CGHS: The central government has made a big change for the patients undergoing treatment under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Hospitals will no longer need to upload geo-tagged photos of patients every day. The government has changed the rules
CGHS: The central government has made a big change for the patients undergoing treatment under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Hospitals will no longer need to upload geo-tagged photos of patients every day. The government has changed the rules. The government has changed these rules for the In-Patient Department (IPD). The government has given a one-time exemption in this rule.
Exemption given on old rules
Earlier it was necessary to upload geo-tagged photos of IPD patients daily. But now the government has removed this rule and said that this rule will not be applicable for the period from the date on which the old order came to the date of the new order. That is, no action will be taken for not uploading photos during this period.
What will the hospitals have to do?
When the documents of patients in whose cases photos were not uploaded earlier are uploaded again on the TMS portal, hospitals will have to attach a copy of the new order.
According to the new rules
IPD referral cases (where the patient has been referred and the referral is valid.) No photo is required.
- IPD non-referral cases (where not referred).
- One photo at the time of admission
- One photo at the time of discharge
- If the admission is more than 7 days, then an extra photo will be required every seventh day.
For OPD cases
- Referral cases: No photo required.
- Cases without referral
- For patients above 70 years of age.
- Follow-up related to referral in which no new referral has been taken.
- Screenshot of video call is also valid for bedridden patients.
- Geo-tagged photo is required in all these.
Rules for uploading photos
- The photo should be taken from a mobile or tablet which does automatic geo-tagging.
- The photo should not be larger than 1 MB.
- The photo has to be uploaded in real time or within 24 hours.
- Hospitals will have to keep a local copy of all the photos for at least 90 days, so that they can show it at the time of audit.
What will happen if they do not do so?
If a hospital does not follow these new rules, its payment under CGHS can be stopped or the claim can be rejected.
When are these rules applicable?
These new guidelines have come into effect with immediate effect and will remain valid till further orders. This change is a relief for both patients and hospitals, but it will be mandatory for everyone to do the necessary documentation as per the new rules.
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