By Analou De Vera
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) on Tuesday has withdrawn the accreditation of WellMed Dialysis and Laboratory Center Corporation due to allegations of fraudulent claims.
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) (MANILA BULLETIN)
"Today, June 18, 2019, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has withdrawn the accreditation of WellMed Dialysis Center and Laboratory Corporation in view of the fraudulent claims for dialysis services filed on behalf of deceased patients," said PhilHealth Officer-in-Charge Ruben John Basa in a statement.
The Quezon City-based medical facility has been allegedly claiming payments from PhilHealth for its patients who had already died.
A PhilHealth accreditation is a process wherein the health care providers' qualifications and capabilities are being verified in accordance with the guidelines, standards, and procedures set by the agency.
"PhilHealth accreditation is a privilege granted to qualified health care providers for them to participate in the National Health Insurance Program, and can be withdrawn at the discretion of the Corporation after due evaluation of their capacity and integrity," said Basa.
Meanwhile, Basa reiterated that the state insurance agency already stopped paying claims of WellMed.
"We reiterate that prior to this, PhilHealth has ceased paying the said dialysis center for their claims," he said.
Basa advised patients of WellMed to transfer to other dialysis treatment centers to avail their PhilHealth benefits.
"We advise our members and their qualified beneficiaries who are availing of WellMed’s services to transfer to other accredited facilities to ensure continuous availment of their PhilHealth benefits," he said.