Philhealth covers outpatient blood transfusion

QUALIFIED Philhealth members and their dependents may now avail of an outpatient blood transfusion benefit starting Feb. 1.

Philhealth issued Circular no. 51, s-2009 to cover blood transfusion procedures in Philhealth-accredited hospitals for cases that do not require confinement.

If a member undergoes an outpatient blood transfusion in a level 3 or 4 hospital (Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center or Visayas Community Medical Center to name a few), he/she will enjoy a maximum of P14,000 for drugs and medicines; P10,500 for x-ray, laboratory and others; and P1,200 for the operating room fee.

The amount of coverage varies with each hospital level.

Coverage for the doctor’s professional fee is at P400 per day (but not exceeding P3,200), P480 or P560 per day, depending on the accreditation type of the doctor performing the blood transfusion procedure.

Members may visit website www.philhealth.gov.ph and check the benefit rates per hospital category and per classification of doctor.

Brochures on the benefit schedule are also available at any Philhealth office. –Cebu Daily News