How private hospitals are leveraging ABHA

What is ABHA?

Do you remember your last doctor’s visit? What was the hardest part of it? Was it the pre-visit gathering of all documents? If the answer is yes, then ABHA is just the solution for you.

ABHA constitutes a digital library that stores all your medical records in an encrypted manner, ensuring safety. As a one-stop solution, ABHA reduces the hassle of gathering, carrying around, and storing health records. You can access your health information using the ABHA application anytime, anywhere.

By creating an ABHA account, you will be provided with a 14-digit unique identification number that is linked to all your data. When it comes to registration, there are no restrictions— any Indian citizen can have an ABHA ID.

In addition to seamless access to information, ABHA offers financial protection to socio-economically weaker citizens, pairing with the Ayushman Bharat health assurance scheme.

With cashless transactions and electronic medical records, ABHA promises efficient medical care. It reduces administrative delays and hassle, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care.

Some advantages of having an ABHA ID are:

• Users can register for government-funded insurance schemes.
• Users can get a discount on medicines purchased from government dispensaries and hospitals.
• Users can get free diagnostics at government hospitals.

How to create an ABHA registration?

Any legal Indian citizen can have an ABHA ID. All you need is a valid Aadhaar card or driver’s licence. To create an ABHA registration, follow the given steps:

Step 1: Visit the official ABHA portal.

Step 2: You will have two options—Create an account with your Aadhaar number or driver’s licence. Pick your choice of identity proof.

Step 3: Input the numbers.

Step 4: You will receive an OTP on your linked mobile number. Use the OTP to confirm your number.

Step 5: Your ABHA ID has been created. You can download the e-card from the website or use the ABHA application.

How are private hospitals using ABHA?

As mentioned above, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana is not only for public hospitals but also for private healthcare institutes. ABHA has simplified the registration process for both private and public hospitals. Eligible beneficiaries can simply register using an OTP sent to their registered number or by scanning the QR.

Let us see how private hospitals are using ABHA:

1. Easier sharing of information: ABHA provides you with a safe platform to store your medical records and share them promptly. Private hospitals have direct access to all prehistoric medical records of patients, facilitating seamless diagnosis. Also, hospitals can directly upload any health reports to patients' ABHA IDs, reducing paperwork.

2. Cost-effective and time-saving: With access to a patient's old medical records, ABHA has eliminated the need for repeating tests or trying different medications. Doctors already have a clear picture of what works for the patient and what does not, allowing patients to get immediate treatment.

3. Tracking of patients: Corruption is not just a problem that patients face. Many people take advantage of this scheme and get free treatment even if they are not eligible. With ABHA, private hospitals can immediately track the eligibility status of a patient, making the process much simpler for the institute.

4. Claiming returns: ABHA is also used by hospitals to manage claims. Private hospitals can submit their claims on the ABHA application. The application is reviewed, and the amount is reimbursed for the service provided. Private institutes are offered the same benefits as public-sector hospitals.

5. Protection: ABHA tracks every medical procedure, medication, or test a patient undergoes. This is an advantage for private hospitals, as it allows them to explain the breakdown of their treatment to the patient. This ensures that even if a private hospital is questioned for allegations of malpractice, these digital records will serve as proof.

Summing up

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a big step towards a brighter health landscape in India. ABHA, a crucial part of the scheme, addresses the challenges of fragmented health records and lost transaction histories. It is working towards transforming healthcare delivery, providing citizens better control over their health information.

Beneficiaries of the scheme can access treatment at both public and private healthcare institutes. This government-funded program has transformed the lives of many people already!

FAQs
 

1. Can everyone have an ABHA ID?

Yes, every legal Indian citizen can have an ABHA ID. All you need is a valid Aadhaar card or driver’s licence to create the account. However, non-Indian citizens are not eligible for an ABHA card.

2. Are doctors able to access my medical history?

Doctors or any other person will not be able to access your medical records without authentication. Your medical data is only shared with people you consent to. This makes the entire process secure and consensual.

3. Is everyone provided free treatment with ABHA?

No, medical insurance from the Ayushman Bharat scheme is offered only to eligible individuals. However, everyone can store their medical records and book doctor appointments with ABHA.