u/daseinne

My father had a heart attack.

We rushed him to the hospital near our home which is private. It was confirmed there that it’s a heart attack and he needed angiogram. The hospital doesn’t have that so they suggested to transfer my father to another hospital but the cost of the procedure is too high. While we are researching for another option, he was confined there and they gave him meds to ease the pain. Since day 2 until discharged day, the doctor just communicated with us through phone and some days, no contact at all. In the end, we asked him what we’re waiting for and he told us he is just waiting for us to make a decision to transfer my father. When we told him we plan to transfer him to a public hospital, he became defensive and says it’s not safe. But we found out that my father can claim the AMI package by Philhealth. The doctor suggested that we go there personally as emergency. No recommendations from them so it’s faster. So we called the barangay ambulance to transfer my father. Our bill was 85k+ (PF was paid in cash, even debit is unacceptable).

So we transferred my father to a public hospital. I made sure they are honoring the AMI package. We got doctor’s name from a friend. Thankfully, my father had the angiogram and angioplasty on the night of the discharge day so we got to the semi-private ward before the end of the day.

Fast forward to the discharge day, our only excess in the bill after the AMI package is around 300+ including hospital bills and PF. PF coverage is around 150k+.

But here’s the catch, the doctor who performed the procedure is charging us ADDITIONAL FEE of 180k (with senior discount already). They deducted the supposedly Philhealth fee of 120k so we have 60k balance. They are making us feel guilty about it because the 120k from Philhealth will not be given to them in full because of deduction so we should at least pay the 60k. We begged to pay it in installments because we just loaned our money for the first hospital and we don’t have enough considering the meds we need to buy afterwards. They agreed but it was hell talking to them.

Then before leaving, AFTER we had cleared our bill, the doctor relieved the first one (because they had a trip during my dad’s confinement during recovery) was charging us 15k! They’re saying that it should be 20k and that’s already discounted. They’re even threatening us that we not go out the hospital without paying. I was so scared that time and just told them that we will go back and pay them in installments during my father’s follow up check ups.

After a few days of thinking, I realize what the 150k of philhealth coverage is for? Why are we paying extra fees? Is this really a standard? Where can I ask for help or advice on this matter? Can I consult DOH or Philhealth?

Note that they told us in the hospital that the doctors are private but I don’t even know what that means.

Currently spending at least 1500/week for the meds. And check ups at 800/visit.

Any insights would help!