Not all medical procedures require a hospital stay. This case study explains how APRIL International's care setting review helps members access the right care in the most appropriate environment - and why it matters in one of the world's most expensive healthcare markets.
How APRIL reviews the care setting
Every planned hospitalisation or procedure recommended to a member is reviewed by the APRIL team. As part of this process, the team assesses not only the recommended treatment but also the most appropriate care setting. When a procedure is eligible for day surgery, and the treating surgeon operates in an accredited day centre, it can be a better option for the member on several levels.
Why day surgery centres make sense
Day surgery centres are designed for procedures that do not require an overnight stay. In Singapore, centres such as Aptus Surgery Centre and HMI Day Surgery Centre are fully accredited, staffed by the same specialists who operate in private hospitals, and equipped to the same clinical standards.
Common procedures suited to a day surgery setting include – but not limited to:
General: colonoscopy, gastroscopy, cystoscopy, prostate biopsy
Orthopaedic: arthroscopic cartilage repair, meniscus repair, rotator cuff repair
ENT: myringotomy, tympanoplasty
For these procedures, the experience is often smoother overall. Day surgery centres are smaller, more streamlined facilities with less administrative complexity than large hospitals. Members benefit from shorter waiting times, a more personal environment, and a straightforward admission and discharge process.
The cost difference is significant
When a procedure is performed in a day surgery centre rather than a private hospital - with the same doctor performing the surgery - the total bill can be around 30% lower(1). This is not because the care is different - it is because the setting is more efficient. Day centres carry lower overhead costs, and those savings are reflected in the billing.
Our medical team and case managers guide members toward these options when clinically appropriate, ensuring the setting meets the same quality and safety standards. The decision always remains with the member and their treating physician, but APRIL's role is to ensure they have the information to make an informed choice.
A smarter approach to care delivery
This approach reflects how APRIL operates every day. Choosing the right care setting for each procedure is one of the most effective ways to manage costs without affecting outcomes. Over time, this contributes directly to more sustainable pricing at renewal, ensuring that quality coverage remains accessible.
(1) Based on APRIL International data, 2025