PhilHealth ups benefits for diabetes patients

CEBU, Philippines - Benefit claims in the region for diabetes mellitus have considerably increased this year, according to Dr. Nelda Pe, head of the Benefits Administration Section of PhilHealth-7.

First quarter 2010, claims for non-insulin dependent diabetes amounted to P32 million, a 14 percent increase from the same period last year. On the other hand, benefits payment for unspecified diabetes with renal complications totaled P6.7 million, an increase from last year’s P6 million.

Diabetes is a disease to be concerned about as there is no cure for diabetes. The long-term goals of treatment are to prolong life, reduce symptoms, and prevent diabetes-related complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and amputation of limbs.

PhilHealth-7 medical specialist, Dr. Vita Chan, assures diabetic patients that the hospitalization benefits with maximum allowable limits depending on the hospital category (Level 1, 2, or 3 & 4) and the case type of the disease are available to PhilHealth members.

A specific claim for diabetes with renal complications needing hemodialysis is classified under Case Type C. Confinement in a Level 3 & 4 hospital would mean a coverage of P800 per day for room and board; a total amount of P28,000 for drugs and medicines; P21,000 for x-ray, laboratory procedures and others; and P1,200 for the operating room fee. Doctors’ fees are also covered.

Type 2 diabetes make up most of diabetes cases and it usually occurs in adulthood. Risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes include age (over 45), having a parent, brother or sister with diabetes, pregnancy or delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds, heart disease, high blood cholesterol level, obesity, not getting enough exercise, polycystic ovary disease (in women), previous impaired glucose tolerance, and belonging to some ethnic groups.

As part of its health care and healthy living advocacy, and in celebration of National Diabetes Awareness Week, PhilHealth-7 has invited Dr. Consolacion Cutillar, an endocrinologist, to guest in its weekly radio program “Ikaw ug ang PhilHealth” over station DyLA 909 KHz. From 9:00 to 9:30 in the morning tomorrow.

Dr. Cutillar will be talking about diabetes together with program anchors Karisma Agraviador and Cristina Ramos.   (FREEMAN NEWS)