RT-PCR testing covered by PhilHealth - DOH

CALOOCAN CITY, Aug. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday stressed  that COVID-19 RT-PCR testing is covered by the PhilHealth benefit package. 

"All individuals interested to do RT-PCR testing should use the PhilHealth package because under the Universal Healthcare Law, all Filipinos are all automatic members of PhilHealth," DOH Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said in Laging Handa Network Briefing on August 5.

She added that those who will be tested for COVID-19 should need  not pay for the full amount.

"If the hospital or the testing laboratory has additional charges, it is because of other logistics used in the COVID-19 testing such as personal protective equipment and other materials," Vergeire said.

Vergeire said  the amount for COVID-19 testing should not be too high since the test itself and other process is covered by PhilHealth. 

She also said that the average turnaround time of COVID-19 test results is around 48 to 72 hours. 

"There are some cases where test results are delayed due to influx of testing samples," Vergeire said.

"The availability of the test results still depends on the licensed laboratories," Vergeire added.

As of August 4, DOH reports 6,352 additional cases bringing a total of 112,593 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country. The total active cases is at 44,429.

The health department also announces additional 240 recoveries and 11 deaths. The total reported recoveries is at 66,049 and the total deaths is at 2,115. (PIA-NCR)

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https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049523
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