SG
Sonne G

1 reviews | Active since Dec 2012

04 Oct 2018, 10:48

Discovery Health leaves much to be desired

We belong to Discovery Health, whether we want to or not, as that is the only option offered by the company my husband works for. With our medical plan there is a benefits extender, which means once your medical savings account is depleted, you are allowed to still visit a GP, with a caveat, they have to be in the Daily Benefits Extender network. My GP is not, but last year we were informed that there is one doctor in Groblersdal who is and so this year, when our benefits ran out much earlier than usual, due to several dentists' appointments at the beginning of the year, I called the doctor we were informed was on the DBE network and after confirming with the receptionist that this is indeed the case, made an appointment. I had to go back again, having issues with my blood pressure, so 3 appointments later we are informed that Discovery refuses to pay the visits. According to Discovery this doctor withdrew from the DBE network, the doctor's receptionist ardently denies this, they were under the impression they are still on the network and never asked to leave it. Long story short, there is now no doctor in the whole of Groblersdal, who is part of this network. Should I book into hospital the next time my blood-pressure sky rockets? Would this be in Discovery's financial interest? The level of interest in finding a solution when I emailed Discovery was zero. I wish fervently that changing to another medical aid scheme was an option, but it's not. Surely I am not the only person in Groblersdal, who belongs to Discovery and am unable to get full use from the supposed benefits offered? And surely this is not the only town without a DBE network doctor? There must be thousands of people facing this issue. I can't drive 140 km to the closest town with a DBE network doctor every time I have to see a GP, have you seen the price of petrol? We pay an absolute fortune every month in premiums, wake up Discovery and pretend like you care about your members well-being and finding a workable solution for all your members and not just those in big cities.

0
Replies (9)
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply04 Oct 2018, 13:43
Official

Dear sonnegerber

We’ve noted your concerns and we’re investigating the matter. We’ll contact you with feedback as soon as possible.

Regards
Discovery Health Servicing Team

SG
Sonne G's update04 Oct 2018, 14:10
Reviewer Update
Thank you very much, I would appreciate that. It has now come to my attention that there is no DBE network doctor in any of the surrounding towns, not even Middelburg, which is a large town. How many members countrywide are unable to make use of this "benefit"?
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply08 Oct 2018, 11:23
Official

Dear sonnegerber

We have been in touch with you to answer your comments.

Regards
Discovery Health Servicing Team

SG
Sonne G's update15 Oct 2018, 14:55
Reviewer Update
While someone has been in touch, the matter has not been resolved. I am still awaiting further feedback. Spoke to the doctor's office a short while ago and nobody from Discovery has been in touch with them either, despite the gentleman that I spoke to saying he would work on getting the doctor listed on the network again and would provide feedback by Thursday last week.
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply17 Oct 2018, 11:21
Official

Dear sonnegerber

As soon as we have finalised this matter, we will provide you with final feedback.

Regards
Discovery Health Servicing Team

SG
Sonne G's update30 Oct 2018, 08:35
Reviewer Update
Is somebody actually attending to this issue, or are the responses just meant to placate? Surely it shouldn't take a month to address the issue? I was told that the doctor who was under the impression that he was still on the network, would be re-instated to the network, but after the initial contact there has been zero further communication, besides the above message, which really doesn't say much at all.
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply30 Oct 2018, 09:10
Official

Dear sonnegerber

Your concerns are important to us and we will be in touch soon with an answer to your comments.

Kind regards
Discovery Health Servicing Team

Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply01 Nov 2018, 12:36
Official

Dear sonnegerber

Please check your emails for feedback from us.

Regards
Discovery Health Servicing Team

SG
Sonne G's update01 Nov 2018, 14:26
Reviewer Update
Thank you, I have received the email response, hoping for a speedy resolution.