Clipping of news on Brazilian Culture, Law and Citizenship
31/10/2012
This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.
The expectation is that at the beginning of 2013 users of hospital-medical plans totaling 50 million
Brasilia - The chief executive of the National Health Agency (ANS), Mauricio Ceschin, said the agency will examine cases in which the structure of ill health from certain areas have affected the provision of services by health plans - particularly in relation to comply with the time limits for scheduling appointments and tests.
"The deadlines apply to the entire national territory. What we have seen are specific situations in some localities that for certain specialties, are having difficulties. Let's look, see if it comes and see how far we can take or not in relation to deadlines. But we have not combined any change in terms of changing deadlines due to generalized situations, "he explained.
By participating in the public hearing on the Social Affairs Committee of the Senate, Ceschin reminded that the current norms predict the referral of beneficiaries to neighboring municipalities, if the medical specialty is not available in the city where the patient lives. The travel costs must be paid by the operator of the health plan.
"You may face situations in which neither the neighboring municipality or in adjacent localities for this feature. If this is possible or some specific situation, the agency can review any exception. If widespread, we must examine whether the operator is able to offer the product for that population, "he said. "There are many cases that have come to us. We analyze the condition of a case, "he added.
During the debate, the CEO of ANS estimated that the industry has used the so-called super use of technology, and that the phenomenon has resulted in wastage. According Ceschin, 30% of test results ordered from laboratories insured, for example, are not accessed by users.
"If he will not get the result, [the exam] is not necessary. We have shows, many indicators that there is a super use of technology that is not always to the benefit of the beneficiary. That is why we need to avoid waste, "he explained.
ANS data indicate that 49 million is the number of users of medical and hospital plans, including this month's survey. The agency's expectation is that, between January and February 2013, totaling 50 million beneficiaries. The agency also counts 17 million users of dental plans.
Deadlines set by ANS service
Emergencies and emergency
Immediate care
Consultations with pediatricians, clinicians, gynecologists, obstetricians and general surgeons
Service within 7 days
Consultations with audiologists, dietitians, psychologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists
Service within 10 days
Inquiries into other specialties
Service within 14 days
Source: ANS
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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.