Delaying Authorization.

<p>On Monday 29 Aug I was diagnosed with gallstones and was referred to a surgeon at Unitas hospital. The surgeon then added me to the Emergency operation list as my operation needed to be done on 30 Aug 2016. I was admitted to hospital, but was informed by the hospital that my authorization was pended as the medical aid informed them I was a new member(even though I joined in Feb) and they have to investigate my admission which can take up to 72 hours.</p> <p> </p> <p>I want to outline a few points:</p> <p> </p> <p>1. I have telephonically confirmed there will be no waiting periods applicable as I was with my previous medical aid for more than 7 years. You record the calls, please listen to the recording.</p> <p>2. According to your Member Declaration point 11 a waiting period of 12 months is applicable for a PRE-EXISTING condition. As this is a new condition I don't quite get why there is a delay. Why did you not request a letter from my doctor when I app**** to be a member requesting my medical history to see what Pre-Existing conditions I have so that when I need an operation there will be no delays?</p> <p>3. I have declared in my application in Section D point 3 that I previously did not have this condition - ARE YOU CALLING ME A **** to investigate?</p> <p>4. Making me wait for an urgent procedure that includes pain management is not "My kind of care". I cannot eat or drink anything during the day as I have to wait to hear if my authorization has been finalized to be immediately admitted to hospital.</p> <p> </p> <p>I don't understand why you cannot follow these protocols when you take on a new member from the get go and when we actually need to go for an operation and make use of the medical aid everything is in place. I am very dissappointed with your service and will be reconsidering your medical aid at the end of the year! I never had any problems with my previous medical aid, I joined you because your were more affordable!</p> <p> </p> <p>Another serious concern now is that should myself or my dependants have a life threatening situation, will you cover that or will we have to die for 72 hours before when can be admitted to a hospital?</p> <p> </p> <p>And I know you will refer this back to protocol and it has to be done, but this proves to me that your medical aid does not actually care about their members! It seems like you are looking for an excuse not to pay!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>