Practice Policy Guidelines for New Patients.
Logistical demands inherent in maintaining a private medical practice, have required a written practice policy on attending a consultation. This is to allow the continued efficient delivery of care to increasing numbers of patients. This information sheet is designed to keep you duly informed about my practice policy when scheduling an appointment.
Consultations
First patient consultations as well as existing patient consultations for a new problem will be billed at R1200.00. The consultation fee is payable immediately after the consultation. Consultations are scheduled for 45 minutes. Please arrive timeously and be courteous to other patients by not extending your consultation time unduly.
Follow up consultations and check-up visits
I usually see patients at 1 week and 6 weeks post-surgery. I occasionally need to see patients at other times to assist with dressings or if there are any specific concerns. These follow up consultations are scheduled for 15 minutes and the same courtesies as above apply. In line with the South African Medical Association (SAMA) guidelines, these visits within the first 6 weeks after surgery are not billed. Any additional consumables which may be used will be billed at the relevant NAPPI rates. Follow up visits after 6 weeks will be billed at a reduced rate of R450.00 per consultation. New problems will be billed as a new consultation.
Cancellation Policy
To keep my waiting times acceptable, the following cancellation policy will be applicable. Patients who are 15 minutes late will be re-scheduled without exception. Patients who cancel their scheduled appointments less than 24 hours prior to the time will be re-booked at the next open appointment, which may be some time in the future.
Medical Aid Contracts
I have a contract with Discovery Health Classic plans only – Classic Saver, Classic Comprehensive or Executive plans will be fully covered. Other schemes have their own specific rates, which may, or may not require a co-payment on your part. It is your responsibility to check this with your scheme and the final responsibility of account payment rests with the patient and/or their guarantor.
Office Procedures
Office procedures require payment in full at the conclusion of the procedure. You may submit your paid invoice to your scheme for reimbursement. In all non-PMB cases, the funds for such re-imbursements will come from the “Day-to-Day Benefits”
Paperwork
Many organizations request extensive medical reports and this administration burden is increasing exponentially. Often these forms have no material bearing on medical care. Forms which are less than four (4) A4 pages will be billed at R500.00 and forms which are longer will be billed at R700.00. The writing of prescriptions for collection or electronic transmission for medical conditions during the first six weeks are not charged for. Thereafter, the nominal fee specified by SAMA will apply.