How Can an 81-Year-Old Patient Get Regular Hemodialysis Under the ECHS Card, and Is a Referral Required?

Dear SURENDRA PAL SINGH ji,

Yes, you need a referral from your ECHS Polyclinic to receive regular hemodialysis (dialysis) under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).

Since you are 81 years old and already receiving treatment under the Nephrology Department at Batra Hospital, Delhi, please ask your nephrologist for a prescription and medical report explaining your need for regular dialysis. Although ECHS beneficiaries aged 75 years and above have special referral exemptions for OPD consultations, regular dialysis require a specific referral and approval.

Please confirm the current requirements with your ECHS Polyclinic before starting treatment.

What steps should you follow for regular dialysis?

1. Get a prescription from your kidney specialist. Ask your nephrologist at Batra Hospital for a medical report mentioning your kidney condition and how often you need dialysis.
2. Visit your ECHS Polyclinic. Carry your ECHS Smart Card, doctor's prescription, medical reports, and previous treatment records. If you are unable to visit in person, ask the polyclinic whether a family member can submit the documents on your behalf.
3. Ask for a referral for regular dialysis. The ECHS Medical Officer will guide you about the referral and approval process. Ask whether a long-term referral or approval for multiple dialysis sessions is available for your case.
4. Confirm the hospital's arrangements. Before starting dialysis, check with the hospital's ECHS help desk about your referral, approval, appointment schedule, and cashless treatment eligibility.
5. Check the referral's validity. Ask when the referral or approval expires and what you need to do to continue your regular dialysis sessions.

What important points should you remember?

• Hospital empanelment: Confirm that Batra Hospital is currently empanelled with ECHS for nephrology and dialysis services and is accepting ECHS patients for this treatment.
• Cashless treatment: Dialysis may be provided cashlessly when it is approved under ECHS rules at an eligible empanelled hospital. Confirm any charges that may not be covered before treatment.
• Referral renewal: Ask your ECHS Polyclinic about the validity of your referral and the process for continuing treatment without interruption.

HexaHealth is not a hospital. We work with partner hospitals and doctors and can help connect you with a suitable hospital for dialysis treatment. Please share the city and state where you live, and we will help you explore suitable options. ECHS empanelment, referral requirements, and cashless approval must be confirmed before starting treatment.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth