by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 19, 2017 | Business
MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider in the country, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a stronger commitment to provide more Filipinos access to quality health and medical care, amidst the fast-paced, technology-driven lifestyles of this generation.
To make the celebration more meaningful, the country’s top HMO put forward the theme, “Brave the World,” to emphasize the company’s commitment to encourage each and every Filipino to capitalize on his health so that he can seize more opportunities, dare to make a difference and successfully pursue a better future.
Dr. Nicky Montoya, Medicard President
“The world has indeed become smaller, providing Filipinos more opportunities to excel and grow. However, many pass up these great opportunities as health issues sometimes stand in their way.
As we celebrate our anniversary with this in mind, MediCard will continue to strive to provide more Filipinos access to quality health care through innovative products, and services and free-standing clinics in key locations that will make staying healthy possible for every Filipinos thus, allowing them to brave the world,” says MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Innovative and responsive products
Along with its corporate packages, MediCard also highlights its new products as it celebrates 30 years of providing quality and accessible healthcare to Filipinos: MediCard Select, a breakthrough product that takes care of healthcare needs for minimal access fee, service fee and fixed fund and allows returns of unused fund.
On top of these innovative health maintenance products, MediCard offers various health plans to fit each individual’s budget. For individuals and families who want coverage for hospitalization, outpatient procedures and preventive healthcare, among others, MediCard has the Family/Individual plans. For a more comprehensive healthcare coverage, MediCard also offers VIP plans; and Kabayan, created for overseas sponsors to provide quality healthcare for their loved ones in the Philippines;
Other healthcare pre-paid plans offered by MediCard are: The RXER plan, which offers a specialized healthcare maintenance service that covers emergencies for trauma cases and preventive and outpatient care in MediCard free-standing clinics; Healthplus plan, where members can avail themselves of preventive and outpatient coverage in MediCard free-standing clinics for one year for only P1,100; and the MediCard Health Check Card, which gives your loved ones unlimited check-ups at MediCard free-standing clinics for only P500.
Clinics across Metro Manila, Luzon and Cebu
In addition to its 12 well-equipped clinics, MediCard also brings its top-notch medical services to more Filipinos by opening more free standing clinics outside Metro Manila. It recently opened clinics in Lipa City, Batangas and Cainta, Rizal, making their quality healthcare services accessible to everyone.
MediCard Lifestyle Center, a first of its kind wellness center in Makati
Chief among them is the MediCard Lifestyle Center, a first of its kind wellness center in Makati, which has a breast clinic – an outpatient facility that offers breast exam, mammography and consultation with breast specialists before undergoing any diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.
Giving back to the community
Furthermore, in 2012, MediCard maintained the lead on the realization of its founding chairman’s vision and created another symbolic milestone with the birth of MediCard Foundation, the first charitable institution in the Philippine HMO setting. It develops and implements health-related programs and conducts outreach activities through funded CSR projects, fund-raising activities and donations from generous corporations, philanthropic individuals and other foundations.
With all these developments, new product offerings and network of clinics, MediCard is truly the health partner to help members and patients achieve optimum health and be on their way to brave the world.
For more information, visit www.medicardphils.com and https://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 26, 2017 | Health Tips
Stress is a normal part of life. Experiencing bouts of stress every now and then may not be all that bad but keep in mind that too much stress can badly affect your body and cause serious health problems.
“Experiencing stress is normal. Sometimes, it may even help you perform under pressure and incite you to react to dangerous situations.
However, increased levels of stress can lead to numerous health consequences like heart disease and depression, which is why it’s important to know how to manage it properly,” says MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Here are some ways to deal with stress:
Identify stress triggers.
It is essential that you identify the sources of your stress so you can begin to treat it effectively. By recognizing the problems, habits and behavior that cause stress, it will be easier for you to handle them, thus lowering your level of stress.
Eat a balanced diet.
Oftentimes, when people experience stress, they tend to immediately find comfort in eating sugary and fatty food like chips and sweets. However, consuming these will just make you lethargic, which may make you less motivated to deal with stress. On the other hand, low-fat, high-fiber and low-glycemic index food and plenty of fruits and vegetables help reduce stress as these types of food increase the body hormones that naturally fight it.
Get enough sleep.
Lack of sleep is a significant cause of stress. Sleeping is another stress buster because it allows the body to recharge and recover from the day’s stressful events. Dr. Montoya recommends that it is best to get 6-8 hours of sleep daily.
Exercise.
To combat stress, you need to work out consistently. Exercise not only keeps stressors at bay, but also improves your mood and increases your endorphins which may help relieve pain and trigger a positive disposition. In addition to going to the gym, you can try dancing, jogging or taking a short walk near your home or office.
In the last few years a rising trend in physical fitness is yoga. Yoga practitioners will tell you of its mental, emotional, and physical health benefits, and very high on the list is how practicing yoga is very good in reducing stress.
I recently read an article on JenReviews.com where the author writes about the 18 amazing benefits of yoga according to science that I found fascinating and informative. Check it out for yourself to know a little bit more about this meditative exercise.
