oesophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine.
It is an useful scope for spotting ulcers, tumours, cancer, inflammation, polyps, abnormal tissues or cells, Helicobacter pylori infection and celiac disease, among others. Gastroscopies can also take biopsies or remove foreign objects. Understanding the cost of this procedure is important for those considering it, whether for diagnosis or treatment purposes.
Let us take you through the cost considerations of doing a gastroscopy in Singapore.
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How much does a gastroscopy cost in Singapore?
The list price of a gastroscopy procedure in Singapore in private day surgery can cost from $2,400 onwards. The exact price can depend on a variety of factors, including whether biopsy is performed or removal of single or multiple polyps is done during the procedure. The price will typically be inclusive of histology, surgeon and facility fees.
A basic screening is generally more wallet-friendly, while a diagnostic gastroscopy, which aims to pinpoint health issues, will come with a higher price tag. Adding procedures like removing polyps or taking biopsy samples increases costs due to the need for specialised equipment and the complexity of the procedure.
The choice between an day surgery or an in-patient setting also impacts the cost. Opting for a day surgery, where you don't stay overnight in the hospital, is usually cheaper.
Securing an appointment at a public hospital can be a slow process, often requiring a referral from a polyclinic followed by a consultation with a specialist. For those seeking quicker access and a more personal touch, booking directly at a private healthcare facility is an alternative, albeit at a higher cost. For more information, please contact us at
+65 67970220 or +65 8322 8791(by phone call or whatsapp).
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Can I use my medical insurance to claim gastroscopy costs?
The charges for gastroscopy adhere to the MOH fee benchmark guidelines. Insurance coverage is applicable for gastroscopy since it is recognized as a hospital procedure under the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines.
As of Feb 2023, Integrated Shield Plan insurers in Singapore can provide coverage of gastroscopy procedures that are deemed “medically necessary”. The Integrated Shield Plan (ISP) provides Singaporeans with extra coverage beyond what Medishield Life offers, allowing for private healthcare options. Medisave claimable for Gastroscopy is up to around SGD650. If you are keen to find out more, you can book a consultation with our healthcare team who will guide you through the subsidies applicable.
Does Somerset Imaging Centre facilitate cashless service?
Cashless eligibility means you do not need to pay anything upfront for your gastroscopy procedure. In cases where you are covered by medical insurance, Somerset Imaging Centre can provide cashless service, contingent on a few factors. These factors include the coverage that your medical insurance offers, what your CPF Medisave covers and the specific parameters of your gastroscopy procedure.
You can talk to us or communicate with us to understand your insurance coverage and our healthcare team can see if you qualify for our cashless service. You can also talk to your insurance provider to understand your coverage as well.
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Conclusion
Paying for a gastroscopy is beneficial, being a direct investment in your health. This procedure can detect early signs of conditions like ulcers, cancer, tumours, abnormal cell change and inflammation in your upper digestive tract, often before symptoms worsen. Early detection means earlier treatment, which can lead to better outcomes and possibly lower healthcare costs down the line.
With options like medical insurance coverage, CPF Medisave, and Integrated Shield Plans in Singapore, the financial burden can be significantly eased, making gastroscopy procedures a wise and financially manageable health decision.
Somerset Imaging Centre is a one-stop Day Surgery healthcare centre that provides both gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Should you require a gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy or want to find out more details on the procedure, do not hesitate to book a consultation with our team of healthcare professionals or contact our staff at +65 6797 0220 or +65 8322 8791 (by whatsapp or phone call) or email to us at contactus@hsig.org. It is our honour and pleasure to serve you and your family members.