Republic of the Philippines

Department of Health
CENTRAL VISAYAS CENTER for HEALTH DEVELOPMENT

April 05,2023
REGIONAL CIRCULAR
NALCI
No. 2023-

TO : ALL HEADS OF HEALTH FACILITIES. PROGRAM MANAGERS

AND ALL OTHERS CONCERNED

SUBJECT ; Disease Categorization per Service Capability

According to the Republic Act No. 11223, Universal Health Care Act Implementing Rules
and Regulations, Section 17.3, that The Province-wide and City-wide health systems shall have the
following minimum population- based health systems component, such as a primary care provider
network {Section 17.3a).

The Department of Health (DOH) has set standards and guidelines for organizing health care
provider networks and designating apex hospital to ensure the delivery of a continuum of care within
the integrated health system and a functional referral system.

As the DOH Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH CV CHD) gears toward
strengthening the functionality and efficiency of referral mechanism region wide, in collaboration
with health facilities included in the Health Care Provider Network (HCPN) and the identified apex
hospital, developed the disease categorization specific for each facility’s service capability to
implement the gatekeeping mechanism and ensure appropriate navigation of patients to the most
suitable health care services for the assurance of quality care at the right time and place.

Therefore, all health facilities shall adhere to the Disease Categorization per Service
Capability in patient referral through the electronic referral system. An identified primary care
provider shall act as health network navigator and coordinator towards an integrated and coordinated
health care provider network.

Refer to Annex A. Disease Categorization per Service Capability for proper guidance and
strict compliance.

For dissemination.

JAIME S. BERNABAl^lD, MGM, CESO III

Regional Director
LHSD/HFES/PepiloHJ

Osmefia Boulevard, Sambag n, Cebu City, 6000 Philippines Regional Director’s Office Tel. No. (032) 260-9740 local 101-102
Official Website: http://www.ro7.doh.gov.ph email address: dohro7@gmail.com