Patients in Davao del Norte who need major orthopedic surgeries will soon have better access to specialized treatment at lower costs, as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) introduced the Z Benefits for Selected Orthopedic Implants in Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) on Wednesday.

In a press briefing, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Dr. Edwin Mercado said the program was created because orthopedic cases rank among the 10 most common diseases in the country.

“Our coverage focuses on bone trauma, but we will also include total joint replacement. With the aging population, many Filipinos need knee and hip replacement,” Mercado said.

The Z Benefit package covers orthopedic surgeries with implants, such as hip replacements and fracture fixations.

It aims to restore mobility, enhance quality of life, and reduce financial burden for patients with severe bone injuries or joint issues.

“We are prioritizing these diseases because the outcomes are very good and truly improve patients’ quality of life,” Mercado said.

To avail of the package, the patient must be a qualified member or dependent, visit a PhilHealth-contracted hospital, and undergo screening.

The hospital will submit the necessary pre-authorization documents, which often include a clinical pathway manual.

Coverage is offered through fixed case rates that cover the cost of implants, hospital charges, and professional fees.

Depending on the procedure, the package ranges from around PHP100,000 to PHP260,000.

By covering implants, the program significantly cuts out-of-pocket costs for eligible PhilHealth members at contracted facilities like DRMC.

DRMC chief Dr. Bryan Dalid said that although the hospital has been performing orthopedic procedures, PhilHealth’s accreditation now guarantees that patients no longer have to cover the costs.

“Before, patients had to seek help from funding agencies to pay for their operations. Now, they simply wait for their surgery while admitted,” Dalid said.

In 2025, DRMC performed 18 hip surgeries and two knee replacements.

Implementation of the program involves coordination among PhilHealth, the Department of Health, DRMC, and professional medical societies, including the Philippine Orthopedic Association and the Philippine Hip and Knee Society.

Before DRMC’s accreditation, only two facilities in Region 11 — Southern Philippines Medical Center and Tebow Cure Philippines Inc. — were contracted to provide the benefit. (PNA)