Question & AnswerQ&A (PHILHEALTH CIRCULAR NO. 2018-0004)
The PhilHealth OHAT Package is a mechanism that provides people living with HIV (PLHIV) access to effective HIV/AIDS treatment and care in PhilHealth-accredited health care institutions designated as HIV treatment hubs and satellite treatment hubs by the Department of Health (DOH).
Stand-alone HIV treatment hubs and satellite treatment hubs are health care institutions that operate independently from PhilHealth-accredited facilities. They are recognized by the Department of Health to provide anti-retroviral treatment and other HIV/AIDS related services based on current treatment guidelines.
The Circular applies to stand-alone HIV treatment hubs and satellite treatment hubs/primary HIV care facilities recognized by the DOH.
They must be DOH-recognized HIV treatment hubs or satellite treatment hubs included in the official DOH list; accredited by PhilHealth as OHAT providers following all relevant rules; follow DOH policies and guidelines on antiretroviral therapy; provide specified services including laboratory testing, counseling, prophylaxis, and referrals; and undergo PhilHealth's accreditation process including submission of documents, participation fee, and other requirements.
They must provide laboratory services monitoring drug toxicity and treatment response, adherence and psychosocial counseling, management based on treatment guidelines, INH and Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, and have referral mechanisms to other relevant services such as other treatment hubs, laboratories, hospital admissions, TB DOTS/PMDT treatment, and management of co-infections.
Yes, health care facilities are exempted from the three-year operation requirement for accreditation under this Circular.
They must submit a signed Performance Commitment, properly accomplished Provider Data Record (PDR), a participation fee of Php1,000.00, electronic photos of the facility, location map, and DOH certification or official listing as an HIV treatment hub or satellite treatment hub.
For renewal, the health care institutions must submit a signed Performance Commitment, PDR, participation fee, DOH certification or updated official list, and the latest audited financial statement by June 30 of the succeeding accreditation cycle.
No, these institutions do not need to apply separately. They should submit an updated and signed Performance Commitment indicating OHAT as a service and provide DOH certification or the latest Department Memorandum listing the treatment hubs.
Facilities must maintain patient records including medical records, HIV test results, laboratory summaries such as CD4 count and viral load, ART toxicity monitoring labs, treatment schedules, referral slips, and client satisfaction forms. These records must be available for PhilHealth monitoring and evaluation as stipulated in the Health Care Provider Performance Assessment System.