Title
PhilHealth List of Reimbursable Drugs
Law
Phic Philhealth Circular No. 036
Decision Date
Oct 24, 2000
PhilHealth has approved a list of additional reimbursable prescription and over-the-counter drugs for the treatment of hypertension, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia, effective immediately.
A

List of Reimbursable Drugs for Hypertension

  • Includes various antihypertensive agents primarily in tablet form.
  • Examples: Benazepril Hcl, Bisoprolol, Cilazapril, Doxazosin, Isradipine, Lacidipine, Manidipine Hcl, Perindopril, Quinapril, Ramipril, Delapril, Lisinopril, Carteolol, Oxprenolol, Pindolol, Guanfacine, Sodium Nitroprusside, Nitrendipine.

List of Reimbursable Drugs for Pneumonia

  • Covers a range of antibiotics in various forms such as capsules, tablets, and vials.
  • Examples: Cefamandole, Cefoperazone, Cefotiam, Cefpirome, Cefdinir, Co-amoxyclav, Cefprozil, Ceftibuten, Ceftizoxime, Dirithromycin, Roxithromycin, Sultamicillin, Cefaclor, Cefetamet, Levofloxacin.

List of Reimbursable Drugs for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

  • Contains antibiotic agents recognized under the CPG for UTI treatment.
  • Examples: Lomefloxacin, Pefloxacin (both tablets).

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs Approved for Compensability

  • PhilHealth compensates for selected non-prescription drugs listed in the Philippine National Drug Formulary.
  • The OTC drugs cover various treatment categories such as antacids, pain relievers, antihistamines, topical agents, laxatives, vitamins, and other symptom relief medications.
  • Representative drugs include Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Benzoyl Peroxide, Calamine, Ibuprofen, Ketoconazole, Loperamide, Loratadine, Paracetamol, Phenylephrine Hcl, Pyrantel Pamoate, Ranitidine, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sulfur, among others.

Conditions for Reimbursement

  • Reimbursement claim is valid only when the approved drugs are used for the diseases and conditions specified within the Clinical Practice Guidelines.
  • This ensures medical appropriateness and adherence to standardized treatment protocols.

Legal Effectivity

  • The Circular took effect immediately upon adoption on October 24, 2000.
  • Signed by Enrique M. Zalamea, President and CEO of PhilHealth at the time.

Important Legal Concepts

  • Positive List: Drugs approved for coverage and reimbursement by PhilHealth.
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs): Evidence-based protocols guiding appropriate drug use.
  • Medicare Refund: Financial reimbursement for beneficiary drug expenses when criteria are met.
  • Philippine National Drug Formulary: Official government list of approved drugs in the Philippines, serving as basis for coverage decisions.
  • Over-the-Counter Drugs: Non-prescription medications that are nonetheless compensable when listed and approved in the Formulary.

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