Solon wants hospitals, clinics to display price list

Just like in restaurants that show their menu, hospitals would be compelled to display a price list of all their services and products once a bill filed in the House of Representatives is enacted into law. In filing House Bill 3560, Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo said a fully transparent and readily available price index would protect consumers against the possibility of unfair sales practices, and help end users of hospitalization and other healthcare services to make informed choices. "This gives more meaning to the State's avowed policy in The Consumer Act to protect the interests and general welfare of buyers, and to establish the standards of conduct for business and industry," Romulo said. The mandatory posting of an accurate price list would cover hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, diagnostic and laboratory clinics, medical offices and other facilities that provide healthcare, including dental services. Romulo noted that patients invariably get billed for almost every item they consume while undergoing treatment in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. "In some cases, without their prior knowledge, hospital patients even end up paying for the flimsiest expense, such as the extra cotton balls or toilet paper they consume," he added. The lawmaker said a price schedule would enable patients to freely decide where best to obtain some of their hospital supplies. "For instance, once the patient becomes aware that he could get charged for hospital toilet paper that is five times more expensive, then he might just opt to bring his own supply," Romulo said. Under the bill, every healthcare facility should be required to produce and visibly exhibit a detailed price catalog of all services and supplies. The price list would include all incidental expenses such as charges for room and amenities, meals, medicines, and use of medical equipment and technology. Violators will be fined up to P25,000 per instance, without prejudice to administrative sanctions. If the offender is a firm, it will be fined up to P50,000 per instance, plus suspension or revocation of its permit to operate. The firm's officers directly responsible for the infraction would also face fines and suspension or cancellation of their professional licenses. If applicable, they could likewise face imprisonment of up to one year. The proposed measure also provides that the patient's statement of account should itemize the services rendered, supplies used, and other incidental expenses incurred, with their corresponding prices.—JV, GMANews.TV