What is a Primary Care Network (PCN)?
Primary Care Networks (PCN) encompass a collaboration of General Practitioners (GPs) backed by nurses and care coordinators. Their objective is to deliver comprehensive and well-coordinated care to individuals dealing with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
This collaborative care model guarantees enhanced support and attention for patients, such as yourself, within the community.
What is the difference between a PCN and GP clinic?
A Primary Care Network (PCN) and a General Practitioner (GP) clinic serve different purposes within the healthcare system.
Primary Care Network (PCN):
- Definition: A PCN is a network of healthcare professionals, including General Practitioners (GPs), nurses, and care coordinators, working collaboratively to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to a specific population or community.
- Focus: PCNs often have a broader scope of services and aim to address not only immediate healthcare needs but also focus on preventive care, health promotion, and the management of chronic conditions.
- Collaboration: PCNs emphasize a team-based approach, encouraging collaboration among healthcare professionals to deliver more holistic and patient-centered care.
- Coordination: PCNs may coordinate with various healthcare providers and community resources to ensure patients receive well-integrated care.
General Practitioner (GP) Clinic:
- Definition: A GP clinic is a healthcare facility where General Practitioners (family doctors or primary care physicians) provide a range of basic medical services to individuals seeking primary healthcare.
- Focus: GP clinics primarily focus on diagnosing and treating common illnesses, providing routine check-ups, and managing basic healthcare needs.
- Individual Care: The care provided in a GP clinic is typically more individualized and may not always involve a broader team-based approach compared to a PCN.
- Scope: While GPs in a clinic can manage chronic conditions, the emphasis is often on episodic care rather than long-term, coordinated care.
In summary, a PCN is a network of healthcare professionals working collaboratively to offer comprehensive and coordinated care to a community, while a GP clinic is a specific healthcare facility where individual General Practitioners provide primary healthcare services. PCNs often involve a broader approach with multiple healthcare professionals, whereas a GP clinic is more focused on individual patient care.
What is a Chronic Disease Registry?
A Chronic Disease Registry (CDR) is a centralized database housing personal and medical details of patients, facilitating meticulous monitoring for the purpose of enhanced care management and follow-ups. This registry plays a crucial role in maintaining a comprehensive record of individuals with chronic conditions, ensuring efficient tracking and provision of ongoing healthcare.
What is the list of Chronic Diseases under the care of PCN?
The list includes the following 23 chronic diseases:
1. Diabetes Mellitus/Pre-Diabetes
2. Hypertension
3. Lipid Disorders
4. Stroke
5. Asthma
6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
7. Schizophrenia
8. Major Depression
9. Dementia
10. Bipolar Disorder
11. Osteoarthritis
12. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
13. Anxiety
14. Parkinson's Disease
15. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (Nephritis/Nephrosis)
16. Epilepsy
17. Osteoporosis
18. Psoriasis
19. Rheumatoid Arthritis
20. Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD)
21. Allergic Rhinitis (AR)
22. Gout
23. Chronic Hepatitis B
Who qualifies?
Eligibility extends to Singaporean citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs) with one or more chronic diseases outlined in the Ministry of Health (MOH) Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP).
How can I enroll myself or a family member with a chronic disease?
Registration can be completed at any of the clinics within United PCN. To find the list of United PCN clinics, please click HERE.
What are the benefits of being a member of United PCN?
As a member, you will experience more attentive monitoring of your chronic conditions, allowing for timely intervention by United PCN General Practitioners. Additionally, you'll have the benefit of personalized advice from nurse counsellors to effectively manage your chronic condition(s), encompassing guidance on lifestyle adjustments and dietary modifications.
If I go to a GP clinic, do I automatically get enrolled into a PCN?
No, enrolment into a Primary Care Network (PCN) is not automatic when you visit a General Practitioner (GP) clinic. PCNs typically have their own enrolment processes, and individuals need to actively register or sign up for PCN services. If you wish to be part of a PCN, it's advisable to inquire about the enrolment process at the GP clinic or directly contact the specific PCN you are interested in joining. Keep in mind that enrolment criteria and processes may vary among different PCNs.
What are ancillary services?
Ancillary care services encompass a broad range of healthcare support services designed to complement the primary care provided by physicians. United PCN typically offers various ancillary services tailored to meet the needs of their chronic patients.
Is there a cost associated with these ancillary services?
Yes, ancillary services do incur charges. For details on rates and packages for these services, please reach out to the relevant United PCN GP clinics.
Can I use my CHAS, Merdeka Generation or Pioneer Generation Card at United PCN GP clinics?
Certainly. You have the option to utilise your CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme), Merdeka Generation, or Pioneer Generation Card at United PCN GP clinics. This allows you to benefit from subsidised consultation fees and ancillary services, as all PCN GP clinics are CHAS accredited.
For a comprehensive list of United PCN GP Clinics, please click here.