March 11, 2024

Things To Do When You Visit A Hospital During Pandemic

If you’re not feeling well, or simply having anxiety attacks over something, visiting a hospital is the best way to ease your worries. But what should you do if you would do this for the first time? This April, the Philippine Primer helps you deal with your unanswered questions when visiting a medical institution. Here are a few things you can take note of which will prepare you before, during, and after the visit.

BEFORE

The first step is always the hardest. However, being prepared makes a lot of difference. So whenever you visit a hospital, we suggest you do these things FIRST.

First of all, assess yourself. Assess what you feel, whether you feel any discomfort or pain. Decide whether you need assistance or not when you go to the hospital.
Second, prepare the necessary documents. You are required to bring a valid identification card such as government IDs (passports, SSS ID, etc).
Third, inform your Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and/or Insurance company. If you have an HMO card and/or insurance (travel or health), inform their representatives in advance. This will help them check the hospital you’re visiting and verify if you’re covered or not.
Lastly, choose whether you want a scheduled or walk-in consultation.

DURING

There is a rule of thumb that many hospitals follow: If the patient can manage the pain, they will have a regular consultation. However, if they are experiencing unbearable pain and in need of immediate medical attention, they will be admitted directly to the emergency room (ER). Do take note that everything depends on the patient’s condition and the hospital’s policies.

In a normal scenario, you’ll have a consultation with a physician who will assess your condition. They will review your medical history based on the information you gave them. After that, they will determine whether you’ll be categorized as an inpatient or outpatient.

Inpatients are those admitted to the hospital and required to stay overnight (or longer) for further observation. On the other hand, outpatients are not required to stay and can be sent home.

AFTER

After the consultation, you’ll be categorized either as an inpatient or outpatient. If you were to be categorized as an inpatient, you’d be admitted to the hospital where you’d be observed during your stay. Further tests may be required, and in some cases, specialists will be involved to assess your condition. Meanwhile, outpatients can be sent home right away after consulting the doctor.

For inpatients, medical bills will be presented upon discharge. Please note that this depends on the hospital’s policies. That’s why it’s very important to inform your medical service provider like HMO and/or insurance companies about your situation ahead of time. This will save you time and money in the long run. Each hospital has its own affiliated HMOs. If you forgot to remind them, the hospitals will ask you if you’re insured or have an HMO card upon admission.

For outpatients, medical bills must be settled on the same day. Aside from this, documents such as test results will be given as well. Records such as medical certificates can be requested. You can verify this at the admission office.

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COVID-19 TESTING PROCESS IN MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER

Makati Medical Center is one of the most trusted hospitals in Metro Manila. They provide world-class health care services that you can always rely on, especially when it comes to COVID-19 testing.

BEFORE THE TESTING

If the patient has COVID-19 symptoms (or assumed to be positive), there is a designated area (Dela Rosa Drive) where they should enter the emergency room.
If the patient has no COVID-19 symptoms but would like to get tested anyway, they should proceed to the Convergence Swabbing area. Regular testing is available from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
If you have an insurance provider, please bring the LOA or the letter of agreement.

TYPES OF TESTING

At the Makati Medical Center, they offer three types of COVID-19 tests.

Molecular test (aka RNA or PCR test) which costs Php 5,000 | 48 hours result
Antigen test (rapid test) – Php 2,500 | 3 hours result
Antibody test (aka serology test or blood test) – Php 1800 | 12 to 24 hours result

DURING THE TEST

Since the COVID-19 test will take at least 3 hours, patients are usually sent home.

If the patient tests positive, they will be informed through call and email.

They are advised to self-quarantine at home (for 14 days).
If they would like to be admitted to the hospital, they may do so. However, it’s subject to their room availability.
COVID-19 patients are quarantined in a different section, so they have limited rooms.
If admitted to the hospital, paperwork will be processed after the 14-day quarantine period.
This is subject to the patient’s condition and doctor assessment.
If you were to self-quarantine at home, you’d be requested to self-isolate and always talk to your doctor.

AFTER THE QUARANTINE PERIOD

After the quarantine period, patients will be advised to take the test again, though it is not mandatory.
Lastly, consult with your doctor for further instructions.

They also offer Home Service COVID-19 testing. The home service costs Php 650 and the transportation fee will be shouldered by the patient. For further information, you may call Makati Medical Center.

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COVID-19 TESTING PROCESS IN ST. LUKES BGC

St. Lukes (BGC) is one of the famous hospitals for the affluent. Utilizing the latest technologies and their world-class facilities, they will provide you the best care you deserve. Here are some tips if you’d like to avail their COVID-19 testing services.

TESTING OPTIONS

Those who want to avail of any COVID-19 related tests must go directly to the EMERGENCY ROOM.
You can schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing via phone call or online.
Drive-thru PCR test is only available by appointment. They require you to book two days before your test and it’s available from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. only.

DURING THE TEST

If you’re positive

You can self-quarantine at home or be admitted to a hospital.
During the quarantine period, always keep in touch with your doctor.
If you decide to self-quarantine at home, teleconsultation is highly recommended.

AFTER THE QUARANTINE PERIOD

After the quarantine period, patients will be advised to take the test again, though it is not mandatory.
Lastly, consult with your doctor for further instructions.

This first appeared in Philippine Primer’s English and Japanese Magazines April 2021 issue