OPD Cover

Companies are now rapidly shifting towards outpatient department (OPD) benefits, and emphasizing on preventive screenings, annual checkups, and mental health support

The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association on Friday suspended outpatient department (OPD) services at public health-care centres in the state to protest against the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. We are demanding expeditious justice for the victim, central protection act for healthcare professionals and adequate security arrangements at public healthcare facilities, said Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) president Dr Akhil Sarin. The emergency and medico-legal services remained functional during Friday's protest, he added. Dr Sarin said the OPD services remained suspended in the health centres, including Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, civil hospitals and health centres at sub-divisional level. Meanwhile, the medical professionals in the state held sit-ins at the health centres demanding expeditious justice for the victim.

A drop of 20% and 40% was reported in laboratory tests and radiological interventions like X-rays and CT scans, respectively

While demand for OPD benefits was present before, insurance industry experts believe that the Covid-19 pandemic pushed the demand further

UP tops in generating most tokens under digital OPD scheme, Tamil Nadu at bottom

Among the companies that provide OPD benefits, 88 percent of participants are providing consultations with doctors, followed by dental benefits at 83% and diagnostics (such as X-rays, MRIs) at 80%

A ransomware attack on the AIIMS Delhi server halted day-to-day activities including OPD registrations and blood sample reports at the hospital today

The policy specifically mentioned treatment for oesophageal manometry as one of the exceptions for which the claim would be covered even if taken as an outpatient

Most of these ailments are treated on outpatient basis, so just a hospitalisation cover won't suffice

An outpatient will be charged GST for medicines and consumables bought that were prescribed in the course of providing health care services

Before you buy it, make sure the policy is not overly restrictive

If OPD coverage is built into a policy, or is offered as a rider, the limit will be specified

Households with young children, older parents may opt for health policies with in-built OPD feature