Get a massage.
A massage not only relaxes your body, but it may also shift your thoughts away from the things that cause stress. According to research, a massage can help release endorphins, lower your heart rate and blood pressure as well as relax tight and painful muscles.
Communicate with someone.
One of the best ways to handle stress is talking the situation through with someone. Opening up about your stress to a friend or loved one — even for a minute — can significantly improve your mood.
Take deep breaths.
Relaxing and taking deep breaths have been proven to effectively fight off stress. Dr. Montoya suggests taking 15 minutes every day to sit and practice relaxation techniques, deep breathing or yoga.
Surya Fitness & Yoga, located at MediCard Lifestyle Center in Makati City, offers a revitalizing retreat for people seeking relaxation of the body, mind and spirit. They provide hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga and basic yoga classes.
MediCard also has 14 free-standing clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer consultations. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com for more information.
Note: Slight modificatios have been made to this article on 03 Janury 2018.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 25, 2016 | Health and Wellness
NOTE: This is an old article, pre-pandemic. To find out how to get a letter of approval today (starting 2021) please visit the article on HOW TO GET AN LOA FROM MEDICARD FROM 2021 ONWARDS instead.
For some, part of having an HMO is securing a letter of approval (LOA) for laboratory tests requested by doctors to help them diagnose health problems accurately. These tests include blood tests, urinalysis, chest x-ray, among others.
What is a letter of approval (LOA)?
A letter of approval basically confirms that such tests are indeed part of a member’s HMO coverage and authorizes the diagnostic clinic to proceed with the requested tests. However, securing an LOA may mean going through a process that can be slow and inconvenient sometimes: A medical attendant gets your card, then calls the HMO provider to advise them of the laboratory test that needs to be done. After which, the patient waits for approval.
Medicard Online LOA
Now, Medicard, a leading health maintenance organization in the Philippines, takes the hassle out of getting LOA as it introduces Medicard Online LOA — an online application that allows you to easily request a letter of approval for your laboratory and diagnostic tests in the comfort of your own home or straight from your mobile phone on the go.
Dr. Nicky Montoya
President of Medicard Philippines
“MediCard constantly aspires to make quality healthcare accessible and more convenient for our members because we value their time. With innovations such as the Medicard Online LOA, we are able to eliminate a lengthy and time-consuming wait period to get your LOA since the online application allows quick user convenience,” said Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Steps in getting approval for laboratory tests
Getting an LOA for laboratory and diagnostic tests can be done in five easy steps.
- Go to www.medicardphils.com
- Click the MediCard Online LOA tab.
- Fill out the online form with your MediCard ID number and upload a copy of your doctor’s request.
- Choose a MediCard free-standing clinic or any accredited clinic/hospital where you wish to avail of the test, and then your LOA and instructions will be sent via e-mail.
- Submit the LOA to the hospital together with a copy of your doctor’s request and a copy of the email.
Save yourself the inconvenience of waiting or long procedures and prioritize your good health now with the MediCard Online LOA.
Issuance of the LOA and access to select providers are dependent on the existing plan and coverage.
For more information, call 884-9999 or visit http://www.medicardphils.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 3, 2016 | Health and Wellness
This Christmas season, give your loved ones the gift of health as MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider, introduces the MEDICARD ONLINE STORE. With the MediCard online store, you can buy high-quality healthcare plans and give these as Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
MediCard plans
There’s a Medicard plan that suits every age and lifestyle including:
For individuals and families who want to have coverage for hospitalization, outpatient procedures, preventive healthcare, emergency, financial assistance, and dental care, MediCard has the Family/Individual plans.
For those who want to have more comprehensive healthcare coverage, MediCard VIP plans are also offered. On top of the extensive hospitalization, outpatient procedures, preventive healthcare, emergency, member’s financial assistance, and dental care coverage, MediCard VIP plans also come with healthcare assistance during an emergency abroad.
Designed to give members utmost value and convenience, RXER offers a specialized healthcare maintenance service that covers emergencies for trauma cases, preventive and outpatient care. Best of all, there’s no age limit, no medical check-up required and hierarchy is waived.
For the Healthplus plan, members can avail of preventive and outpatient coverage in MediCard freestanding clinics for one year for only P1,100.
Created for overseas sponsors, the Kabayan card provides superior health coverage for beneficiaries in the Philippines.
For those who want to have healthcare coverage for minimal access fee, service fee and fixed fund, try MediCard Select, a breakthrough product that takes care of healthcare needs and allows returns of unused fund.
The MediCard Health Check Card gives your loved ones unlimited check-ups for only P500. These include check-ups with MediCard’s primary care physicians and select specialists, 20% discount on labs and tests, plus one-time annual physical exam. This plan is valid for one year at any MediCard freestanding clinic where the card was bought.
