1 reviews | Active since Aug 2019
Breast reduction declined, even though medical reports reflect Spinal injury. I must go get cancer (as per callcentre agent)before they do reduction!!!
I have been suffering with Gigantomastia for years and this has had such a drastic negative impact on my life. I am constantly in agonising pain, and popping pain medication like its sweets. I then found out that there is a back and neck program (DBC) that bonitas offers for those who struggle with spinal problems. I then went to a 12 week program where i was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis secondary to degenerative disc changes , due to macromastia.
I also have breast cancer history in my family where my mum was diagnosed with Cancer and had 500 grams removed.
When i called in to find out why the authorization was declined, i was advised that that they will only do the reduction if i have cancer. I then asked, if you have a report from a spinal doctor confirming that my breasts are the reason for my spinal issues, i was told sorry, they do not do the reduction. I then asked, so are you saying that the medical aid will be okay with me doing spinal surgery which is higher risk and much more in terms of expenses, i was advised yes.
I then asked if they have noted that i have a history of breast cancer in the family, i was then told to hold on, the consultant came back to the phone and told me : " we have some good news in that regard... "so if you have cancer, we will remove the cancer and the both breast can be done, I was horrified, i am basically being told that i must go and get cancer for them to do the reduction even though i have medical proof inclusive of physiotherapy reports that i have spinal issues and the breast is the main factor for this.
This is absolutely obsurd, my question to the medical aid is this... What would spinal surgery assist, if the cause of the injury is not dealt with. Does medical reports and the health of your member not factor? i need to get special chairs to sit on at work. i am constantly medicated with pain ****ers, I have to move my bed closer to the wall so that i am able to get up in the morning with assistance, because the pulling of my breast as i sleep during the night causes stiffness and i am unable to get up without pain. I spend a multitude of money to go for massages just to bring relief, but what is that going to help if the real problem is not addressed.
I am not leaving this here and will sure;y be taking further action
We appreciate your patience while we are resolving this query for you.
Regards,
Bonitas Team
We appreciate your patience while we are resolving this query for you.
Regards,
Bonitas Team
To date, I have not received any feedback from anyone. I am scheduled to go in for surgery tomorrow and no one has come back to me.
Additional motivational letters has been emailed through from two independent doctors on Wednesday. Still no feedback.
I have medication that i need to take before the op as well as having to arrange back up for me at work its almost 13:00 and no one has come back to me, tomorrow will be a week since the complaint and 11 days since initial email was sent to Bonitas
To date, I have not received any feedback from anyone. I am scheduled to go in for surgery tomorrow and no one has come back to me.
Additional motivational letters has been emailed through from two independent doctors on Wednesday. Still no feedback.
I have medication that i need to take before the op as well as having to arrange back up for me at work its almost 13:00 and no one has come back to me, tomorrow will be a week since the complaint and 11 days since initial email was sent to Bonitas
I have been asked for Quotations from the hospital, Anaesthetist and the surgeons on Monday Morning. I was then asked for all my financials, 3 months payslips, bank statements, IT34, IRP5, Affidavit that my husband is unemployed (as if i am buying the hospital bed or the medical aid)
My husband and i are married ANC and they insisted that i need to get his financial documents or a affidavit to say that he is not working.
I do not understand why all these documents are required when there are MEDICAL REPORTS from Biokineticist, Doctors, Plastic Surgeons and Physiothe******, as i have gone through an intense 12 week program where i was classified as a high risk patient and that there is nothing they can do in view of rehabilitation for my back because my breasts are too large. I am not a candidate for spinal surgery and the Doctor had sent a motivation letter fro this as well stating that i will relapse should i have Spinal surgery done as the breast Mass is too much.
I have spend over R300 in airtime, phoning following up, emailing. NO ONE IS HELPING OR EVEN GIVING FEEDBACK.
I get told every time that the case is discussed by the financial board.
You have a member that is suffering with major back issues, WITH MEDICAL REPORTS TO PROVE THAT THIS IS DETRIMENTAL TO MY HEALTH!!! YET my financials are now being looked at.
They have pictures of my progress, I lost over 33kgs as per instruction from the Plastic surgeon because at that time my BMI was at 42 and i was weighing 121 kgs - i have subsequently lost the above and at a BMI of 30, as the surgeon was comfortable to do the surgery then. I worked very hard, gymmed everyday, brought my weight down to 88 kgs in 9 MONTHS!!! I GYM 5 TIMES A WEEK. I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING THAT WAS ASKED OF ME MY THE DOCTORS.
The funny thing is they approved the very initial letter from the doctor for me to see a plastic surgeon for the breast reduction, so the medical aid was aware of this in April last year!!! now i get told i must go get Cancer!!! this is absolutely absurd.
I have been asked for Quotations from the hospital, Anaesthetist and the surgeons on Monday Morning. I was then asked for all my financials, 3 months payslips, bank statements, IT34, IRP5, Affidavit that my husband is unemployed (as if i am buying the hospital bed or the medical aid)
My husband and i are married ANC and they insisted that i need to get his financial documents or a affidavit to say that he is not working.
I do not understand why all these documents are required when there are MEDICAL REPORTS from Biokineticist, Doctors, Plastic Surgeons and Physiothe******, as i have gone through an intense 12 week program where i was classified as a high risk patient and that there is nothing they can do in view of rehabilitation for my back because my breasts are too large. I am not a candidate for spinal surgery and the Doctor had sent a motivation letter fro this as well stating that i will relapse should i have Spinal surgery done as the breast Mass is too much.
I have spend over R300 in airtime, phoning following up, emailing. NO ONE IS HELPING OR EVEN GIVING FEEDBACK.
I get told every time that the case is discussed by the financial board.
You have a member that is suffering with major back issues, WITH MEDICAL REPORTS TO PROVE THAT THIS IS DETRIMENTAL TO MY HEALTH!!! YET my financials are now being looked at.
They have pictures of my progress, I lost over 33kgs as per instruction from the Plastic surgeon because at that time my BMI was at 42 and i was weighing 121 kgs - i have subsequently lost the above and at a BMI of 30, as the surgeon was comfortable to do the surgery then. I worked very hard, gymmed everyday, brought my weight down to 88 kgs in 9 MONTHS!!! I GYM 5 TIMES A WEEK. I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING THAT WAS ASKED OF ME MY THE DOCTORS.
The funny thing is they approved the very initial letter from the doctor for me to see a plastic surgeon for the breast reduction, so the medical aid was aware of this in April last year!!! now i get told i must go get Cancer!!! this is absolutely absurd.