FAQ (Providers)

Why should I issue digital MCs?

Over the past 5 years, digital MCs have replaced hardcopies as the new norm. Digitisation eliminates the need for physical storage, allows medical records to remain in-sync, and reduces time spent on administrative tasks with patients.

Additionally, patients typically prefer digital MCs for ease of submitting it to their employer or school. When we conducted a pilot from Apr - Jul 2019, 95% of 179 patients agree to the question "On the whole I'm satisfied with using DigiMC", with reasons including:

  • Able to easily submit MC to more than 1 person

  • Will not forget to bring MC back to work

  • Will not lose it as long as I have the link

  • Can send it immediately on the same day I visit doctor

I already issue MCs digitally. What's different about DigiMC?

Though mc.gov.sg is the official platform, many other digital providers exist. These MCs are all considered legitimate as long as they are issued by SMC-registered doctors.

However, most solutions send the MC to patients as an image (PDF, JPG). When patients forward the image to their employers, it may be difficult to ascertain if the image is authentic, or has been tampered with. For less-established MC providers, employers may also not recognise the document format, leading to disputes around legitimacy.

DigiMCs cannot be forged, because they are hosted directly at the mc.gov.sg domain. This guarantees that the information is original as per your issuance. Should patients download or print the document, it contains a QR code that allows employers to verify the original, online version.

What does a DigiMC look like?

Screenshot of a Digital MC with components labelled

As a GP, how can I start using DigiMC?

At the moment, we do not allow doctors to issue DigiMCs directly. Instead, we have worked with several major clinic management systems and telemedicine systems, which provide the linkage within your CMS workflow.

Ask your CMS provider if they provide DigiMC integration!

As a CMS operator, how can I integrate with DigiMC?

We are happy to integrate with private providers: we already issue MCs on behalf of ~700 clinics island-wide.

We do not charge for usage, as we view digital MCs as a public good in Singapore. The API specs are very simple - most partners have managed to get the integration running within a few weeks or months.

Reach out to us at mc@open.gov.sg if you'd like to know more!