The Challenges of Being Hospitalized During This Pandemic

September 3, 2021

The global health crisis we’re facing right now has caused everyone to panic, feel anxious, stressed and depressed. Being sick in the middle of this ongoing pandemic could add more to our emotional and mental struggles.

Last August 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Delta as the most dominant COVID-19 variant in the Philippines. Kinumpirma rin ng WHO ang community transmission ng ‘most infectious’ variant na ito sa ating bansa. At dahil sa mas mabilis ang paglaganap ng Delta variant, mas marami sa atin ang tinatamaan nito kaya’t mas nadadagdagan din ang bilang ng mga nangangailangan ng karampatang atensyong medikal.

Let’s discuss some difficulties that you may encounter when looking for a hospital that would accommodate you or a sick loved one during this pandemic.

“Wala na raw bakante”

Many public and private hospitals have already reached their full bed capacity and can no longer accommodate patients due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in the country. Emergency rooms, ICUs and COVID wards have hit ‘critical’ levels of occupancy. Kahit ang mga oxygen tanks ay nagkakaubusan. Imagine the stress that you have to go through in case there’s a family member that needs confinement and there’s no available hospital to go to. The least that you can do, if it’s not an emergency, is to make a call to each hospital near your area. Otherwise, walk-in and bring the patient immediately to the emergency room of any hospital for first aid. Some patients who require COVID-related treatment, however, will need to stay in ER-extension tents and even hallways and ambulances while waiting for admission. It is more advisable to use your own transportation than taking a cab as you go around to look for an available hospital.

Here are the important things that you should remember when going to a hospital:

A. Wear your faceshield and facemask.

B. Bring alcohol or hand sanitizer.

C. Go to the registration desk in the emergency room.

D. Be honest with the information that you provide the medical staff. If you have fever, cough or colds, make sure that you tell them for an accurate assessment of your condition.

“Saan kami kukuha ng pambayad?”

Money is also a big consideration when we talk about hospitalization. Kapag nakakuha ka ng kwarto sa ospital, susunod mo namang haharapin ang gastos na dala nito. Hindi biro ang mga bayarin. With the ongoing pandemic, hospitalization costs are more expensive than usual. Here’s why:

A. All patients are considered PUI (Person Under Investigation). Thus, most hospitals require you to undergo swab testing to make sure that you are not infected with COVID-19. Prices for this test vary per hospital.

B. If you go to the E.R. for first aid, remember that you are charged per hour. Also, all laboratory tests, medical equipment and supplies that they will provide you cost higher than when you are in a regular room.

C. All PPEs worn by each nurse who will enter your room will also be charged to your hospital bill.

HMOs or health cards and Philhealth are very helpful during confinements. Plus, if the patients are senior citizens, they get additional discounts as mandated by law. An HMO or Health Maintenance Organization’s coverage is per illness, so you have lesser worries about out-of-pocket expenses. Government-mandated benefits such as Philhealth also slashes out a big portion in your medical bill.

Another thing that could help ease your financial worries during these times is a dependable health insurance cover from Paramount Direct. Malaking tulong ang nagagawa ng isang maayos at maaasahang health plan.

Our health insurance products are more of a reimbursement type wherein all the cash benefits are directly paid to you on top of your HMO, Philhealth or senior citizen benefit at the end of hospital confinement. We have four (4) different products that you can choose from, for ages 20 to 75 years old. Our HealthCare Cash Plan and Hospital Income Benefit Plan, for instance, provide affordable protection for the whole family. The cash benefits that you will receive can be used to buy medicines, pay debts or replace lost income.

Application is easy, fast and hassle-free. Visit www.paramountdirect.com to learn more and apply.

Be financially ready and take the necessary preparations before an illness strikes. #Redirect towards security and protection. Act now and don’t delay.

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