Experience With Blue Cross And Local Health Care

[Gold Heart]

I just went through my first personal experiences working through the local Cebu medical system and Philippines Blue Cross Insurance.Overall, I'd have to say the experience in both cases was very positive. In the span of a few weeks I saw several doctors based on several needs. Part of my impressions are based on many years dealing with the US system. I am not an expert and I'm learning. I don't have a family doctor here or like in the US a primary care doctor. When I contracted what turned out to be swimmers ear, I used a referal of an ear specialist from my sons school. After calling the doctors office, I showed up around the time they recommended and waited in the waiting room to see the doctor. He drained my ear, prescribed antibiotic drops along with an oral antibiotic. In reading about care for this condition on the internet, the use of antibiotics is not always prescribed but I believe part of a pattern of being more aggressive with infections here. I found the service very competent and professional.I was having trouble getting prescriptions from the US filled here, seemed that most pharmacies were of stock so I figured I should get local prescriptions. In addition, I had heard from many friends that they regreted that doctors in the US were not aggressive in treating blood pressure and I wanted to see if I could get a doctor here to be more aggressive with mine. Finally, It was about time for my annual checks of some typical male conditions. Since, I did not have referrals, I contacted my Blue Cross representative. She not only provided me the names but met me at the Chong Hua clinic. I explained to her that I really needed to get this done quickly as I was going to the US and would no longer be able to get prescriptions refilled there. She escorted me to the doctors offices and waiting with me to make sure that I was taken care of. She escorted me through the hospital registration to get all the prescribed tests done in Chong Hua. She offered and took responsibility to manage the receipts and claim forms as for my policy all out-patient costs and prescriptions are handled by claims. She followed up to ensure that everything I was entitled to was provided, that I was okay and to ensure if I needed anything else. Totally blew me away!Everything in the US, driven by health insurance, centers around the primary care doctor. Here, it seems you find any doctor specialist of your own chosing and just go. Appointments are not directly made. Everything is first come first serve. You are told what number you are in line. I found I had waits of 1 - 3 hours depending on the doctor. I found the doctors cardiologist and urologist quite professional and very competent. I did not have any issues to report and brought my medical history from the US. Nevertheless they prescribed their own tests for everything. I found that they tested more than I had seen in the US. I never had a sonogram of my prostate area before or the stress test and heart sonograms. I felt their exams were much more thorough. The lab work was also complete and thorough. They give the results to you! In the US results went to the doctor. In some cases, I never saw them. The doctors took time to explain the results in detail. I was pleased that the cardiogist was supportive of my efforts to be more aggressive with keeping blood pressure under down. All prescriptions were provided with a 3 month supply and the phrarmacies don't track fulfillment so it is virtually unlimited. Doctors fees for visits were 400 to 500 pesos only! (not a co-pay) I had visits before and after the lab work with each.I feel very confortable and satisfied with out patient care here. The Blue Cross plan was important to me as I need coverage outside the Philippines and when I return to the US. My premium costs are 60% less than they would be in the US but also cover everything 100% -- no co-pays and no deductables so with this under consideration it is even less.

[parksb2]

I just went through my first personal experiences working through the local Cebu medical system and Philippines Blue Cross Insurance.Overall, I'd have to say the experience in both cases was very positive. In the span of a few weeks I saw several doctors based on several needs. Part of my impressions are based on many years dealing with the US system. I am not an expert and I'm learning. I don't have a family doctor here or like in the US a primary care doctor. When I contracted what turned out to be swimmers ear, I used a referal of an ear specialist from my sons school. After calling the doctors office, I showed up around the time they recommended and waited in the waiting room to see the doctor. He drained my ear, prescribed antibiotic drops along with an oral antibiotic. In reading about care for this condition on the internet, the use of antibiotics is not always prescribed but I believe part of a pattern of being more aggressive with infections here. I found the service very competent and professional.I was having trouble getting prescriptions from the US filled here, seemed that most pharmacies were of stock so I figured I should get local prescriptions. In addition, I had heard from many friends that they regreted that doctors in the US were not aggressive in treating blood pressure and I wanted to see if I could get a doctor here to be more aggressive with mine. Finally, It was about time for my annual checks of some typical male conditions. Since, I did not have referrals, I contacted my Blue Cross representative. She not only provided me the names but met me at the Chong Hua clinic. I explained to her that I really needed to get this done quickly as I was going to the US and would no longer be able to get prescriptions refilled there. She escorted me to the doctors offices and waiting with me to make sure that I was taken care of. She escorted me through the hospital registration to get all the prescribed tests done in Chong Hua. She offered and took responsibility to manage the receipts and claim forms as for my policy all out-patient costs and prescriptions are handled by claims. She followed up to ensure that everything I was entitled to was provided, that I was okay and to ensure if I needed anything else. Totally blew me away!Everything in the US, driven by health insurance, centers around the primary care doctor. Here, it seems you find any doctor specialist of your own chosing and just go. Appointments are not directly made. Everything is first come first serve. You are told what number you are in line. I found I had waits of 1 - 3 hours depending on the doctor. I found the doctors cardiologist and urologist quite professional and very competent. I did not have any issues to report and brought my medical history from the US. Nevertheless they prescribed their own tests for everything. I found that they tested more than I had seen in the US. I never had a sonogram of my prostate area before or the stress test and heart sonograms. I felt their exams were much more thorough. The lab work was also complete and thorough. They give the results to you! In the US results went to the doctor. In some cases, I never saw them. The doctors took time to explain the results in detail. I was pleased that the cardiogist was supportive of my efforts to be more aggressive with keeping blood pressure under down. All prescriptions were provided with a 3 month supply and the phrarmacies don't track fulfillment so it is virtually unlimited. Doctors fees for visits were 400 to 500 pesos only! (not a co-pay) I had visits before and after the lab work with each.I feel very confortable and satisfied with out patient care here. The Blue Cross plan was important to me as I need coverage outside the Philippines and when I return to the US. My premium costs are 60% less than they would be in the US but also cover everything 100% -- no co-pays and no deductables so with this under consideration it is even less.

