Birthing centers that want to partner with the regional PhilHealth office are required to secure a license to facilitate their accreditation.
PhilHealth-7 public relations officer Karisma Ivee Agraviador said they will also inspect the facilities of these birthing centers. She said accreditation is not mandatory but is granted to their partners.
The Department of Health (DOH) previously required birthing centers to have trained doctors and midwives. “Members who wish to avail of health care services in these birthing centers can do so through PhilHealth,” she said.
There are 119 PhilHealth accredited hospitals, birthing centers and clinics all over Cebu province, both public and private.
PhilHealth offers bigger coverage to maternity and birthing centers with P8,000 compared to P6,500 complete coverage for those who give birth in hospitals.
Agraviador said PhilHealth is working on fasttracking the processing of claims of members in accredited hospitals and health centers. / Jaive Ria Z. Agbon, STC- Intern