Disgusted at Discovery

I am absolutely disgusted with the level of service , or lack of service, on the part of Discovery Medical Aid.

I suffered a heart attack on 8 April 2025 and was admitted to hospital. The matter was quite severe as I spent two days in Cardiac ICU. I was informed by Discovery that I do not have any active waiting periods on my scheme.

My Cardiologist ordered for me to have an Angiogram. I was disturbed to find that my request for an Angiogram could not be done as Discovery did not authorize same and Discovery requested for further documentation to be submitted.

As I was hospitalized, and instructed by my Cardiologist not to leave the hospital due to my critical condition, I had to rely on my elderly father to collate the necessary documents needed by Discovery!

All documents were submitted to Discovery on Friday 11 April 2025. The case manager of the hospital phoned Discovery to inquire if all necessary documents have been received and if anything further is required. Discovery confirmed receipt of the documentation and advised that no further documentation would be needed. I also phoned Discovery to inquire if they need anything further to authorise my treatment and was told that all documents were received and was sent to another department pending feedback. I was also informed of a FOUR day turnaround time.

On the evening of Friday 11 April 2025 i was informed by the hospital financial department that should I continue to stay in hospital I will be held liable for the bill in my personal capacity as Discovery is not reverting to the hospital nor myself!

I was therefore left with no alternative but to discharge from hospital, as I do not have the funds to cover my hospital stay pending feedback from Discovery.

I am still suffering with shortness of breath, constant chest pains and I am unfit to go back to my job until I am medically cleared to do so.

I was informed by Discovery, on Monday 14 April 2025 that authorization was still pending.

I have made numerous telephonic follow ups with Discovery, and mentioning that I am severely ill and require in hospital treatment due to my chest pains, but have not received any feedback to date.

As a heart attack may be immenent, I do not understand how it would take a department over 4 days to authorize my treatment! I am severely stressed about the situation and disgusted by the lack of empathy and professionalism on the part of Discovery!