BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The PhilHealth in partnership with the city government of Baguio, conducted a special roadshow on March 12 to promote outpatient primary health care services under the KonSulTa (Konsutasyong Sulit at Tama) program so that PhilHealth members and their dependents will avail of quality medical care for a healthy community. 

The caravan provided KonSulta enlistment and first patient encounter (FPEs) to officials and personnel of government agencies, senior citizens, mall goers, and Baguio City residents.  

PhilHealth Cordillera Regional Vice President Dr. Dominga Gadgad explained that the Konsulta is the outpatient primary health care services of Philhealth. The PhilHealth KonSulTa package includes consultation and case management, provision of preventive health services, assistance to eligible beneficiaries in accessing services in partner facilities, and referral to specialty and higher level of care.

It offers 13 laboratory services, namely: complete blood count with platelet count, urinalysis, fecalysis, sputum microscopy, fecal occult blood, pap smear, lipid profile (total cholesterol HDL and LDL cholesterol), Triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, electrocardiogram, Chest X-ray, creatinine, and Hemoglobin A1C test.

There are also 21 maintenance and essential medicines that include anti -microbial, fluid and electrolytes, anti-asthma, antipyretics, anti  dyslipidemia, anti  diabetic, anti  hypertensive, antithrombotics, and antihistamine.

This benefit package is offered at accredited KonSulTa Package facilities. However, in order to qualify under this program, Philhealth members and their dependents  should register, and have their first patient encounter, Gadgad stressed.

For Baguio City, it can be availed in 16 accredited KonSulTa Package facilities including 13 district health centers.

The city is a pilot area for the Primary Care Provider Network under a “sandbox” setting, wherein PhilHealth is front-loading funds or advancing payments even before services are rendered.

“The PhilHealth Konsulta Package is here to stay. With this, we encourage each and every Filipino to enlist with a Konsulta provider of their choice. Let the provider gather and consolidate their health profile, and regularly visit their Konsulta provider for check-ups and consultations,” Gadgad said.

“Let us, as a united community, embrace this significant milestone, and promote a culture of preventive care and early detection. Together, we can ensure a healthier and more vibrant future for each and every citizen of Baguio,” she added.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong encouraged Baguio residents to register for the PhilHealth KonSulTa, and have their first patient encounter, so that they can avail of the primary health care services and benefits that the program offers. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)