RK
Rodney K

1 reviews | Active since Jun 2016

21 Jul 2025, 07:54

Onchology treatment plan Inefficiency - Patient Lives dont matter

My dad is in an advance stage 4 cancer. The doctor requested for a treatment plan, which was immunotherpy drug since he is on a Comprehensive Plan. The initial treament did not help with the cancer hence an updated treatment requested. The treatment plan was escalated for priority and even then, Discovery Onchology clinical department showed no urgency, as usual with all plans submitted. After multiple calls and escalations and 10 days later, the clinical Discovery doctors declined the treatment claiming it is not his first treatment, hence immunotheraphy cannot be approved. This was the biggest excuse from Discovery in order to decline a costly treatment. Discovery clinical department tends to overpower Onchologists in their decisions and this really frustrates the patient and Onchologist as Discovery does not care about the best treatment plan and would rather have the patient lose their life. This is a proven fact as they fail to prioritise treatment plan approval with their lengthy process and and excuse like this to decline immunotherapy is a Joke. Research has shown that Immunotheraphy can be given to patients at any stage of treatment, if their Onchologist feels it is the best option. Just some advise to Discovery Doctors, rather than compromising Patient treatments.

0
Replies (8)
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply21 Jul 2025, 08:51
Official
Dear Autar J

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
RK
Rodney K's update07 Aug 2025, 10:56
Reviewer Update
There has been no direct feedback. Even after another MRI which shows that cancer is spreading to the brain area, Discovery have not yet approved the treatment plan requested by the Onchologist, who have sent another plan request. Apparently they cannot make a decision and escalated the plan to another outside company. There is still no response and it has been almost 2 weeks. Critical treatment plans like this needs to be prioritised as cancer spreads daily without proper treatment. Patient lives are being put at risk with these delays. The onchologist teams does not know how to apologise for dealys. Another radiation plan was submitted and even after 7 days, no feedback was received. I questioned the consultant on the delay and she mentioned that they not sure why the radiation was not accepted by a Case manager, even after 8 days, without any apology. Experienced many other calls where their consultants speak rude and when addressing their arrogant nature of response, there is no apology.
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply13 Aug 2025, 11:47
Official
Dear Autar J

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

Regards
Discovery Health Servicing Team

RK
Rodney K's update13 Aug 2025, 13:47
Reviewer Update
Sadly no resolution. Third week going and Discovery have not provided any approval on treatment. Knowing the critical nature of this treatment plan as my dads life is dependent on it. As mentioned, Patients lives does not matter. Importantly, my dad pay almost R10k a month for his plan alone.
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply18 Aug 2025, 18:24
Official
Dear Rodney K

Please check your emails for feedback from us.

Regards

Discovery Health Servicing Team

RK
Rodney K's update19 Aug 2025, 11:25
Reviewer Update
Hi

Your feedback did not resolve the issue. All you stated was that the treatment plan is with another department. It is literally 3 weeks now and there is no finalisation on the requested plan. What is Discovery doing to speed up this approval? Considering my fathers life is on stake! Logically the cancer could have spread further in the past 3 weeks while there are delays from Discovery.
RK
Rodney K's update22 Aug 2025, 09:06
Reviewer Update
Hi. Thanks to Sanet le Roux, the case Manager who went the extra mile requesting for feedback regularly from the clinical team for 3 weeks, the plan was approved. Thank you Sanet!
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply29 Aug 2025, 15:38
Official
Dear Rodney K

Thank you for taking time to give us your feedback. 
   
Regards 
Discovery Health Servicing Team