Alternative Care In New Normal

Extension of Video Consultation (VC) subvention for approved aged care services to end 2022.

Introduction

In March 2020, Ministry of Health (MOH) provided subvention to aged care services using VC in the community care sector for DORSCON Yellow and above statuses. These services have applications approved by the Telehealth Implementation Workgroup, chaired by MOH’s Director of Medical Services Associate Professor Kenneth Mak. Since then, the use of VC has increased and could potentially rise further, and drive the adoption of VC as an alternative mode of care delivery for the community care sector in this new normal. As of February 2021, MOH has approved 22 Intermediate and Long-Term Care (ILTC), or Community Care, service providers to run VC in eight services and 1592 unique clients have benefitted from VC.

As such, MOH has approved the extension of the VC subvention until end 2022. There is no change to the subvention quantum:

  • Only aged care services that currently receive MOH subvention would be claimable
  • VC subvention will follow the subvention quantum for their equivalent face-to-face services
  • Providers should continue to charge VC services no more than their equivalent face-to-face services

For support in procurement of VC equipment, please refer to “Funding for VC Equipment” below for more information.

Application

If you would like to apply for VC subvention, please fill up the attached video consultation questionnaire(VCQ) here for AIC’s evaluation. Please send the completed VCQ and your queries to Vania (Vania.Kristella@aic.sg). or Si Min (Si.Min.Tan@aic.sg).

Funding for VC Equipment

Healthcare Productivity Fund (HPF) eligible providers* can now apply for funding to support the purchase of VC equipment under the Green Lane application scheme.

Green Lane is an express application track for equipment with proven productivity outcomes and pre-determined purchasing parameters.

About the VC Healthcare Productivity Fund (HPF)

Funding Quantum

Funding is up to 85% of the actual cost capped at $4,250 (calculated based on 85% of $5,000) for 1 set of VC equipment# per location. Funding is for CAPEX, excluding ongoing costs like subscription, maintenance etc.

Application requirements

Applicants need to show/provide the following to be eligible for funding:

  • Minimum 10 unique clients per month per location
  • At least 10% staff man-hours savings have been met over a period of six months
  • VC session are conducted over a period of at least six months

Documents to be submitted

Applicants need to show/provide the following to be eligible for funding:

A. Details of the allocation of units – which location and how many units per location

B. Number of units in use at any one time – if multiple units are being allocated to the same location

More information on HPF can be found here.

*HPF eligibility: Organisations providing community care services that are in line with MOH’s licensing or service requirements. For more information, email hpf@aic.sg.

#Equipment that is covered under the VC HPF funding is not specific as the equipment used and set-up requirements defer between organisations. AIC’s HPF team will evaluate the submitted list of equipment before funding is approved.

Case studies on the use of VC to deliver care

St Luke’s Hospital:

St Luke’s Hospital has been providing VC services for their Speech Therapy clients since Dec 2015. The benefits of VC have been evident – it has helped increased efficiency in clients’ treatment and also helped save their clients’ transport time and cost, providing greater convenience.

Watch this video – https://youtu.be/Spag9ZBM1pQ

SATA CommHealth:

SATA CommHealth has been using VC to ensure the continuity of rehabilitation services for clients during the circuit breaker period in 2020. Given the lack of specialised equipment at home, therapists developed creative rehabilitation plans to simulate the same level of care and quality of a centre-based session in clients’ home environment. This gives clients the ease and accessibility to execute the exercises and ensures that the care provided and treatment goals are not compromised.

Watch this video – https://youtu.be/BtkbZF6VbTM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers for common questions about VC through the compiled Frequently Asked Questions.

The FAQ covers:

  • General questions on VC
  • Video Consultation Questionnaire (VCQ) related questions
  • Finance Related questions
  • VC Implementation
  • Cybersecurity and Privacy and Confidentiality of Patient Information
  • Legal Liability
MOH e-training

The Telemedicine E-Training by MOH Health Regulation Group outlines principles relating to Telemedicine. These principles are meant to address patient and provider safety and provide a holistic approach to executing the delivery of Telemedicine services in Singapore. All staff involved in provision of services over VC are encouraged to undergo the Teleconsultation E-training provided by MOH by registering at this link.

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