What would the pharmacist or the cashier know about whether this item or that item is claimable under insurance? That's insurance punya pasal. If TS' friend wants to make noise, he should go ask his insurance agent or his office HR.

You know what they say right? If it ain't in writing, it didn't happen (this is the original saying, now we just say "no video, no talk").

Actually, not really in Singapore.

A lot of what I do is online - and pre-approved LOG as my practice is linked to the national insurance schemes and the major insurance providers. The claimables are very strict. Any surgical tables need to be written clearly, any additionals  are clearly listed and itemized, and any medications are issued pursuant to the condition that I'm treating. Experimental drugs (eg certain cancer drugs etc) are not included unless authorized prior, and the whole process is transparent.

Any item that is not clearly listed in the insurance coverage is paid for by the patient. The receipt is then given, usually with a supporting memo & an excerpt of the patient's medical records, and this helps facilitate the claims done by the patient against his own insurance coverage.

It's quite straightforward. None of my nurses will "call up the insurance" for confirmation - it's all online.

I have a recent experience:
Was warded due to vertigo. Upon discharge the doctor prescribed some medication. Months later the hospital claim the Insurance not paying for certain medication due to: it is not in the Doctor's report.
My argument is that how would I know if the Dr did not write this in his report, Afterall, the prescription was from the Dr.
Tried to avoid paying and argue about this with their accounts department. Ended up I received a lawyer letter demanding payment. So last , last I also end up paying. I am in no position and cannot afford a lawyer for this.

Good hospital staff will know which medicine is claimable and not, they will explain to you why the non-claimable one is recommended so then you decide whether you really need it or not. TS what drug is not claimable anyway?

Surgical tables are what we claim from the insurance. It’s what we are allowed to charge. You won’t see that in your bill.

You will get a bill, but the bill may not necessarily show the codes and nomenclature we use to submit our claims for surgery performed.

Eg. In your bill, you may have a statement stating “surgical removal of malignant tumour of the upper limb with wide margin excisional biopsy” but the corresponding table is actually a 5A.

Life/health important or cash or insurance claim more important?