Itemised billing upon request at private clinics not a new requirement, says Health Ministry
PETALING JAYA: Itemised billing for patients at private clinics, which must be given if requested, is an existing requirement provided by law, says the Health Ministry.
In a statement on Saturday (May 17), the ministry's pharmacy practice and development division said private clinics must prepare an itemised bill without additional charges to allow patients to understand the details of services provided as well as charges for treatment and medicine.
"The patient's right to receive itemised bills is a matter provided for under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (Private Hospitals and Other Private Healthcare Facilities) Regulations 2006.
"The ministry would like to inform that there are no changes in policy or new announcements in relation to the implementation of itemised billing by private clinics," it said, adding this was to remove any confusion over the issue which arose after a TikTok Live session by the ministry on May 14 on itemised billing.
The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) had on May 15 criticised the ministry, alleging it made the announcement on the TikTok live session without any formal directive, circular or legal amendment.
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