Disappointment with Bonitas

I was born with a very complicated genetic back condition that needs to be assessed on a yearly basis. This includes X-rays, MRI's and pain medication. I am also getting pain medication from my GP for which I pay every month. I have been with the current specialist now for about 3 years and it is difficult to find a reliable specialist one can trust. I have had a fusion in my neck about 4 years ago and there is the possibility of more fusions but the surgeon I am with now wants to postpone it for as long as possible as more fusions will make me medically unfit for work. But that means other ways of controlling and managing the pain I suffer. This also includes visits to the DBC clinic which is probably the best Bonitas could have done. This year I had to go for another check-up and my surgeon suggested pain block therapy in theatre. I was booked and ready to go but the medical aid informed me that I would need to do a co-payment on the hospitalization which was the first time this happened. I phoned the hospital and the amount that I had to pay, I was not able to afford. This means that I had to cancel the procedure. The surgeon is in Pretoria and does the treatments at the Life group hospitals as no other hospitals in the Pta region could accommodate the treatment I have to undergo. Now two weeks ago, the medical aid informed us that we can only make use of the back specialists that they recommend which means that I have to change to another surgeon, building up a relationship regarding my medical history. This includes visits to the DBC clinic which in my case is about 40km away, taking the time off from work as the treatment is over a minimum period of 3 weeks twice a week. This is not always practically possible and is a huge financial burden regarding travel expenses. I have a history with Bonitas dating back almost 15 years regarding my back problem. Why do I have to change to another surgeon that I do not know or trust. It is not like I am trying to abuse or misuse my medical aid. I am on one of the more expensive options and pay a third of our salaries towards medical aid contributions, why can't I at least stay with the surgeons I know and the hospitals that do render the relevant services?? My wife has been suffering from deep vein thrombosis for several years. The stockings she needs to wear were paid every year up to last year but this year we have to pay it ourselves!! Why?? I have to wear custom shoes which have to pay now for more than 5 years, I cannot even get inserts anymore for my shoes - something I need to ease the pain I am suffering on a daily basis. I get the idea that Bonitas is very happy to charge the living daylights out of their clients lately with absolutely the least service to their customers as possible!! As long as their shareholders are happy! Never mind their patients!