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Skyline of the Central Business District, Singapore's primary financial and commercial area and home to many leading international corporations

Typical Treatments and Costs

Cardiovascular
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: $12,050-$20,500
Bypass + Valve Replacement (single): $21,000-$23,500
Bypass + Valve Replacement (double): $22,500-$25,000
Pacemaker (single-chambered): $550
Pacemaker (double-chambered): $750
Angiography: $2,500-$3,750
Angioplasty: $9,950-$16,400

Orthopedic
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing: $12,000
Carpal Tunnel: $850-$1,250
Joint Replacement:
    Knee: $8,350-$10,900
    Hip: $12,000
    Ankle: $4,500-$6,000
    Shoulder: $5,500-$6,800

Cosmetic
Botox: $300-$1,000
Breast Augmentation: $5,000-$10,000
Breast Lift/Reduction: $5,000-$10,000
Breast Reconstruction: $3,500-$5,000
Facelift: $5,000-$10,000
Liposuction (stomach, hips, and waist): $3,000-$10,000
Tummy Tuck: $4,000-$8,000

Dental
Porcelain Veneer: $250-$300
Crown (all porcelain): $275-$325
Inlays and Onlays: $425
Implant: $2,500-$3,200
Extraction (surgical, per tooth): $50-$125

Vision
Cataract (per eye): $1,850-$4,000
Glaucoma (per eye): $500-$4,150
LASIK (per eye): $925-$1,800

Weight Loss
LAP-BAND System: $8,800
Gastric Bypass: $13,000-$40,000

Other
Gall Bladder Removal: $1,950-$3,850
Hernia Repair (one): $1,950-$3,350
Prostate Surgery (TURP): $3,550-$6,950

 

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Singapore


Like Malaysia, Singapore is less familiar to US patients as a health travel destination than Thailand and India. However, Singapore has been an international healthcare destination since the 1980s, and more than 400,000 international patients visited Singapore in 2006.


The country boasts 13 JCI-accredited hospitals and centers and the most JCI-accredited facilities in Asia. Singapore is also home to Asia's second largest hospital network, Parkway Group Healthcare, with 1,500 beds, 1,400 specialists, and three JCI-accredited treatment centers.


In 2000 the World Health Organization ranked Singapore's healthcare system number one in Asia and sixth in the world. Singapore has one of the lowest infant (1.9/1,000 births) and maternal (0.0 to 1.0/1,000 live or stillbirths) mortality rates in the world. Life expectancy averages 79.3 years; males live an average of 77.4 years and females, 81.3 years.


The Health Manpower Development Program, sponsored by the Ministry of Health, sends Singapore doctors to the best medical centers around the world, and they return to serve, bringing with them a quality of services to match international standards.


In 2003 the government of Singapore launched the SingaporeMedicine Initiative to develop and maintain Singapore as a medical travel destination and to consolidate its considerable medical offerings. The Singapore government supports the healthcare industry for both local and international patients. Research partnerships with US universities, such as Johns Hopkins and Duke Medical Center, along with formal relationships with GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis, underscore Singapore's sustained commitment to cutting-edge healthcare.


Health travelers enjoy the widespread use of English as the preferred business language. Because Singapore is one of Asia's wealthiest nations and has Southeast Asia's highest standard of living, medical travelers are spared the glaring cultural and economic contrasts often seen in India, Central America, and South America. Most of Singapore is squeaky clean, with some city streets so filled with US retail storefronts that they feel eerily like home.


While most treatments are far less costly than in the US, Singapore remains one of Asia's more expensive medical stops, catering largely to patrons from adjacent countries, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, who are seeking higher quality care and are willing to pay for it. The slightly higher prices are offset by shorter stays, better outcomes, and quicker returns to active life.


Those seeking scenic side trips or exotic vacations should know that Singapore is entirely urban and suburban, offering few opportunities for rural or beach excursions. However, Malaysia and Thailand, both excellent medical destinations in their own right, are relatively short hops by air from Singapore and offer additional vacation options.


At a Glance

  •   Language   English (primary language), Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
  •   Time Zone   GMT +8
  •   Country Dialing Code   65
  •   Electricity   230V, plug type G
  •   Currency   Singapore dollar (SGD)
  •   Recommended Immunizations   Hepatitis A, boosters for Typhoid and Polio
  •   Treatment Specialties   Cardiovascular, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Hepatology, Neurology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Stem Cell Therapy
  •   JCI-Accredited Hospitals   Alexandra Hospital; Changi General Hospital; Institute of Mental Health/Woodbridge Hospital; Johns Hopkins Singapore International Medical Center; KK Women's and Children's Hospital; National Heart Center of Singapore; National University Hospital; East Shore Hospital; Gleneagles Hospital; Mount Elizabeth Hospital; Raffles Hospital; Singapore General Hospital; Tan Tock Seng Hospital
  •   Standards and Accreditation   Specialists Accreditation Board, Singapore Ministry of Health, JCI

 

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