No one at CHC, however, wanted to confirm yesterday if the regulations increased the fees.
CHC also did not provide information about its old rates.
In a notice he submitted to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial last month, Department of Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez said that public interest requires that the emergency rules take effect immediately.
The emergency rules are for 120 days only, and should take effect upon the notification of the governor’s office.
Villagomez said he finds the rules necessary due to an “imminent peril to the public health.”
Home visits now cost patients up to $325 while obstetrical care costs up to $1,803.
The services that charge the highest physician fee include open skull for drainage, $2,361; internal canal decompression, $2,060; and enterectomy, $2172.
The technical fee for obstetrical care is now $2,563.
Villagomez’s adoption of the emergency regulations was concurred by Fitial last Jan. 28.
Under the law, the Public Health secretary is empowered by the Legislature to adopt rules and regulations for enforcement of statute governing his activities.
Villagomez stated in his notice that recent changes make it necessary for CHC to amend its schedule of fees.
He said CHC must include in the schedules fees the services and procedures that physicians find necessary for patient care.
