Background. Scarcity of early local clinical data of COVID-19 proved to be a major challenge as its course rapidly evolved over time. The information gathered from this study can be used in improving awareness and understanding a novel disease particularly in detecting demographic trends, vulnerable clinical profiles and potential clusters in order to be abreast on how the virus behaves in the local setting. Objectives. 1) To describe the clinical profile of COVID-19 adult consults at the University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) during the early months of the outbreak 2) To determine their association with the COVID-19 results and final outcome Methods. A retrospective medical record review was done on COVID-19-related consults of patients aged 19 years and above from 01 January to 30 June 2020 at the emergency department (ED). Statistical analyses were done using Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact test using STATA V15.1 with 95% level of significance (p<0.05). Results. The median age of the 901 COVID-19-related consults at the ED was 46 years; 55.49% were males mostly belonging to the age group below 60 years. Almost all were Filipinos (99.44%), majority residing in the city of Manila (64.93%) and only 2.22% had a history of travel outside the country. The most common chief complaint was fever (32.47%) followed by cough (27.58%) and shortness of breath (25.75%). Most had their onset of symptoms from 1-7 days (79.80%) before ED arrival and 86.07% (n=210) were COVID-positive after performing the confirmatory test. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 mostly resided in cities of the National Capital Region (p=0.046), either presented with fever or asymptomatic but with exposure to COVID patients (Fisher’s Exact test; p<0.001) and onset of symptoms was 4-5 days (p=0.007). Those identified with poor prognosis were those aged 60 years and older (p<0.001), with complaint of shortness of breath (Fisher’s exact test; p<0.001) and with delayed symptom presentation of 6 days or more (p=0.037). Conclusion. The COVID-19-related consults at UP-PGH during the first 6 months of the pandemic were mostly males, Filipinos, belonging to the less than 60 years age group (median age=46 years), residing in the city of Manila and no history of travel outside the country. The most common presenting complaint was fever and onset of symptoms was typically 1-7 days before ED arrival. The positive RT-PCR result was significantly associated to patients residing in Metro Manila, either presenting with fever or no symptoms but with exposure to COVID patients, and with onset of symptoms of 4-5 days. Older age (60 years old and above), shortness of breath and delayed symptom presentation of 6 days of more were also found to have significant association with poor prognosis. As not much is known of the behavior and course of COVID-19 particularly at the local setting, it is therefore crucial to be aware of emerging trends to respond adequately and achieve optimal outcomes.
COVID-19 ; Emergency Service, Hospital

Objective. This research aimed to determine the in-patient expenditure of COVID-19 adult patient s and their out-of-pocket (OOP) payments at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) after the new PhilHealth case rate coverage was instituted last 15 April 2020. It also intended to present the preliminary data on the expenses incurred by COVID patients during the initial phase of the pandemic in the country. Methods. This study was a retrospective chart review of admitted COVID-19 patients aged 19 years old and above from 15 April to 14 August 2020 at UP-PGH that availed of PhilHealth COVID-19 case rate benefits package (C19C1-C4). Data were analyzed to extract overall expenses, out-of-pocket (OOP) charges, cost centers utilization, and other hospitalization expenditure sources. Results. Of the 691 COVID-19 patients included during the study period, 55.72% were male, mostly belonging to the 61-70 age range with a median age of 58. The average in-hospital stay was 14.20 days, and 76.99% were under charity services, with the moderate (42.84%) and mild (25.33%) pneumonia cases accounting for 68.17% of the admissions. Total hospital expenses clustered around Php51,000 to 200,000 (~USD 1,041 to 4,156), most spending between Php101,000 to 150,000 (~USD 2,078 to 3,118). The top three cost centers and expenditure sources were pharmacies, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and laboratory. The average OOP payment for patients less than 60 years old was higher, ranging from Php 25,899 to Php 44,428.63 (USD 538 to USD 924.44) compared to patients older than 60 (Php4,005.60 to Php 32,920.20 ~ USD 83.35 to 684.98). The most OOP charges were for the age group 19-30, amounting to Php 44,428.63 (USD 924.44). Conclusion. Preliminary findings of this study gave an actual representation of the expenses of COVID-19 patients, which can guide future utilization of the national health insurance during unexpected pandemics. Early price regulation of new therapeutic interventions, diagnostic tests, and medical supplies, e.g., PPEs, disinfectants, air filters, are measures that can be implemented.
Health Expenditures ; COVID-19 ; Insurance, Health

Objective: The objectives of this paper were to describe and analyze the utilization of the Department of Health-Medical Assistance Program (DOH-MAP) at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) in order to provide actual data on its implementation and to give recommendations on future enforcement. Methods: Clinical and fiscal records of DOH-MAP recipients were prospectively tracked and analyzed from January to June 2018. Results: A total of Php 20,875,291.98 was utilized in the program from January to June 2018. The departments of Medicine (29.68%), Surgery (26.25%), and Neurosciences (15.99%) were identified as the clinical departments with the highest allocation of assistance fund. The pharmacy (64.28%), laboratory (12.87%), and outsourced medical equipment and services from EQUILIFE (10.26%) were determined to be the cost centers with the highest allotment. Conclusion The clinical departments and cost centers with high funding utilization identified in this study are recommended to be given appropriate increase in budget allocation, equipment procurement, maintenance and enhancement, and service improvement in order to provide a comprehensive health service delivery for patients of UP-PGH.
Health Expenditures ; Healthcare Financing ; Medical Assistance