The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a vital initiative aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare to ex-servicemen and their dependents. To streamline medical care, the ECHS has established a referral procedure for treatment at empaneled hospitals. This ensures that beneficiaries receive timely and efficient healthcare services while maintaining proper documentation and approvals.
Step-by-Step Referral Process
Initial Consultation at ECHS Polyclinic
- Beneficiaries must first visit the nearest ECHS Polyclinic, where a medical officer will assess their health condition.
- If specialized treatment or hospitalization is required, the medical officer initiates a referral.
Issuance of Referral
- The medical officer generates a referral document, specifying the required treatment and the recommended empaneled hospital.
- The referral must be approved by the Officer-in-Charge of the ECHS Polyclinic.
Selection of Empaneled Hospital
- The referral is issued to an ECHS empaneled hospital based on the availability of services and location convenience.
- Beneficiaries cannot seek treatment at non-empaneled hospitals unless explicitly permitted in emergencies.
Seeking Treatment at the Empaneled Hospital
- The beneficiary presents the referral document and ECHS card at the selected empaneled hospital.
- The hospital verifies the referral and provides the prescribed treatment as per ECHS guidelines.
Billing and Approval
- The empaneled hospital submits the treatment details and cost to the ECHS for approval.
- The ECHS authority processes the claim and makes direct payments to the hospital as per the agreed rate structure.
Special Considerations
- Emergency Treatment: In case of life-threatening emergencies, beneficiaries can directly visit an empaneled hospital, but they must inform the ECHS Polyclinic within 24 hours for approval.
- Follow-Up Treatments: A fresh referral is required for any additional treatment beyond the initially approved services.
- Validity of Referral: The referral is valid for a limited period and must be utilized within the specified timeframe.
ECHS for Ex-Serviceman
The ECHS referral procedure is designed to ensure that ex-servicemen and their dependents receive specialized medical care in an organized manner. Adhering to these guidelines helps in seamless access to healthcare, timely treatment, and hassle-free billing. Beneficiaries are encouraged to stay informed about their rights and procedures to maximize the benefits of the ECHS scheme.
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