In order to promote healthcare transparency, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH) recently issued a mandate requiring health facilities to issue medical bills to their patients.
Starting May 1, the bill must include details such as treatment provided, services received, cost sharing obligations (co-pay). This would lead to healthcare facilities to promote value for money and reduce duplication and increase transparency. The aim is to empower patients and ensure they understand their rights and obligations as well.
The strategy is also aimed to engage community and involving them in medical processes as well as to increase awareness about insurance rights. It is also aimed at allowing insurance companies to identify discrepancies, if any.
DOH also urged all healthcare providers and professionals to ensure that they provide patients or their attendants a detailed electronic statement by text messages or via email that outlines all charges incurred. Healthcare facilities must also keep copies of the issued bills to facilitate audits by the DOH whenever it is due.
