Health Ministry working on 'bundling system' to pay private hospital fees

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is working towards ensuring that a "bundling system' is in place for private hospitals to charge a single overall payment for rendered medical services when treating their patients in the future.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said at present the ministry could only monitor, control and place a ceiling on professional fees charged by doctors under the 13th Schedule of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (Private Hospitals and Other Private Healthcare Facilities) Regulations 2006.
"Unfortunately we do not control the hospital fees such as CT scan, X-ray, OT time, ICU, bed, laundry fees.
"So that is the area we are looking at now. The team that is looking into it apart from the ministry includes Bank Negara Malaysia, private hospitals and private insurance firms on how are we going to achieve this," he told reporters after officiating the ministry's monthly meeting, here today.
Prior to 2006, there was no control on treatment costs at private hospitals, including consultation fees, before the government started to regulate these fees.
Subramaniam said the bundling system which has been introduced in foreign countries, will enable patients who are seeking, for example a C-section, to be charged in a package-like manner rather than a separate fee for each treatment involved.
"The problem involving high costs of medical treatment at private hospitals and clinics is something we are aware of.
"However, at present the matter still remains at the stage of discussions as there are many technical details to peruse," he said, adding that he is unable to determine when the matter would be finalised.
The technical issues included matters involving hospital stay and miscellanous issues which could vary in pricing and could complicate the proposed package if introduced.
His response came in the light of numerous reports which saw many private hospital patients saddled with astronomical bills following treatment.
On another matter, Subramaniam said the proposed 10% adjustment on medical insurance premiums by private insurance firms is not under the purview of the ministry.
"The authority who regulates that is Bank Negara Malaysia and they are the best parties to ask over this matter," he added.