Singapore - Nearly half of general practitioners (GP) queried have ignored a new guideline requiring them to give patients an itemized bill, a survey said on Monday.

The survey conducted by The Straits Times found that 10 out of 10 specialist clinics in Singapore offered itemized receipts, but nine out of 20 GP clinics did not. Three GP clinics did not issue a bill at all.

A detailed breakdown became compulsory in April, separating such items as consultation fees and medication.

An industry insider said some doctors charge above market rates for drugs and are wary about losing out on the margins, a major part of their business, the report said.

Dr KK Chong said his clinic provides an itemized bill to those who ask. Itemization drives up the cost, he noted.

"Doctors have always been trying to keep costs down for needy patients by subsidizing consultation fees and margins of medication," Chong was quoted as saying.

Other doctors cited the cost of computerizing their systems as a reason for not following the guidline. The Singapore Medical Association said bills can still be handwritten. (dpa)