Forms of and conditions for transfer between medical facilities in Vietnam

Forms of and conditions for transfer between medical facilities in Vietnam (Internet image)

1. Form of transfer between medical facilities in Vietnam

According to Article 4 of Circular 14/2014/TT-BYT, the forms of transfer in Vietnam include:

- Transfer of patients from an inferior facility to a superior facility:

= Patients shall be transferred from an inferior facility to the directly superior facility in ascending order;

= The transfer of patient may not comply with regulations in point a of this Clause if conditions specified in Point b clause 1 Article 5 of Circular 14/2014/TT-BYT are satisfied.

- Transfer of patients from a superior facility to an inferior facility.

- Transfer of patients between medical facilities of the same level.

2. Conditions for transfer of medical facilities in Vietnam

Conditions for transfer of medical facilities in Vietnam according to Article 5 of Circular 14/2014/TT-BYT are as follows:

- The medical facility shall transfer a patient to a superior facility if the following conditions are satisfied:

= The disease is not suitable to the capacity in diagnosis and treatment and the list of techniques of the medical facility approved by a regulatory authority in healthcare

Or, the disease is suitable to the capacity in diagnosis and treatment and the list of techniques of the medical facility approved by a regulatory authority in healthcare but, due to an objective reason, such medical facility is not qualified to provide diagnosis and treatment;

= Depending on the list of techniques approved by a regulatory authority in healthcare, if the directly superior facility does not have suitable medical techniques, patients shall be transferred to a higher-rank facility;

= Before the patient is transferred, a medical consultation shall be held to appoint the receiving facility (excluding rank 4 clinics and medical facilities).

- A medical facility may transfer the patient to a suitable inferior facility if the patient is diagnosed no longer in emergency conditions and the disease has eased up and suitable for receiving treatment from an inferior facility.

- Conditions for transfer of patients between medical facilities of the same level:

= The disease is not suitable to the list of techniques of the medical facility approved by a regulatory authority in healthcare or, the disease is suitable to the list of techniques of the medical facility approved by a regulatory authority in healthcare but, due to an objective reason, such medical facility is not qualified to provided diagnosis and treatment;

= The disease is suitable to the list of techniques of the medical facility that is planned to receive the patient that is approved by a regulatory authority.

- Transfer between medical facilities in neighboring areas to ensure good conditions for patients:

= Directors of Departments of Health of provinces shall detail the transfer between medical facilities in neighboring areas in central-affiliated cities and provinces within their management;

= Directors of Departments of Health of provinces shall cooperate with each other in guiding the transfer between medical facilities in neighboring areas in central-affiliated cities and provinces within their management;

- The transfers of patients according to regulations above are considered on-line transfer. The transfers of patients uncomfortable with regulations above are considered off-line transfer

If the patient does not satisfy the conditions for transfer of facilities specified above but he/she or his/her legal representative requests the transfer, the medical facility shall carry out the transfer procedures to ensure the right of choosing medical facility of the patient.

The transferring facility shall provide the patient with information about the rights and charge of medical treatment after deducting the amount covered by medical insurance when receiving off-line treatment.

Quoc Dat

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE