Telemedicine reshaped the view of many about health checkups in the Philippines. From hours of waiting time to little time of waiting before a scheduled session, this change is an effect of the availability of telemedicine. Aside from that, everyone now has the chance for a health check up without the hindrance of long travel time. Thus, making it a promising avenue that allowed instant access for health. However, one aspect remains a constant topic for question, telemedicine insurance coverage in the Philippines.
Find out if you can use your health insurance in the Philippines for an online consultation. At the same time, learn the needed requirements to maximize your HMO for a consultation, service, and more in this blog. Let’s begin!
Understanding Telemedicine Coverage and HMO Plans
Most major HMOs in the Philippines now include telemedicine services in their HMO plans. These digital health services allow patients to consult with a healthcare provider online via video call, app, or messaging platforms.
While that’s an option, you can also rely on other telehealth medicine platforms, especially for HMOs that don’t have their own telemedicine service. These online platforms are available as apps available for use 24/7, and accept the use of HMO for transactions. NowServing is one of the leading online consultation Philippine platforms for health check up and other medical services.
Conditions for Using HMO on Mobile Health Applications
There are certain requirements before you can use your HMO for an online consultation via digital tools or apps. Here are some of the needed requirements to continue with the booking process.
- LOA (Letter of Authorization)
- Pre-approval from your HMO
- Other requirements (i.e., OTP for Medicard)
Take note that some HMOs might require additional documents. It’s best to prepare them beforehand to begin booking an online consultation.
How to Know if Your Doctor Is HMO-Accredited
Whenever you avail a health insurance or HMO, you are required to attend a briefing about the coverage of your plan and how to use them. This session involves knowing where it is accredited and who are the doctors affiliated with them. That’s where you can find the doctors and hospitals connected with your HMO.
However, you can also utilize the following options for verifying an accredited doctor from your HMO:
- Visiting your HMO’s official website or app.
- Checking directories or online consultation platforms like NowServing.
- Contacting your HMO’s customer support for confirmation.
Doctors listed on platforms like NowServing often indicate their HMO affiliations, streamlining the appointment request process.
The Role of LOA and Pre-Approval
Many HMOs require a Letter of Authorization (LOA) before the consultation. Others automatically issue LOAs once you book through their system. Some HMOs also allow telehealth visits without an LOA if the consultation is with their in-house general practitioners or other licensed doctors.
However, if you’ll be using NowServing, it’s best to prepare an LOA before booking. You’ll need to upload a copy of your LOA as part of the booking process.
Pro tip: Always confirm if your HMO needs pre-approval or an LOA before the teleconsult.
How to Use HMO on NowServing for Online Consultations
NowServing is a seamless app for booking consultations with your doctor, getting medical certificates, and accessing services for health care. If you plan on using your HMO, here’s a simple step to follow:
To know more, download the NowServing app on your device or access the NowServing website!
Read this related article to help prepare for your consultation via NowServing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my HMO for online video consultations?
Yes, you can. You have 2 options, using your HMO online platform or use a different online consultation platform like NowServing. However, do take note that exceptions for HMO use can happen for online platforms, especially if the consultation is immediate. That’s because you must first provide an LOA for teleconsult to continue with the booking process. In short, online video consultations with HMO use is only possible for scheduled consultations.
Are prescription medicines covered too?
Some HMOs offer coverage for prescriptions, but it varies. Always ask in advance. You can check with your HMO provider to determine your coverage.
Do all health insurance plans include telemedicine?
No. While most HMOs include telehealth, check if it’s available in your health insurance plan. If not, you can always use other telehealth platforms for an online video consultation like NowServing.
Can I get laboratory test referrals from a teleconsult?
Yes, accredited doctors can issue lab referrals, but test coverage depends on your plan. At NowServing, you can receive documents from your doctor about a requested lab test. You can download that document to present to the nearest testing facility.
Take note that HMO plans also have coverage for certain diagnostic tests like CT scan, x-ray, ultrasound, and more. Feel free to check with your provider to know which healthcare services are included.
Conclusion
Telemedicine insurance coverage in the Philippines is now widely accepted across major HMO providers. With the convenience of remote consultations, Filipinos can access quality healthcare without the commute. Just make sure to check for LOA requirements, HMO accreditation, and pre-approval rules before booking on NowServing.
Ready to try online consultations using your HMO? Book an online consultation today via NowServing app!
