The MHIF called it unacceptable to refuse treatment to patients if they do not have a coronavirus test

Russian doctors do not have the right to refuse assistance to patients who have not been tested for coronavirus. “Such cases” were informed about this by the Federal Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (MHIF).

On May 5, the All-Russian Union of Patients turned to the Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund for clarification on why hospitals began to require a certificate of absence of COVID-19 from patients with chronic diseases who need to continue treatment. In addition, in some regions, patients are denied a free coronavirus test and are insisted on paid research. This is explained by the fact that the person is not at risk or does not have signs of the disease - in this case, the study is not covered by the territorial state guarantee program, the patients' union said.

The MHIF explained that the requirement for test results for COVID-19 when providing compulsory medical insurance services is regarded as an unjustified refusal of medical care to insured persons. It is also unacceptable when doctors offer to do a coronavirus test only for a fee.

Patients with cancer, diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, as well as those on dialysis should receive full treatment, the MHIF noted. Planned care can be rescheduled only if the patient’s health condition allows.

According to the vice-president of the All-Russian Union of Insurers, Dmitry Kuznetsov, the patient must solve any problem with obtaining assistance through a medical insurance organization. “They will not only provide advice, but also, if necessary, help resolve the issue of hospitalization,” said Kuznetsov.