In recent times, healthcare costs have been rising rapidly, and it is essential to have a reliable health insurance policy to cover medical expenses during emergencies. While the coverage of a health insurance policy provides financial assistance, it is equally important to choose the right healthcare facility. Empanelled hospitals are one such healthcare facility where patients can avail cashless treatments.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of empanelled hospitals, their significance in healthcare, and how to identify them for cashless claims.
Understanding empanelled hospitals: An overview
Empanelled hospitals are healthcare facilities that are enlisted by an insurance company or a government organisation to provide cashless medical treatments to the policyholders or beneficiaries. The hospital administration is required to meet certain standards in terms of infrastructure, facilities, and quality of services. The empanelment process is done after a thorough verification of the credentials and compliance with the norms of the regulatory authority.
Meaning of empanelled hospitals in healthcare
Empanelled Hospitals provide cashless medical treatment services to the policyholders or beneficiaries, which means that the insurance company or the government organisation directly pays the hospital bills. This saves the patient from having to make the upfront payment and then claiming the amount later. The empanelment process ensures that the hospital meets certain quality standards, thus providing a sense of assurance and credibility to the policyholders.
Empanelled hospitals also serve as vital components of various healthcare programs, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). These hospitals offer a wide range of medical services, including consultations, diagnostics, surgeries, and treatments, to eligible beneficiaries at pre-negotiated rates.
How to check if a hospital is empanelled with the insurer for cashless claims?
To determine if a hospital is empanelled with your insurer for cashless claims, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of your insurance provider or the relevant government scheme (e.g., CGHS or ECHS).
Step 2: Navigate to the section that lists empanelled hospitals or network providers.
Step 3: Enter your location or search criteria to find empanelled hospitals near you.
Step 4: Verify if the hospital you intend to visit is listed as an empanelled facility.
