To sustain its partnership with stakeholders, the Regional Office XII of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) conducted the ReachOut Forum with hospital owners/ administrators at FB Hotel, City of Koronadal, South Cotabato lately.

“You, our partner health care providers and stakeholders are the principal players in the success of our country’s National Health Insurance Program. However, as partners in the health care system we sometimes encounter complexities in achieving our respective goals. But because our client’s health is our main concern, we can agree on a common point for us to work in harmony. Finding that harmony is the very purpose of this forum as we will present to you updates and latest developments in the NHIP,” PhilHealth XII Administrative Officer, Bienvenido L. Borra said, as he welcomed the participants on behalf of Regional Vice President, Dr. Miriam Grace G. Pamonag.

Issues and concerns taken up during the forum ranged from Benchbook requirements, membership qualification, and adjustment of contribution requirements by 2018 to No Balance Billing Policy implementation and submission of Statement of Account in the benefit availment process.

Dr. Renato Diagan, Chapter President of the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA) voiced his concern on claims that have remained unpaid since 2016. “I hope that PhilHealth will find ways and means to process said reimbursement considering that we are also spending money to settle our mandatory bills including salaries and wages for our doctors and nurses. You should have facilitated first our concern because we have also taken care of our patients. I know you are only following the rules but the process should be done without delay,” he said.

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PhilHealth XII Legal Office representative, Sharon B. Ysmael replied that the office is doing its part and has to go through the legal process in order to solve his concern and that of other hospitals having the same problem. “We are trying our best to accommodate all of your concerns,” Bona said.

In his closing statement, Health Care Delivery and Management Services Division OIC Chief, Dr. Antoniette M. Ladio said that this partnership is a continuing process. “All other issues and concerns that were not answered can just be taken up after the program. Our office is open to whatever technical issues that you’d like us to extend,” he concluded. (END) (Hanah G. Naanep)

(Reference: Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, Head Executive Assistant and Concurrent OIC-Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group, Cel No. 0917-8089399)