To be bold how many php per year would be typical charges for coverage in Cebu?

[Mr Lee]

I just went through my first personal experiences working through the local Cebu medical system and Philippines Blue Cross Insurance.Overall, I'd have to say the experience in both cases was very positive. In the span of a few weeks I saw several doctors based on several needs. Part of my impressions are based on many years dealing with the US system. I am not an expert and I'm learning. I don't have a family doctor here or like in the US a primary care doctor. When I contracted what turned out to be swimmers ear, I used a referal of an ear specialist from my sons school. After calling the doctors office, I showed up around the time they recommended and waited in the waiting room to see the doctor. He drained my ear, prescribed antibiotic drops along with an oral antibiotic. In reading about care for this condition on the internet, the use of antibiotics is not always prescribed but I believe part of a pattern of being more aggressive with infections here. I found the service very competent and professional.I was having trouble getting prescriptions from the US filled here, seemed that most pharmacies were of stock so I figured I should get local prescriptions. In addition, I had heard from many friends that they regreted that doctors in the US were not aggressive in treating blood pressure and I wanted to see if I could get a doctor here to be more aggressive with mine. Finally, It was about time for my annual checks of some typical male conditions. Since, I did not have referrals, I contacted my Blue Cross representative. She not only provided me the names but met me at the Chong Hua clinic. I explained to her that I really needed to get this done quickly as I was going to the US and would no longer be able to get prescriptions refilled there. She escorted me to the doctors offices and waiting with me to make sure that I was taken care of. She escorted me through the hospital registration to get all the prescribed tests done in Chong Hua. She offered and took responsibility to manage the receipts and claim forms as for my policy all out-patient costs and prescriptions are handled by claims. She followed up to ensure that everything I was entitled to was provided, that I was okay and to ensure if I needed anything else. Totally blew me away!Everything in the US, driven by health insurance, centers around the primary care doctor. Here, it seems you find any doctor specialist of your own chosing and just go. Appointments are not directly made. Everything is first come first serve. You are told what number you are in line. I found I had waits of 1 - 3 hours depending on the doctor. I found the doctors cardiologist and urologist quite professional and very competent. I did not have any issues to report and brought my medical history from the US. Nevertheless they prescribed their own tests for everything. I found that they tested more than I had seen in the US. I never had a sonogram of my prostate area before or the stress test and heart sonograms. I felt their exams were much more thorough. The lab work was also complete and thorough. They give the results to you! In the US results went to the doctor. In some cases, I never saw them. The doctors took time to explain the results in detail. I was pleased that the cardiogist was supportive of my efforts to be more aggressive with keeping blood pressure under down. All prescriptions were provided with a 3 month supply and the phrarmacies don't track fulfillment so it is virtually unlimited. Doctors fees for visits were 400 to 500 pesos only! (not a co-pay) I had visits before and after the lab work with each.I feel very confortable and satisfied with out patient care here. The Blue Cross plan was important to me as I need coverage outside the Philippines and when I return to the US. My premium costs are 60% less than they would be in the US but also cover everything 100% -- no co-pays and no deductables so with this under consideration it is even less.

Could you please list the doctors names, contact info and their specialties so if members without insurance need a good doctor then they could go to them. :36_1_68[1]: Also, to other members who have used doctors in the Philippines and were satisfied with them, could you please list them and their contact info and experiences. :crack-up:

[Gold Heart]

To be bold how many php per year would be typical charges for coverage in Cebu?

I pay approximately $5600 / year for our family of 3 for the Blue Cross Royale Plan ( B for me and A for my wife and son). There are lower costs plans (Select) but this one includes global coverage including unlimited visits to the US each a maximum of 90 days. Since I travel to the US for business and we plan to go there for summer vacations, this was ideal. My personal rate was raised 20% for my pre-existing high blood pressure condition.

[Gold Heart]

Could you please list the doctors names, contact info and their specialties so if members without insurance need a good doctor then they could go to them.

