No network doctors at network hospital!

Today, I phoned to enquire about any additional ante-natal benefits I could make use of, seeing as though I’m 14 weeks pregnant and out of medical savings.

I wasn’t expecting much (since Discovery's idea of cover is to pay for everything from a member’s savings), but then learnt that they offer eight ante-natal consultations and two 2D scans at a network gynecologist as part of your extended benefit. I was told to check online for doctors in my area.

To clarify, we are on the Classic Delta Saver option. We could choose this option since we live in Somerset West and have access to a great hospital that’s on your network: Vergelegen Medi-Clinic.

Now, seeing as though I'm already well into my pregnancy, I have already been for my first consultation plus my 13-week DS scan and claimed that from my savings. But I would be willing to look at another provider on your network if it means accessing the extended benefit.

But, guess what: Discovery have NO REGISTERED GYNECOLOGISTS on their network in Somerset West. None. Zero. In Stellenbosch, they have one out of seven – but obviously, I can’t use that provider since I’d need someone who could care for me until my baby is born and perform the delivery at Vergelegen.

So, when calling the call centre, I was very flatly told that it’s just tough for me. I can’t access that benefit if there are no network doctors in my area! I’m sorry, but that is shocking beyond words. How can they offer something to their members but not make provision for access to that benefit? I mean, NO NETWORK GYNEAS IN SOMERSET WEST? What kind of show are they running there?

Of course, it was made to sound as if I were to blame for this:

1. Did I bother checking that there were network gynecologists in my area before choosing the plan I’m on? Um, NO. Why? Because obviously, if you have a network HOSPITAL in the area, I expect you to have network DOCTORS there. Also (and not that it's any of their business), we didn't and will never plan our lives and the decisions we make around Discovery Health! What utter nonsense! We chose an option that seemed like it covered all the bases for us at the time, only to be disappointed by a short-coming on your side!

2. Have I asked my doctor to be on the network? Again, no, because it’s NOT my responsibility to manage the relationship between you and your doctors. As a member, this should be taken care of for me!

I don’t think it’s unreasonable for me to expect network cover and access to the benefits offered on my plan – especially since I have to abide by Discovery's rules and eventually deliver my baby at Vergelegen. With gynecologists especially, you build a relationship with that person for the duration of your pregnancy, so it’s not like I can just go to any random network doctor for all my scans, then at the last minute ask a gynae at Vergelegen to deliver my baby to satisfy your scheme rules.

I want my eight consultations and two scans, as I am entitled to. So I demand that a plan be made for access to a gynae in Somerset West where I can obtain my extended benefits. That gynae should also be willing to deliver my baby at Vergelegen. Alternatively, I am happy to go to the ONE network gynae you have a Stellenbosch, but then I want to be able to deliver my baby at Stellenbosch Medi-Clinic without the co-payment.