Some private clinics snub PhilHeath's unlimited dialysis policy during pandemic

Some private clinics have been ignoring a policy of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) stating that there is no limit to dialysis sessions chargeable to the state insurer during a state of calamity.

According to Maki Pulido’s “24 Oras” report on Monday, PhilHealth Circular 20-007 indicates that the limit of 90 dialysis sessions per year can be exceeded when a state of calamity is declared.

The entire Philippines is under a state of emergency until December 19 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, some private clinics have been charging patients whose dialysis sessions have exceeded 90.

“Sabi po kasi ng ospital magca-cash out na raw po sa billing. Ubos na po ang PhilHealth namin,” said Yolanda Lumbres, relative of a dialysis patient.

“Hirap na hirap po kami talagang kumuha ng financial assistance saka medical assistance kasi nga po pandemic nga po,” patient Joeland Burgos added.

PhilHealth assured patients that they are clearing up the confusion.

“We are urgently working on that policy. So siyempre, hindi lang naman patient ‘yung aming consideration diyan, pero foremost ‘yung magpo-provide ng services,” spokesman Rey Baleña said. “It goes without saying that, kumbaga, PhilHealth pays the hospital.”

The Health Alliance for Democracy said it is high time to make changes to the healthcare delivery system.

“It’s about time na i-adopt na ‘yung mas effective na healthcare delivery system, isang libre, komprehensibo, integrated. Hindi talaga uubra ‘yung insurance kung gusto talaga magbigay ng de kalidad na serbisyo,” Albert Pascual said.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News