This figure (P8,150 per test) was based on data collected before April 1, 2020, when there was very limited testing capacity in the country and only one (1) facility (RITM) processing the collected specimen. It applied to test materials directly purchased by the hospital. In fact, the lowest figure published is P 2,170 for those utilizing donated (free) testing kits.
To date, no single Covid 19 test has been paid by Philhealth except those being performed by the Philippine Red Cross.
As more CoViD-19 related medicines and medical supplies become more available, the price of testing is going to decline. PhilHealth is constantly monitoring this trend and will soon release a new CoViD-19 test rate by next week.
All claims containing Covid 19 testing will be checked as to the source of the test kit and its manner of acquisition. The hospital will then be reimbursed accordingly.
Partnership with Philippine Red Cross for the expanded targeted mass testing
In response to the government’s aim to conduct expanded targeted mass testing of 1.5 to 2 percent of the country’s 110-million population to detect, isolate and treat those with the CoViD-19 disease, PhilHealth has formalized a joint undertaking with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
Under the MOA, PRC shall provide CoViD-19 testing services using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests pursuant to Section 4 (l) of Republic Act No. 11469, otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act”, and by virtue of PRC being a duly accredited DOH testing laboratory.
An initial P100 million was released to the PRC which shall be replenished once liquidated.
Due to global shortage of testing kits and limitation in local capacity for testing and based on Department of Health Memorandum 0020-0180, only the following shall be granted free tests:
- Patients or healthcare workers with severe/critical symptoms, relevant history of travel/contact;
- Patients or healthcare workers with mild symptoms, relevant history of travel/contact, and considered vulnerable;
- Patients or healthcare workers with mild symptoms, relevant history of travel/contact; and
- Patients or healthcare with no symptoms but relevant history of travel/contact.
