Diagnosis may involve:
- Blood tests for MG-related antibodies, e.g. AChR (Acetylcholine Receptor) Antibody Test
- Ice pack test (for eyelid weakness)
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Medication response tests
- CT scan of the chest to assess the thymus
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Diagnosis is usually managed by neurology specialists in public hospitals and private hospitals such as:
Public Health care
- National Neuroscience Institute @ Tan Tock Seng Hospital
- National Neuroscience Institute @ Singapore General Hospital
- National Neuroscience Institute @ Khoo Tech Puat Hospital
- National Neuroscience Institute @ KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- National Neuroscience Institute @ Singapore General Hospital
- National Neuroscience Institute @ Changi General Hospital
- National Neuroscience Institute @ Woodlands Hospital
Private Health Care
- Gleneagles hospital
- Mt Elizabeth hospital
- Raffles hospital
- Singapore General Hospital
If you do not require subsidized healthcare, you can make an appointment directly with the private or public hospital.
If you require subsidized public healthcare, a referral from a polyclinic is necessary.
How to Get Subsidised Treatment in Singapore (Public Healthcare Pathway)
Singapore citizens and permanent residents can receive subsidised specialist care for MG through the public healthcare system.
Step-by-Step Subsidised Referral Process
Step 1: Visit a Polyclinic
- Make an appointment at a public polyclinic using the health hub App
- Inform the doctor of your symptoms (e.g. drooping eyelids, fatigue, weakness)
Polyclinic doctors act as the first point of assessment.
Step 2: Polyclinic Referral to Public Hospital
If MG is suspected or specialist care is required, the polyclinic doctor will issue a referral to a public hospital (e.g. neurology clinic).
This referral is essential to qualify for subsidised Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC) rates.
Step 3: Specialist Assessment & Treatment
At the public hospital:
- Neurologists confirm diagnosis
- Treatment is initiated
- Follow-up care is arranged under subsidised rates
Without a polyclinic referral, patients are usually charged private (non-subsidised) rates even in public hospitals.
Financial Support
Singapore’s healthcare system ensures that:
- Subsidies are available to Singapore citizens and Singapore Permanent Resident
- Level of subsidies are also determined by income levels
- If financial help is needed, patients can approach hospital medical social workers for aid, including Medifund, payment installments, or extra grants.