Dengue included in Philhealth's new case rates

by Gideon M Gapayao

QUEZON CITY, August 22 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) has included dengue in their new case rate packages to be implemented on September 1.

Philhealth President Rey B. Aquino revealed during the Communication and News Exchange (CNEX) Forum at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the agency will shift from the fee-for-service to case rates for common medical and surgical cases including dengue.

According to Aquino, the cases included by Philhealth comprise 50 percent of all claims from recent years.

The case rate system will be implemented to give sponsored members an idea on the amount needed for the medical and surgical treatment they require. Dengue I or grades 1 and 2 and Dengue II or grades 3 and 4 treatments under the new Philhealth case rates are worth P 8,000 and P16,000, respectively.

Dengue I is characterized as early and milder cases of dengue with initial symptoms such as whereas Dengue II cases include patients experiencing severe symptoms such as shock, hemorrhage and organ failure.

Philhealth caters to all members for public and private hospitals. However, sponsored members who receive treatment from government hospitals will not be charged, through the new No Balance Billing policy. On the other hand, patients treated in private hospitals will be obliged to pay for expenses exceeding the amount of the Philhealth case rates.

Department of Health Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag, who was also present at the forum, lauded Philhealth for its effort in alleviating dengue treatment nationwide. Tayag also discourages reliance on home- remedies for the disease and urges the public to consult medical help immediately.

“Dahil po sa ginawa ng Philhealth, inaasahan ng mga kababayan natin na hindi na kayo magsasagawa ng pagtitinda ng mga halaman at ugat. Ang kailangan niyo po ay Philhealth card, pumunta na po kayo sa ospital." he said

(Because of what PhilHealth did, we are expecting that our fellow countrymen will stop selling herbs. You just need a PhilHealth card and you can go straight to the hospital)

In relation to the campaigns and programs against dengue, DOH, together with PIA and the Philippine National Red Cross will be conducting bloodletting programs nationwide starting August 26 and every Friday onwards. (PND GGPIA-GHQ)