KUALA LUMPUR 4 APRIL 2020 - Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia [APHM] would like to appeal and seek due consideration from the insurance industry to reimburse patients for COVID-19 testing particularly for those admitted for treatment and procedures.
APHM President, Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said, currently, insurance companies have refused to reimburse patients if the admission is not related to COVID-19.
He said, hospitals and doctors are worried that if this test is not covered by the insurance, there will be a potential risk to the patient and health care workers.
"Patients with no COVID-19 admissions may have further complications if COVID-19 is not screened and exposure to health care workers in the hospital would further worsen the situation of manpower.
"We hope, like every other industry, insurance companies will relax some of their norms in terms of COVID-19 testing," he said in a statement today.
Kuljit added, hospitals and doctors have made a lot of sacrifice in battling this pandemic and they appeal to the insurance industry to take this matter seriously to protect their clients and the healthcare workers.
He explained, currently, the cost of COVID-19 testing ranges between RM300 to RM600 in most private hospitals.
"It’s a small price to pay but the potential outcomes can be significant," said Kuljit.
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