Daman - faq-obstetric-ultrasounds

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Obstetric Ultrasound Coverage

Effective from April 1, 2019, Daman will cover up to a maximum of three (3) procedures within all three (3) trimesters of your pregnancy, with one (1) procedure performed per single trimester as long as the ultrasound procedure is part of your maternity benefits in your insurance policy. Please refer to the Schedule of Benefits as part of your Daman insurance plan, which you can find in your MyDaman.

Continue reading below for the frequent asked questions around Obstetric Ultrasounds.

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1. I was told at the clinic there is some changes for pregnant women who undergo an obstetric ultrasonography (obstetric ultrasound). Can you explain what has changed?

As long as the ultrasound procedure is part of your maternity benefits in your insurance policy, Daman will cover up to three (3) procedures within all three (3) trimesters of your pregnancy, with one (1) procedure performed per single trimester.

This applies for thorough procedures conducted by qualified ultrasound technician or diagnostic medical sonographer in the Radiology, Medical Imaging or other specialized department of a clinic/hospital.

Important: please note, that quick bedside ultrasounds conducted by your doctor are considered as part of the consultation and these are not counted as part of the 3 thorough procedures described above. It is your doctor’s decision to perform a quick ultrasound as part of the consultation.

2. When does the new rule become effective?

All health care providers have been informed about the new rules ahead of time, becoming effective from April 1, 2019.

3. I already had more than one ultrasound procedure in last trimester(s) before the change has become effective. Can I still avail the remaining procedure(s) in the next trimester(s)?

Yes, the effective date of implementation is April 1st, 2019, any service performed before that won’t be counted as part of the new rule.

4. Are these rules applicable to any specific insurance plan?

These rules are applicable to all Daman insurance plans such as Basic, Enhanced and Thiqa.

5. The hospital/clinic told me that Daman has stopped covering pregnancy ultrasounds. Is that true?

No, this is not true. Up to three pregnancy ultrasounds are covered by Daman as long as this benefit is part of the insurance policy. Please refer to the Schedule of Benefits as part of your Daman insurance.

6. The OB reception just told me that I’m not covered for pregnancy ultrasound. Why not?

There can be only two reasons why your ultrasound procedure has been rejected.

First, this procedure is not part of the maternity benefits included in your insurance policy. Please refer to the Schedule of Benefits as part of your insurance policy.

Second reason is that you have already performed an ultrasound procedure in the current trimester or have had reached the limited of three procedures in all your trimesters.

7. I have maternity benefit which includes ultrasound procedure. Why wouldn’t be any further ultrasound covered?

Your benefit includes one ultrasound procedure per one trimester. Any additional ultrasound is not required as part of a normal pregnancy.

8. Will additional ultrasound be covered in case of an emergency?

Yes, your health and the safety of your baby come first. Daman will cover obstetric ultrasounds for proven emergencies.

9. I have twins/triplets. Don’t I need more ultrasounds?

Multiple gestations will usually require extra care compared to singleton pregnancies. Your doctor may decide whether an additional ultrasound procedure is required and request for it.

10. My previous ultrasound was done at another facility. I am now with a new doctor. Shouldn’t I repeat the ultrasound procedure?

Please share the previous ultrasound result with your new obstetrician. A new ultrasound procedure can be performed in the next trimester in case such a procedure has already been performed in the current trimester.

11. Ultrasound was covered for my previous pregnancies. Why isn’t it covered now? What happened?

Pregnancy ultrasound is still covered, one procedure per trimester for a normal pregnancy. Daman is partnering with the local regulator to ensure that ultrasounds are only prescribed whenever medically necessary.

12. Are these three ultrasounds procedures enough to ensure my health and the safety of my baby? I remember getting more than three procedures during my previous pregnancy.

Yes, your baby is absolutely safe when three ultrasounds procedures are performed. As per international medical best practice three ultrasounds (1 per trimester) are fully sufficient during a normal pregnancy:

1st trimester (0-14 weeks): confirm viable pregnancy inside uterus, estimate the age of gestation with/without Down’s syndrome screening
2nd trimester (14-28 weeks): detailed scan of fetal anatomy
3rd trimester (28-42 weeks): fetal growth surveillance, follow-up known problem with placenta, preparation for delivery

13. The ultrasound was prescribed by my doctor although it is not covered. Why would s/he do that?

Your doctor may always request for pre-authorization for an additional ultrasound procedure, if it is truly medically necessary.

14. I need to see what my baby looks like now. How can I know my baby is fine if you don’t give me an ultrasound at each visit?

International best practice recommendations, as well as local health authority standards, do not support use of ultrasound in each antenatal visit. Ultrasounds should only be done whenever medically necessary, not just for keepsake photos.

1st trimester (0-14 weeks): confirm viable pregnancy inside uterus, estimate the age of gestation with/without Down’s syndrome screening
2nd trimester (14-28 weeks): detailed scan of fetal anatomy
3rd trimester (28-42 weeks): fetal growth surveillance, follow-up known problem with placenta, preparation for delivery

Please note, that quick bedside ultrasounds conducted by your doctor are considered as part of the consultation and these are not counted as part of the 3 thorough procedures described above. It is your doctor’s decision to perform a quick ultrasound as part of the consultation.