The Healthcare System

Healthcare in Manila is mainly provided by PhilHealth, the Philippines' public health care system. Primarily funded through taxation, the system is available for legal residents of the Philippines.

Doctor/ Physician

Doctors or physicians provide primary health care. Medical personnel in the Philippines are well-trained. If a patient needs further evaluation, they are referred to a specialist.

If you need to see a specialist, you will have to ask your doctor for a referral, who will then give you a referral letter. Specialists can be expensive but cost can be covered by private medical insurance. However, the specialist must be accredited by the insurance provider and the cost must also be approved by the provider before taking any further action.

Hospitals provide more specialist services, including access to pediatricians and care for patients with psychiatric illnesses. Hospitals also provide access to emergency departments.

Health services will be paid for by PhilHealth as long as you use an accredited health care facility. Note that the entire cost may not be covered as PhilHealth has different case rate amounts for selected medical conditions. The case rate amount will be deducted from the PhilHealth member's total bill. The case rate amount includes hospital charges and professional fees of the attending physician.

How to Find a Doctor

To find a doctor, you can go to any health care facility accredited by PhilHealth. If you have a private medical insurance, you can call your provider or visit their website to search for accredited doctors. Asking friends and colleagues for recommendations is always a good idea.

Choose the doctor you would like to go to and make an appointment. You can do this by calling or visiting the hospital that the doctor is affiliated with or any clinics the doctor has. During your first visit, you will be asked to complete a form requiring your personal details and medical history. The form will then be kept on file including any medical records resulting from your consultations with the doctor.

Remember to always bring your PhilHealth card issued to you when visiting a doctor. Also bring your private medical insurance card for consultations with doctors accredited by your insurance provider.

Dentist

To find a dentist, you can go to any health care facility accredited by PhilHealth. Note that PhilHealth only covers dental procedures done in accredited hospitals.

If you have a private medical insurance, you can call your provider or visit their website to search for accredited dentists. Most insurance providers charge an additional premium for dental coverage.

An appointment must always be made first before visiting a dentist. Call or visit the hospital that the dentist is affiliated with or any clinics the dentist has. Similar to your first visit with a doctor, you will be asked to complete a form requiring your personal details and dental history. The form will then be kept on file including any medical records resulting from your consultations with the dentist.

Again, always bring your PhilHealth card or private medical insurance card when visiting a dentist.

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