CGHS Revision of Charges 2023

Revision of Consultation Fee, Room Rent, and ICU Charges for All Healthcare Empanelled under CGHS

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is a program that provides comprehensive healthcare to central government employees, retirees, and their families. The initiative has been in operation for nearly six decades and is one of the country’s largest healthcare programs. The scheme includes hospitals, dispensaries, and diagnostic centers in all major cities. The scheme also provides beneficiaries with cashless medical services.

The CGHS recently announced a change in the costs for consultation fees, room rent, and intensive care unit (ICU) charges reimbursable in respect of treatment delivered to CGHS clients in all CGHS-empanelled healthcare organizations (HCOs). The price reduction is an important step towards guaranteeing affordable healthcare for everybody.

Consultation Fee

A consultation fee is an amount a doctor charges for providing medical consultation. As per the latest revision, consultation costs in both OPD and IPD have been increased to Rs. 350/- for both NABH and non-NABH-accredited HCOs across all specializations and super-specialties. The consultation fee is a vital component of overall healthcare expenses, and the revision of charges will make healthcare services more affordable for beneficiaries.

Room Rent

The room rent is the fee charged by hospitals for accommodating patients. The revised room rent charges are now Rs. 1500/- for the private ward, Rs. 3000/- for the semi-private ward, and Rs. 4500/- for the general ward (for both NABH and non-NABH accredited HCOs). This increase in rates will help in reimbursing a higher amount of expenditures.

Charges for the ICU

The intensive care unit (ICU) charges are the costs of treating critically ill patients in the ICU. The increased ICU charges, which include room rent, are set at Rs. 5400/- for all ward eligibility levels. Beneficiaries will be able to afford critical care treatments due to the modification of ICU prices. However, for non-NABH-approved hospitals, the ICU rates shall be 15% less than the stated amount. The reduction in ICU rent charges will make healthcare more affordable to beneficiaries.

The Effect of CGHS Revision of Charges

The changes to consultation fees, room rent, and intensive care unit charges will have a substantial influence on the healthcare industry. The pricing revision will make healthcare services more affordable for beneficiaries. The modification of prices will also help to reduce recipients’ out-of-pocket expenses. The tariff revision will also encourage empanelled hospitals to deliver superior healthcare services to beneficiaries.

The modification of levies will also help to reduce the government’s burden. The CGHS scheme is government-funded, and the reduction of rates will help to reduce the government’s burden. The modification of tariffs would also assist the government to reduce the cost of healthcare services.

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Conclusion

The increase in consultation costs, room rent, and intensive care unit expenses may seem counterintuitive, but it is actually a positive step towards making quality treatment more accessible to CGHS beneficiaries. Previously, the CGHS rates were significantly lower, and government servants would only receive reduced CGHS rates when compared to the actual expenses.

This modification of prices will now allow beneficiaries to obtain high-quality treatment without worrying about the financial burden. The introduction of increased tariffs is a critical step towards achieving universal access to affordable healthcare.

The CGHS system plays a vital role in providing comprehensive healthcare to central government employees, retirees, and their families, and the revision of charges will further improve the plan’s effectiveness in delivering healthcare services to beneficiaries.

FAQs

Q: What is the CGHS?

A: The CGHS stands for Central Government Health Scheme. It is a healthcare program for central government employees and pensioners.

Q: What are the charges that have been revised?

A: The charges for consultation fees, intensive care unit (ICU), and room rent have been revised.

Q: What is the new consultation fee for OPD/IPD?

A: The new consultation fee for both OPD and IPD is Rs. 350 for both NABH and Non-NABH accredited HCOs.

Q: What are the new ICU charges?

A: The new ICU charges are Rs. 5400/- for all categories of ward entitlement, which includes room rent.

Q: What are the new room rent charges?

A: For the general ward, the new charges are as per the category of the hospital, for the semi-private ward, it is Rs. 3000, and for the private ward, it is Rs. 4500 for both NABH and Non-NABH accredited HCOs.

Q: When do the revised rates come into effect?

A: The revised rates come into effect from the date of issue (12/04/2023) and will be valid until further orders.

Q: Are there any changes in the terms and conditions of empanelment?

A: No, the terms and conditions of empanelment remain unchanged.

Q: Who approved the revision of charges?

A: The revision of charges was approved by the competent authority and concurrence of the Integrated Finance Division, Ministry of H&FW vide CD No.3419 dated 27.03.2023.

Q: Will the revised rates apply to all CGHS beneficiaries?

A: Yes, the revised rates will apply to all CGHS beneficiaries.

Q: What is the objective of revising the charges?

A: The objective of revising the charges is to make healthcare services more affordable and accessible to all CGHS beneficiaries.