Confidentiality in the processing of PhilHealth claims for HIV/AIDS

DUE to the rising incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Central Visayas, PhilHealth assures members of confidentiality in the processing of their benefit claims.

To protect patients’ rights to confidentiality, all claims for PhilHealth’s outpatient HIV/AIDS treatment (OHAT) package will be enclosed in a sealed envelope, marked “confidential” and submitted to the PhilHealth regional office.

Only three pre-identified PhilHealth employees were assigned to process claims for HIV/AIDS and they are required by the corporation to sign a confidentiality agreement.

The OHAT package is for PhilHealth members and qualified dependents confirmed with HIV/AIDS infection.

To be covered, patients must undergo treatment in a Department of Health (DOH)-accredited treatment hub. Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center is the accredited treatment hub in Central Visayas.

Coverage under this package amounts to P30,000, which will be released in four quarterly payments.

The covered treatment is in accordance with the guidelines set by DOH on anti-retroviral therapy among adults and adolescents with HIV infection.