Should I go polyclinic or private GP for a non-urgent issue?

From my experience, it depends on urgency and your budget. Polyclinics are subsidised and much cheaper, especially for citizens and PRs, but the wait can be long even with an appointment, and for a specialist referral they route you through the public system. For a non-urgent skin issue, if you can wait, the polyclinic is fine and cost-effective, and they can refer you to a public dermatologist if needed, though that queue is also long. A private GP is faster and more convenient with almost no wait, but costs more per visit. For a persistent skin problem that isn't improving, sometimes it's worth seeing a private GP or even a dermatologist directly to get it sorted quickly rather than waiting months. Weigh how much the faster care is worth to you. If it's spreading or painful, don't delay, get it seen soon.

I usually start with the polyclinic for anything non-urgent because the savings are real and the doctors are competent, just book the earliest appointment slot online to cut the wait. That said, for skin issues specifically I've found a private GP or a dermatologist gives more focused attention, and a polyclinic GP may just refer you onward anyway, which adds time. So if it's been bothering you for a while and affecting daily life, paying for a private consult to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can be worth it. Use your MediSave or insurance where applicable to offset costs. My rule of thumb: minor and can wait, go polyclinic; persistent, worsening, or you want it resolved fast, consider private. Either way, if a skin issue keeps recurring, please get it properly checked rather than self-treating from the pharmacy forever.