I’ve been seeing a lot of searches here on PhilFAQS lately for hospitals in the Philippines who are accredited or approved for TRICARE payment. (TRICARE is the US Military-provided program for medical care for US military retirees and their dependents.)
There are quite a few hospitals TRICARE accredited, as with so many other questions on the ‘Net, Google is you friend, just go to the list of Philippine TRICARE accredited providers and you can search by hospital or individual provider all across the Philippines.
Please note: I post these links as a service. I tested this link right now, 10:13 Philippine standard time, 22 September 2009. If it doesn’t work please don’t write to tell me I posted a bad link … I can’t make government sites perform and I do not post links that don’t work at the time I posted them. I am always loathe to post any government links because, especially with TRICARE they always, always, always cause me problems. Please address complaints to the appropriate government web master and not to your devoted scribe who can only post what works at this moment … thanks.
Now. A number of accreditation inquires come this way that do mot involve TRICARE. These folks are looking for hospitals with US “accreditation”. For my purposes, this means hospitals who are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). This the global arm of the US-based Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO); the same body that certifies over 18,000 hospitals in the United States.
Presently there are only two hospitals in the Philippines who are JCI accredited:
The Medical City, Manila or TMC. I have only attempted to use their facilities once ,,, very unsatisfactory in terms of parking and physical access to care facilities for patients. (in fairness this was at a branch office, not at their main location. However, I was really disappointed that a JCI accredited hospital would even put their name on the branch office I visited with my elderly and infirm mother-in-law. The receptionists in the main floor foyer did not think it unusual at all that a frail 80yo lady would be asked to climb 16 larger steps to reach the examination room. “Oh no sir, we have no elevator, sobra mahal (too costly)”. Accessibility in the Philippines is only a crap shoot, even from organizations who act as if they know what proper health care delivery should consist of.
Saint Luke’s is one of the oldest and perhaps the best known hospital in the Philippines. I’ve had two experiences with St. Luke’s, both satisfactory. Years ago they processed my wife to be’s medical clearance so that she could travel to the US. Even some folks in the US INS did not know that unlike a majority of countries, St Luke’s is fully accredited and new arrivals to the US who were examined and passed by St, Luke’s don’t need any further exams/immunizations. St. Luke’s is the hospital where US Embassy civilian personnel are routinely sent as well.
A couple Christmases ago we had a very long and scary night with my mother-in-law, traveling from hospital to hospital cleared the city until we finally went where we should have in the first place. The problem was cleared up and we were home in time for breakfast. http://philfaqs.com/live-there/a-christmas-medical-odyssey/
I also had a neighbor develop a very serious brain condition which posed an immediate, life threatening problem. She had immediate brain surgery at St, Luke’s and fortunately made a full recovery … impressive medical staff there. Recommended. http://philfaqs.com/live-there/blinded-by-the-white/
Hi Dave;
Again you’re spot on Saint Luke’s, it is a fine Hospital and I trust it . Here in Olongapo City we have many TriCare accredited clinics and most will refer to St. Luke’s when it’s beyond the care that they can give. One of the good things I’ve found is you don’t have to take a “medicine runner” to the hospital with you, as they seem to be well stocked. We have 2 new Hospitals opening here in Olongapo to cater to the Foreign Investors on the Subic Freeport. They are both attempting TriCare accreditation. But that a “Wait-And-See” type of deal for now. I’ll keep you posted when I find out more.
Beats me on why there aren’t more JCI-accredirted hospitals already. It takes some effort and a certain investment, but I can guarantee a hospital that isn’t JCI accredited is not going anywhasre in the race for medical tourism dollars.
One of the real retirement pluses for the Subic area are the medical facilities there, bith on and off the SBMA. That’s one of the reasosn we are investing in living there full time
Dave;
Don’t for get the great food selection! My wife and I go out for breakfast at any of 6 or 7 great places to eat prior to starting our weekly shopping trip. By the old Navy Base at San Magoo, is a Fleet Reserve club that also has great chow, and will be very close to you. (Membership is not required)
Interesting. Another place to put on the list … I guess I knew there was such a thing as Fleet Reserve Clubs, but I never knew they were active here in the Philippines. (for those not familiar with retirement minutia, unlike the other services who issue retirement orders when a member is qualified, Navy men and women are “transferred to the Fleet Reserve.” (does that status ever change, Paul, such as after age 60 where active duty recall is no longer an option, etc.?)
Hi Dave;
I was transferred to the Fleet Reserve in Jan. 1986; after 21 years of active service In Sept. 1995, I received my “Certificate of Retirement” from the Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Admiral F.L. Bowman (whoever he is) telling me I was done and I hung that on my “I Love Me Wall”.
We in the Navy are fully retired when we have 30 years in. So if you do 30 years day for day you never go to the Fleet Reserve (you can go to the FRA club nevertheless). It as clear as mud, but I hope that covers the ground! It’s the same for all branches of the service, but the Navy gave it a fancy name is the difference, we like to pretend we’re special. (LOL)
Another factoid is, the Navy is the only branch of the Armed Forces that Congress must approve all appointments to Chief Petty Officer and above (E7-E9), and a Chief and above, my not be reduced in rank (rate) without the same Congressional Approval. Congress never said no to the Navy on that subject!
Well might as well fin dout how it works someday … I’ve only been retired how many years now? I belive I saw you yourself say some other time, Paul, that it’s a wasted day if you don’t learn something. Now, the rest of today can fall to crap, I already got my learning in, thanks for saving the day.
can someone tell me how i could find someone who was in the fleet reserves in 83?please.xxx