PhilHealth expands leptospirosis coverage

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is expanding its leptospirosis benefit package for moderate and severe cases, according to Malacañang.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the expanded benefits would be implemented starting July 15.

Under the expanded benefit package, eligible patients may receive up to P63,000 for hospital care, P170,000 for hemodialysis and P230,000 for peritoneal dialysis.

For qualified patients requiring intensive treatment, Castro said the benefit package may reach P411,000, particularly for those needing a combination of hemodialysis, mechanical ventilation and pulmonary rehabilitation.

PhilHealth offers free consultations under its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program or YAKAP. Patients may be prescribed doxycycline, an antibiotic used to prevent cases of leptospirosis, when needed.

The Department of Health reported a six-percent increase in leptospirosis cases from Jan. 4 to June 6, for a total of 2,177 cases.

3,149 clinics with EMR system

Meanwhile, 3,149 health facilities have installed an electronic medical records (EMR) system certified by PhilHealth.

Data showed that 2,274 state health facilities and 875 private clinics using the eKonsulta system have shifted to an EMR service provider.

Clinics accredited under PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program can use the eKonsulta platform until Dec. 31.

Yakap clinics with an EMR system will “benefit from more predictable cash flow through reliable payment schedules, faster claims validation and priority claims processing,” PhilHealth said.