Emergency Room: How Much is the Daily Rate

Rushing to the ER is very stressful not only for the patient but also for the family. A lot of resources are at stake not to mention the unpredictable condition of the individual with emergency care needs. To help you better plan your decision, let’s take a look at the cost of ER.

Accidents are some of the primary reasons why a person would need to be brought to an emergency room. According to a report by Inquirer, at least 156 people are involved in road accidents everyday.* This goes to show that ERs are quite busy attending to patients.

How Much is Emergency Room Fee in Hospitals

The emergency room price in the Philippines starts from Php 1,500 to Php 15,000 per day as a base fee. You will be surprised that the cost differs this much because of the complexity of each patient’s needs. Be informed that there are different factors to consider since emergency situations will probably require the use of devices and instruments in the room. Moreover, there is a dedicated ER doctor who will attend to all your needs based on patient condition.

In government hospitals, the average ER fee starts from Php 500 and above depending on the institution’s specialization. While there may be limitations to the care provided in these centers, you can expect to be attended by competent staff.

See: Room Rates in Hospitals

Can I Transfer to Other Hospitals?

Surely, you may request to be transferred to another facility. The doctor attending to your current needs will have to do a referral request and you will sign a waiver. In most cases, you need to settle the bill first of the initial emergency room expenses. Just a reminder, your HMO benefit for ER admission may be forfeited once you transfer to another hospital since it is usually one time use only.

How Can I Save?

The beauty of having a health card is that ER fees are covered. This is for both comprehensive plans and prepaid cards (depending on limitations). When you provide your health card details, you will immediately be admitted to the emergency room to get treated. Of course, each card type will have limitations but they will usually be enough to cover your stay at the ER.

Knowing your choices on emergency room services can enhance your experience in a positive way. You may be under tremendous pain or feel really sick when you arrive at a facility. But knowing the expenses involved and being able to prepare for them will lessen your worries.

References:

*Metro Manila vehicle crashes averaging 156 daily