A new financial crisis is once again severely affecting the relationship between health professionals and key social work in Buenos Aires. The Platense Medical Association (AMP) yesterday evening informed its members and the general public of the decision to terminate the services of the Institute of Medical Assistance Work (Ioma) due to non-payment of benefits dating back to the month of October.
The violent measure, which suspends outpatient care for thousands of members in the region, took effect at midnight on Saturday. Anyone who turns to a specialist outside the emergency system must pay for the practice or advice without social security protection.
The AMP made this decision in response to what it considers to be a missed payment by IOMA, as the institution has not fulfilled its obligation to pay benefits for the month of October and the codes 88 for the month of September are still outstanding, it said in a statement.
IOMA Codes 88 is a billing system for medical practices with high complexity (divided into “Light” and “Heavy”) that allows providers (doctors, centers) to bill for certain studies and treatments that require special authorization, such as: B. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), complex neurological studies and others.
This lack of compliance prevented the association from proceeding with billing and payment of fees to professionals, resulting in paralysis of services.
The effects of the cut
The withholding of medical benefits will be maintained “until liquidation and payment can occur.” This situation has led to great uncertainty in the payment of more than 5,000 doctors in the region. The AMP warns that the IOMA’s ongoing payment delays in recent months are creating numerous complications for professionals facing the obligations and support of their respective families. The Platense Medical Association assured that all necessary and essential steps have been taken with the institute’s authorities to avoid having to take this measure.
However, the only response the union received was “delays and unfulfilled promises.”
Guaranteed exceptions
As with all coercive measures taken by this association, it is ensured that care for the most critical cases is not affected.
According to the information, standby and emergency care are excluded from this reduction in benefits.
With this clarification, the AMP seeks to mitigate the health impact on members who require immediate attention. However, routine advice and support services that do not fit into these categories are suspended from this Saturday.
The association maintains the “union warning” until payment dates are settled.
In addition, the company warns: “It does not rule out taking new measures if this situation persists.”
The recurring financial conflict between social work and the region’s doctors is once again taking the peace of mind of thousands of members in Buenos Aires hostage.
It is estimated that Ioma covers about 400,000 people in the capital region, of which around 300,000 people belong specifically to the city of La Plata.
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