Elaine P. Lim-Gallardo - Cardiologist - Chung Hua Medical Arts - BasementMelonil Cabahug - Urologist - Chong Hua Medical Arts - Basement Rizalito Catipay - Urologist - Chong Hua Medical Arts - 301 Telephone 253-9877Melonil went on trip and I was transferred to Catipay between office visits. Both were competent but Melonil was better (more credentials). Edited April 28, 2010 by Gold Heart

[Art2ro]

Blue Cross of the Philippines will bend over backwards to assist their clients in any way, because their company wants to control and manage every cost they have to reimburse their clients! And if their clients have any other health insurance (OHI) elsewhere, Blue Cross will surely have the other health insurance company pick up the initial cost before they will cover the remaining medical costs and or reimburse the difference to their insured clients.

Edited April 28, 2010 by Pinoy Art

[MikeB]

Goldheart - thanks for taking the time and effort to document and share your experience with Blue Cross and the doctors. This is very valuable information. As mentioned, many people have been financially devastated by the expense of serious medical problems. Much appreciated.

[Gold Heart]

Blue Cross of the Philippines will bend over backwards to assist their clients in any way, because their company wants to control and manage every cost they have to reimburse their clients! And if their clients have any other health insurance (OHI) elsewhere, Blue Cross will surely have the other health insurance company pick up the initial cost before they will cover the remaining medical costs and or reimburse the difference to their insured clients.

I did not get any sense that this was the motive of the representive who supported me. In fact when I suggested the cost of the office visit did not justify my effort to complete the form -- she insisted --- you are entitled to this because you paid for it-- and she would complete the forms on my behalf. She seemed totally genuine in her interest to ensure I was completely satisified with Blue Cross and getting everything that I was entiltled to. She treated me as a VIP. Her guidance to specific doctors was to ones who were considered best but it was completely and totally up to me to choose. If she was there to manage cost, I did not sense this at all and it was an academy award performance. I do not have any other coverage and it was clear that this was replacing previous coverage. They referenced my past coverage in my policy and there is no question this is a replacement. This was my experience (others may vary) and I've heard the same from at least one other forum member who gave me offline feedback. After my frustrating battle to get coverage and the pre-existing condition dealt with, I'm so far -- very satisfied. The real purpose of my coverage was not for things like this, It is to avoid the catastrophic event (transplant, heart/ brain surgery, etc.) that could bankrupt my family or leave them with pay or let die life choices. I have not tested this and hope that this most important part works. I'm comforted to know that this less important part works.

[Art2ro]

Blue Cross of the Philippines will bend over backwards to assist their clients in any way, because their company wants to control and manage every cost they have to reimburse their clients! And if their clients have any other health insurance (OHI) elsewhere, Blue Cross will surely have the other health insurance company pick up the initial cost before they will cover the remaining medical costs and or reimburse the difference to their insured clients.

I did not get any sense that this was the motive of the representive who supported me. In fact when I suggested the cost of the office visit did not justify my effort to complete the form -- she insisted --- you are entitled to this because you paid for it-- and she would complete the forms on my behalf. She seemed totally genuine in her interest to ensure I was completely satisified with Blue Cross and getting everything that I was entiltled to. She treated me as a VIP. Her guidance to specific doctors was to ones who were considered best but it was completely and totally up to me to choose. If she was there to manage cost, I did not sense this at all and it was an academy award performance. I do not have any other coverage and it was clear that this was replacing previous coverage. They referenced my past coverage in my policy and there is no question this is a replacement. This was my experience (others may vary) and I've heard the same from at least one other forum member who gave me offline feedback. After my frustrating battle to get coverage and the pre-existing condition dealt with, I'm so far -- very satisfied. The real purpose of my coverage was not for things like this, It is to avoid the catastrophic event (transplant, heart/ brain surgery, etc.) that could bankrupt my family or leave them with pay or let die life choices. I have not tested this and hope that this most important part works. I'm comforted to know that this less important part works.

Through the eyes of Blue Cross of the Philippines, you are a VIP because you are a foreigner and have purchased their health insurance that only well to do people with means can afford! So, it's to their utmost importance that their clients are treated as VIPs and the employees they send out to assist you are just doing their jobs as to impress upon to their clients that their company is a reputable one and don't want to loose you as a client. Here in the Southern Luzon area around Manila, Blue Cross is affiliated with the major upscale reputable hospitals like St. Lukes, Makati Med, Asian Hospital and Chinese General. So now you know, that you made the right decision with Blue Cross. If I didn't have TRICARE, Blue Cross would have been my 1st choice! They maybe expensive, but I beleive they're worth it for one's peace of mind and for his/her immediate family.

[Travis]

To be bold how many php per year would be typical charges for coverage in Cebu?

I pay approximately $5600 / year for our family of 3 for the Blue Cross Royale Plan ( B for me and A for my wife and son). There are lower costs plans (Select) but this one includes global coverage including unlimited visits to the US each a maximum of 90 days. Since I travel to the US for business and we plan to go there for summer vacations, this was ideal. My personal rate was raised 20% for my pre-existing high blood pressure condition.

thank you for tellin us the costs-that is a little rich for my blood so does anyone know any less expensive health insurance for a single guy living in Cebu?