The kidneys remove waste products from your blood. But sometimes, it may involve large amounts of stones that may lead to pain and other symptoms. Doctors may recommend ESWL but is it covered by your health card?
Is Shock Wave Covered by HMO?
In the Philippines, an HMO will cover the cost of shockwave therapy or ESWL. In one of the cases that we studied, the coverage can reach up to full amount of Php 60,000 which is one of the most expensive.
How to avail ESWL using health card? Note that you cannot simply go to a hospital and expect that your HMO is honored. Remember that each HMO has an accredited hospital where it is honored.
Moreover, only an accredited doctor of HMO can prescribe the procedure so that it will be covered by your health plan.
Hospitals with ESWL
Major hospitals have shockwave therapy equipment that can solve your problems with kidney stones. Remember that you can only use your health card among these hospitals.
In our research, some of the popular hospitals for kidney stones removal using ESWL include Capitol Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, St. Luke’s and Medical City.
Can I Use up to the MBL?
Some health cards may only have a limit of Php 150,000 of coverage per year. As you know, there is a limitation to covered amount depending on your plan. Patients may need up to 3 sessions of shock wave therapy so you have to consider limitation of your health card.
Background
Kidney stones may be due to various substances in the body. According to Makati Medical Center, it could be due to calcium, uric acid, cystine or Struvite. While medication may solve the problem for minor stones, those that can’t pass through the irinary system may need shockwave therapy.
ESWL stands for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy which is usually useful for larger stones. It emits pressure waves that try to dissolve the stones so they can be excreted through the urine.
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