PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The administration of Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) hospital has sent a letter to the State Health Authority (SHA) regarding the relaxation of coding norms for the Radiology department under the Ayushman scheme. This is aimed at addressing the issue that has halted MRI and CT scan services for patients admitted under this scheme. A recent report indicated that complexities related to coding have halted these services at GDMC for Ayushman patients. Consequently, many patients have had to pay out of pocket for these essential tests, creating challenges for underprivileged individuals who struggle to afford costly procedures like MRIs and CT scans.
Informing about this, the medical superintendent at GDMC Hospital Dr RS Bisht informed that the cessation of MRI and CT scans for Ayushman patients was not due to any technical problems within the system. Instead, the primary issue is related to improper coding of the diseases. For instance, if a patient visits an ENT doctor who prescribes an MRI for a leg issue, the coding under the said scheme does not match, as the ENT doctor is not authorised to prescribe such a test for that condition.
Bisht said that different codes are designated for various diseases under the Ayushman scheme and accessing benefits relies on these codes being correctly matched. He also said that the names of the doctors, along with their designations, were used to be sent to the SHA to facilitate this process. He emphasised that if the appropriate disease coding is followed, there should be no interruptions in the provision of MRI and CT scans.
Further, he said that GDMC has been in ongoing discussions with the SHA and has sent a letter requesting a relaxation of the coding criteria for the radiology department under the Ayushman scheme, allowing patients to access these benefits more easily.
It is important to mention that at GDMC hospital, MRI and CT scans are conducted at a CGHS rate of Rs 2,100, while CT scans are available for Rs 800 scans.
