Importance of ABHA Number in India’s Digital Health Infrastructure

Posted on: Dec 5, 2023 | | Written by:

Importance of ABHA Number in India’s Digital Health Infrastructure

Publication date: December 1, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 MIN

Ayushman Bharat Health Account, formerly called Health ID, is a special initiative of the Government of India. Under this scheme, the government provides every citizen with a unique 14-digit health identification number or ABHA number to help them keep their healthcare records in one place for easy access. With this 14-digit number handy, you can also interact with hospitals, clinics and other participating healthcare providers easily and receive your prescriptions and lab reports digitally. Moreover, when your medical reports are stored online, you can quit worrying about losing or misplacing them.

Read on to understand what is an ABHA number and the benefits of having this unique health ID.

What is an ABHA Number?

ABHA number or Ayushman Bharat Health Account number is provided to Indian citizens who create an ABHA account under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission or ABDM. The ABHA health account helps registered members store their health-related records digitally and share them with different healthcare providers seamlessly.

The following are some important points to keep in mind:

• ABHA is a combination of the ABHA number, ABHA address or PHR (Public Health Record) address and PHR app.

• ABHA number and ABHA address (PHR address) are created at the time of ABHA registration.

• The health records stored and managed with ABHA are secure. The platform will not share your data with anyone without your consent.

Purpose of ABHA Number

The purpose or objectives of the ABHA number are:

1. To strengthen healthcare services around the country

2. To help people store and manage their healthcare records easily, anytime and from anywhere

3. To help people access and share their medical files with different healthcare providers with a few clicks for timely treatment and care

4. To keep all medical data in one place and prevent loss of information

Benefits of ABHA Number Registration

Registering with ABHA can offer you the following benefits —

• Online directory of health records:

You can store all your health records online and access them anytime.

• Unique identity:

Your ABHA number is your unique identity within the healthcare system. All you need to do is provide your ABHA number to healthcare professionals, and they will check your medical records and suggest the right course of treatment.

• Quality and affordable healthcare:

ABHA aims to provide quality healthcare services at affordable rates. Therefore, registering with ABHA can benefit you and your loved ones.

• Healthcare services at home:

As an ABHA card holder, you can easily consult experienced healthcare practitioners online from the comfort of your home. Moreover, you can avail of healthcare services from any part of India and get the doctor’s prescriptions, diagnostic test results, etc., on the ABHA app.

• Consult experienced healthcare practitioners:

ABHA card holders can consult experienced and verified doctors registered under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission or ABDM. You can check the qualifications, treatment charges and other details and choose a healthcare provider that best matches your requirements.

• Data privacy:

ABDM ensures the utmost security of the data and medical records of all ABHA card holders. Therefore, healthcare practitioners and hospitals cannot access your data without your permission.

ABHA ID Creation Step-by-Step Process

The following are the steps to create ABHA ID online:

1. Go to the official website of ABDM. If you are creating the ID on your phone, you must download the ABHA application.

2. Next, click on "Create ABHA Number".

3. You will see two options to create an ABHA number, i.e., "Create your ABHA number using Aadhaar" and "Create your ABHA number using Driving Licence". Click on the suitable option.

4. On the "Consent Collection" page, you will be asked to enter your Aadhaar or mobile number based on the option you have selected. Enter the same and click the "Next" button.

5. You can select the "Aadhaar Authentication" or "Mobile Authentication" page.

6. If you opt for "Mobile Authentication", enter the OTP received by you on your registered phone number and click the "Next" option.

7. If you choose "Aadhaar Authentication" and your mobile number is already linked with your Aadhaar card, your ABHA ID will be created. If you choose "Mobile Authentication", you must fill out the form with the required details and submit the same. This will create your ABHA ID and ABHA address. You can use your ABHA address to log in to your ABHA account.

8. Lastly, download and print your ABHA card and keep it handy.

You can also create your ABHA ID offline by visiting one of the authorised centres offering this service.

How ABHA Cards Help with Health Insurance Plans?

In today’s times, when healthcare costs are increasing exponentially, having health insurance can ease your financial worries during medical emergencies. You can opt for timely treatment at a reputed healthcare facility without worrying about the bills.

When you have health insurance, you can either opt for cashless treatment at any network hospital of the insurance provider or choose a non-network healthcare establishment and subsequently file a reimbursement claim. You can access your claims easily if you link your ABHA number to your health insurance policy. Moreover, the insurance provider can use your ABHA number to check your hospital bills and medical records during the claim settlement process. This will save you from the hassles of submitting hard copies of your discharge summary, medical reports and hospital bills to the insurance provider.

Conclusion

Using your ABHA account can help you store and access all your medical records digitally in one place. Moreover, you can also connect with experienced and verified healthcare practitioners from any part of the country and avail of quality treatment. The professionals can access your medical records on your ABHA account, simplifying the entire online consultation process. You can also link your ABHA number to your individual or senior citizen health insurance policy for easy claim settlement.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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