Medi-Clinic ********* billing

I am suffering because of a billing dispute between 2 giant companies, Medi-Clinic and BestMed medical aid. Here is the email I wrote to them:

According to the contents of the email above (and Mr Mitchel's subsequent explanation to me), the procedures comprising my partner's, Ms Meyiwa, Laparoscopy surgical operation are subject to 2 limitations-- 1. Ceilings; and 2. Non-coverage

According to Mr Mitchel (and evidenced in writing by Bestmed through the attachments)-- 1. Bestmed PreAuthorisation 2. Hospital Claim Review Notification 3. The contents of the email above from Mr Mitchel

MEDICLINIC DID NOT HAVE BESTMED'S AUTHORISATION FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE 2 PROCEDURES BELOW--

1. Code *** Coagulating shear harmonic ace plus 7 lap 45cm 0 MISC (***) 1 7,120.80 0.00 ITEM/SERVICE NOT COVERED BY SCHEME - MEMBER LIABLE *** ENDOPOUCH RETRIEVER POUCH 0 MISC (***)

2. Code *** Shear curved jaw straight shaft 37cm x 5mm 0 MISC ***) 1 8,085.40 0.00 ITEM/SERVICE NOT COVERED BY SCHEME - MEMBER LIABLE *** Insufflator filter tubing set steri wolf stortz connect 15mm 0 MISC (***)

According to your Letter of Demand, Ms Meyiwa owes Mediclinic an amount of approximately R19 650.00 According to Bestmed, your NOT AUTHORISED billing to both Bestmed and Ms Meyiwa equals an amount of R15 206.20.

Mr Cloete, for the sake of all of us, please expeditiously clarify what Bestmed has indicated in writing to Ms Meyiwa per the matters raised in this email.

Finally, Ms Meyiwa would appreciate a meeting with Mediclinic Management as to the occurrence of such incidents, especially in light of the fact that for the last month and one-half I have shared with you, as the Mediclinic representative, my concerns with the manner in which the Mediclinic construed the invoice to Ms Meyiwa. Seemingly, your recent letter of demand evidences that for the past 45 days you have not been truly listening to the pertinent concerns of your customer.

Looking forward to hearing from Mediclinic Management.

This goes to show that many consumers just like myself find themselves owing big bills to hospitals for things that they have nothing to do with. It is evident that Medi-Clinic is used to "de*****" uninformed patients.