WHAT
WE WENT THROUGH
When
HMI was established as the first Health Maintenance Organization
in the country in 1981, our economy was coasting along fairly
well, but the political horizon was beginning to manifest
ominous signs. Radical groups were very active in the countryside
and the labor movement was beginning to be restive in the
urban areas. lnspite of this, or because of this, some people,
intrepid or foolhardy, dared to venture into unknown territory-heedless of danger, but convinced of having a much needed
and valuable product to offer. Trailblazing a new industry
on unfamiliar grounds and within an uncertain social climate
is always a difficult beginning. However, we never had any
doubt that the HMO concept would answer a vital need of
the average Filipino wage-earner. We would not be here if
it were not so.
The
first hurdle was to gain acceptance of the product. Very
few people believed that for a few pesos, their health care
and hospitalization expenses would he covered. The convincing
process was long and tedious. The first big response came
when one of our members suffered a heart attack. HMI took
care of all medical bills. Literally, word spread like wildfire
at his place of work and we promptly got four hundred fifty
[450] new members.
Not
only did we have to educate the consumer on the HMO concept,
but we also had to work hand-in-band with the hospitals and
doctors - many of whom had never worked
within the context of an HMO. Our systems and procedures
had to he developed from scratch. It was a process of trial
and error as far as the working relationships with the hospitals
and HMI were concerned. Today, we are convinced that HMI
has the most viable and efficient system in the HMO industry,
including the most complete research and information data
system. Many of the key people in other HMOs grew up, and learned their skills, in
HMI.
We
are firm believers in constant and continuing improvement,
both in our services and our benefits. We have upgraded
member's benefits and coverage's in the form of Room and
Board accommodation and lifetime limit. We have introduced
improvements in benefits to cover a wide range of diagnostic
procedures, such as: MFWMRI, Thalliurn and Angiography.
We have included coverage of blood products, BPH, Cataract,
EndoscopictLaparoscopic surgeries and Laser procedure to
a certain extent. Our Corporate Health Program now includes
a variety of options: Higher Room and Board Programs, Dental,
and Maternity Benefits.
Today,
HMI has several Clinics to cater to its clientele: (1) the
free-standing Main Clinic located at the Makati Cinema Square
Complex First Basement equipped with fully automated random
access analyzer Merek Vitalab Selectra 2 for clinical chemistry,
Toshiba 640 mA Radiographic X-ray System, Treadmill, ECG,
Ultrasound, likewise, has extensive line-up of Specialists;
(2) St. Luke's Cathedral Heights Rooms 1 1 05 and 1 1 06,
at St. Luke's Hospital compound.
WHAT
WE ENVISION FOR THE FUTURE
During
the past decade, we have addressed our attention to the
needs and demands of our growing members, and proved our
adaptability to adjust to the changing environment and our
ability to emerge successful despite the difficult and trying
times.
It
is our intention to continue with our overriding goal of
providing the best care at the least cost. We have come ne
a long way in simplifying and streamlining our health care
delivery systems. While we recognize that there will always
be small problems and irritations, we are committed to minimizing
them, cognizant that consumer's preferences and hospital
operations themselves are constantly changing.
OUR
CORPORATE INSIGNIA
Our
Corporate service mark stands for total health care protection
graphically interpreted by fusing the company's initials
together to form a four-sided stylized logo locked in tight
cohesion. The resulting inner figure is a cross, a sign
deeply evocative of peace of mind and the realization of
a healthy, productive worry-free life.
