Davao del norte: Patients in Davao del Norte who need major orthopedic surgeries will soon have better access to specialized treatment at lower costs, as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) introduced the Z Benefits for Selected Orthopedic Implants in Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Dr. Edwin Mercado announced that the program was created because orthopedic cases rank among the 10 most common diseases in the country. "Our coverage focuses on bone trauma, but we will also include total joint replacement. With the aging population, many Filipinos need knee and hip replacement," Mercado stated.
The Z Benefit package aims to address severe bone injuries or joint issues by covering orthopedic surgeries with implants, such as hip replacements and fracture fixations. The initiative seeks to restore mobility, enhance quality of life, and reduce the financial burden for patients.
Mercado emphasized, "We are prioritizing these diseases because the outcomes are very good and truly improve patients' quality of life." To qualify for the package, patients must be members or dependents of PhilHealth, visit a contracted hospital, and undergo the necessary screening process.
Eligible patients can benefit from fixed case rates that cover implant costs, hospital charges, and professional fees. The package, depending on the procedure, offers financial coverage ranging from PHP100,000 to PHP260,000, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for PhilHealth members at contracted facilities like DRMC.
DRMC chief Dr. Bryan Dalid highlighted that while the hospital has been performing orthopedic procedures, PhilHealth's accreditation ensures that patients no longer need to seek external funding for their operations. "Before, patients had to seek help from funding agencies to pay for their operations. Now, they simply wait for their surgery while admitted," Dalid explained.
In 2025, DRMC carried out 18 hip surgeries and two knee replacements. The program's implementation involves collaboration among PhilHealth, the Department of Health, DRMC, and professional medical societies, including the Philippine Orthopedic Association and the Philippine Hip and Knee Society.
Prior to DRMC's accreditation, only two facilities in Region 11 - Southern Philippines Medical Center and Tebow Cure Philippines Inc. - were contracted to provide this benefit.
