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janet M

1 reviews | Active since Sept 2015

16 May 2016, 05:52

Breast cancer patients denied right to look normal

I work for surgeons who specialize in breast cancer surgery. Our Bestmed patient was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a mastectomy, completed chemo and started the reconstruction then was diagnosed again with a recurrence. She had surgery again, underwent radiation and then started the reconstruction process again. This lady is in her late 30's, with excellent health prospects ahead of her. When it was time to have her expander exchanged for an implant, Dr requested authorisation for a lift on the other breast to achieve symmetry. It was denied as a scheme exclusion. Dr spoke to a team leader who was supposed to ask the doctor on Bestmed's medical review team to phone Dr back. No call was ever received. This patient either has to go through life with 2 completely different breasts, or find the funds to finance the lift on the non-cancer side. So far, other medical aids that we have dealt with will finance a lift or reduction on the non-cancer side so that the patient looks as normal as possible; and they do not see it as a cosmetic procedure. Not only does Bestmed not have humanity, their customer service attitude from team leader upwards is absolutely terrible too.

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Replies (1)
Bestmed Medical Scheme
Bestmed Medical Scheme's reply16 May 2016, 06:14
Official
Hey Janet Thank you for taking the time to bring your complaint to our attention. The contents have been noted and we are currently investigating the issue. Please note that the complaint will be handled and responded to by an Escalation Specialist. If however, you need more information, do not hesitate to contact us. Your wellbeing, as a valued client of the Scheme, is important to all of us at Bestmed. With kind regards Bestmed Medical Scheme