MediCard branches
Medicard has various accessible free-standing clinics and satellite clinics nationwide, including:
- MediCard Lifestyle Center
- MediCard McKinley
- MediCard Makati
- MediCard Sta.Rosa
- MediCard Alabang
- MediCard Cavite
- MediCard Calamba
- MediCard Fairview
- MediCard Ortigas
- MediCard Clark
- MediCard Sta. Lucia
- and MediCard Cebu City
Click on a pin on the map to zoom in and see the exact address of each of the branches.
Give your loved ones the best gift this Christmas … the with MediCard’s high-quality healthcare plans. Visit https://www.medicardphils.com/medicard-online-membership. To learn more, check out www.medicardphils.com and https://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines. All products are subject to terms and conditions.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 18, 2016 | Health and Wellness
Do you spend a huge amount of money for health and medical coverage but feel like it’s not worth paying for because you seldom get sick or go for a check-up? And yet getting rid of your HMO coverage is out of the question because, what if you get seriously sick?
MediCard, a leading HMO provider in the country, gives a breakthrough solution for you – MediCard Select.
The most flexible health care coverage
This product allows members of all ages to have flexible health care coverage for a minimal access and service fee and a fixed amount of fund. Also, with the new MediCard Select, members get the best value for their money because they can select for their coverage when needed – whether for maternity, pre-existing conditions, extreme sports, etc.
Dr. Nicky Montoya President of Medicard Philippines
“We at MediCard do our best to bring quality healthcare services to Filipinos. The best part is, members of MediCard Select will get back their funds if unused,” says MediCard Vice President, Luis S. Montoya.
Get your money back!
Medicard Select introduces a breakthrough feature – a revolving fund where the cost of health services utilized is deducted from the amount paid. This means that the balance becomes the revolving fund that members can use again upon replenishment OR … the balance can be returned to the members.
In a nutshell, if you don’t get sick or hospitalized then … you get your money back!
Health benefits for all ages
Medicard Select offers a suite of benefits that give members of all ages the coverage they need. Qualified individuals, families or SMEs will receive coverage for hospitalization, outpatient and preventive healthcare that includes an Annual Physical Exam and the following 8 blood chemistries – Fasting Blood Sugar, Total Cholesterol, Uric Acid, Creatinine, BUN, HDL, LDL and Triglycerides, as well as emergency and dental care.
MediCard has more than 29 years of experience in providing quality health care across a range of individuals, families, and small and large corporations. It takes pride in its robust health care providers, which enables MediCard members to choose from its nationwide network of over 1,000 accredited hospitals and clinics backed by more than 40,000 accredited doctors.
Terms and conditions apply. For more information on MediCard Select, please call or email Randy Verde at 891-9629 or rv****@***********ls.com, or Marie Joyce Reynoso at 884-9968 or mr******@***********ls.com, or visit http://select.medicardphils.com/.
Along with its corporate packages, MediCard also highlights its new products as it celebrates 30 years of providing quality and accessible healthcare to Filipinos: MediCard Select, a breakthrough product that takes care of healthcare needs for minimal access fee, service fee and fixed fund and allows returns of unused fund.
It is essential that you identify the sources of your stress so you can begin to treat it effectively. By recognizing the problems, habits and behavior that cause stress, it will be easier for you to handle them, thus lowering your level of stress.
Oftentimes, when people experience stress, they tend to immediately find comfort in eating sugary and fatty food like chips and sweets. However, consuming these will just make you lethargic, which may make you less motivated to deal with stress. On the other hand, low-fat, high-fiber and low-glycemic index food and plenty of fruits and vegetables help reduce stress as these types of food increase the body hormones that naturally fight it.
Lack of sleep is a significant cause of stress. Sleeping is another stress buster because it allows the body to recharge and recover from the day’s stressful events. Dr. Montoya recommends that it is best to get 6-8 hours of sleep daily.
To combat stress, you need to work out consistently. Exercise not only keeps stressors at bay, but also improves your mood and increases your endorphins which may help relieve pain and trigger a positive disposition. In addition to going to the gym, you can try dancing, jogging or taking a short walk near your home or office. 
A massage not only relaxes your body, but it may also shift your thoughts away from the things that cause stress. According to research, a massage can help release endorphins, lower your heart rate and blood pressure as well as relax tight and painful muscles.
One of the best ways to handle stress is talking the situation through with someone. Opening up about your stress to a friend or loved one — even for a minute — can significantly improve your mood.
Relaxing and taking deep breaths have been proven to effectively fight off stress. Dr. Montoya suggests taking 15 minutes every day to sit and practice relaxation techniques, deep breathing or yoga.
For those who want to have more comprehensive healthcare coverage, 
Designed to give members utmost value and convenience, 
Created for overseas sponsors, the Kabayan card provides superior health coverage for beneficiaries in the Philippines.
The MediCard Health Check Card gives your loved ones unlimited check-ups for only P500. These include check-ups with MediCard’s primary care physicians and select specialists, 20% discount on labs and tests, plus one-time annual physical exam. This plan is valid for one year at any MediCard freestanding clinic where the card was bought.
Give your loved ones the best gift this Christmas … the with MediCard’s high-quality healthcare plans. Visit 
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