Yes, an online doctor in Singapore can issue a referral letter when the consultation gives enough information to identify an appropriate next step. The letter communicates the clinical concern to another healthcare provider; it is not simply permission to book any service.
Some referrals can begin by video. Others require a physical examination, vital signs or tests before the doctor can make a useful recommendation. The receiving clinic, public-subsidy route and insurer may also have administrative requirements that are separate from the medical decision to refer.
What a referral letter is meant to do
MOH describes primary care as a first point of contact that includes coordinating care and helping patients navigate a referral to a specialist. A referral letter supports that handover by explaining the symptoms, relevant history, assessment, treatment already tried and reason further care is requested.
A useful letter should also make the limits of the online assessment clear. It may recommend a specialty, test, allied health service or urgent review without claiming findings that could only come from a physical examination.
Sources: MOH: primary care and coordination of specialist referrals
When a referral discussion may be suitable by video
A teleconsult may be a reasonable starting point when the doctor can take a detailed history, review existing reports or images and assess immediate risk. Examples can include a persistent but stable concern, discussion of an abnormal result, or a condition that needs planned follow-up rather than emergency treatment.
Suitability depends on the individual problem, not the document requested. If abdominal examination, oxygen measurement, neurological testing, urine testing or another hands-on assessment is important, the doctor may direct you to an in-person service before writing the referral.
Referral letter, medical memo and MC are different documents
A referral letter asks another provider to assess or manage a clinical concern. A medical memo records selected medical information for a defined purpose. An MC records a doctor’s opinion that a patient is medically unfit for work or school for a stated period. One document does not automatically perform the job of another.
Tell the doctor who will receive the document and why it is needed. For this service, the current fee list shows an optional basic memo or referral letter at S$10. Issuance remains subject to clinical appropriateness; confirm the required format and current charge before relying on it for a booking or claim.
Sources: teleconsult.sg: current consultation and document fees
Does an online referral qualify for subsidised public specialist care?
Not automatically. MOH says Specialist Outpatient Clinic subsidies at public healthcare institutions depend on patient eligibility and an eligible referral source. Its examples include polyclinics and CHAS GP clinics, along with several public-healthcare routes. A clinically valid referral and subsidy eligibility are therefore related but separate questions.
If subsidised public care is important, check the route before booking. Ask whether your referral source is eligible for the patient and destination involved, and whether the receiving institution needs a particular appointment process. A private referral may still be useful while leading to private rates.
Sources: MOH: subsidies for Specialist Outpatient Clinic care
Prepare the information that makes a referral useful
Start with the health problem rather than only asking for a letter. Give a symptom timeline, relevant diagnoses, current medication and allergies. Have previous reports, discharge summaries, test results or clear photos available if they relate to the concern. Tell the doctor about the specialist, clinic or insurer requirement if you already know it.
Before the call ends, ask where the referral is directed, how urgent it is and what to do while waiting. Confirm whether you must arrange the appointment yourself. A referral letter should help the next provider act; it does not guarantee acceptance, a particular specialist, insurance authorisation or a fixed waiting time.
- The main symptom or concern and how long it has been present
- Relevant past diagnoses, operations and family history
- Current medication, allergies and treatment already tried
- Previous reports, imaging or laboratory results
- The receiving clinic, insurer or employer requirement, if known
Sources & editorial note
- HealthHub / MOH: using telemedicine safely
- MOH: primary care and coordination of specialist referrals
- MOH: subsidies for Specialist Outpatient Clinic care
- teleconsult.sg: current consultation and document fees
Sources checked on 26 September 2026. This original guide provides general information. It does not replace a consultation. Follow your clinician’s advice for your situation.
