FAQs
General Information
1. What is the DHC Express ?
The DHC Express is a primary healthcare initiative of the Government. Through public-private partnership, medical-social collaboration, it provides district-based primary healthcare services aiming to:
- enhance public awareness of disease prevention and their capability in self-management of health;
- drive healthy lifestyle for prevention of chronic disease;
- support the chronically ill to prevent deterioration; and
- enhance client access to primary healthcare services.
2. Who operates the DHC Express ?
The government commissioned the operation through an open tender, and the Islands DHC Express is operated by the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council.
3. Which of the healthcare professionals will provide service at the core centre and service points ?
The healthcare professionals of the DHC Express consists of Registered nurses, Physiotherapists, Social workers, Program worker and Physiotherapy assistants.
4. Apart from the Core Centre of DHC Express, are there other service points ?
Apart from the Core Centre, the Islands DHC Express also has 9 service points, which are located in Yat Tung Estate, Ying Tung Estate, Tai O, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau, Mui Wo, and Discovery Bay.
Eligibility
1. Who is the service target of the DHC Express ?
Individuals living or working in Islands District.
2. Who is eligible to receive DHC Express service ?
An individual who
- is a holder of the Hong Kong Identity Card issued under the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Cap. 177, the Laws of Hong Kong) or the certificate of exemption, except those who obtained their Hong Kong Identity Cards by virtue of a previous permission to land or remain in Hong Kong granted to him and such permission has expired or ceased to be valid; or a child who is a Hong Kong resident and under 11 years of age; and
- agrees to enroll in the electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHRSS); and
- Register as a member
3. What documents shall a person present when he registers in the DHC Express ?
He should present the original identity card.
4. I am 15 years old. Am I eligible to join the service from DHC Express ?
DHC Express will serve people aged over 6 with Hong Kong identity card. Those who are under 18 require parent or guardian consent in order to receive services.
5. I am not a CSSA recipient. Am I ineligible to take part in primary healthcare services ?
There are no special identity restrictions for the primary healthcare services provided by the DHC Express. As long as they have a Hong Kong identity card and registered in DHC Express, they are eligible to join the services.
Service Package and Fee
1. Is there any registration or membership fee for DHC Express ?
Registration and membership are free. The membership is lifelong.
2. What services are included in the DHC Express ?
Island DHC Express primarily have the following three service areas:
- Health promotion and prevention activities
- Provision of health risk assessments and chronic disease screenings
- Implementation of chronic disease management services related to DHC Express.
3. Does the client have to pay for DHC Express services ?
All health promotion, education, disease prevention activities, and group services are free of charge.
Participation in the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Program is subsidized by the government and requires co-payments. Please refer to the details.
4. Do I need a referral from doctor in order to undertake physiotherapy ?
Physiotherapy services at DHC Express are provided through referrals by family doctors, with patients paying the doctor's consultation fee themselves.
5. Can Elders who have participated in the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme use the vouchers for DHC services?
Clients who have participated in the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme can pay for DHC services from their Health Care Voucher accounts.
6. Can I withdraw from the DHC Express ?
Registration with the DHC Express is entirely voluntary. Clients who wish to withdraw from the scheme can inform the DHC operator.
Sharing of Information through eHRSS
1. Can the Network Service Providers access a DHC Express client’s medical record in the eHRSS ?
To facilitate continuity of care, all DHC clients and Network Service Providers are required to enroll in the eHRSS. With prior consent from the client, clinical information will be shared with the service providers through the eHRSS, on a need-to-know basis.
2. If a DHC Express client terminates participation in the eHRSS, is he still eligible to join the DHC Scheme ?
All DHC members must enroll in the eHRSS. The DHC Express will not be able to provide a coordinated service effectively to the client who withdraws from the eHRSS. The client will have to terminate his / her membership of the DHC Express.