Customer ***, Netcare Alberton Hospital

I have raised my discomfort with how my case was handled. On 15 April 2024, my lower back seized, and I was unable to walk or stand upright. My wife drove me to Alberton Netcare, where I was admitted, and an MRI scan was conducted. Subsequently, I was operated on my neck since it was discovered that a disk in my neck was pressing on the spinal cord. In all this, I was never advised that the medical aid did not authorize the procedure or the hospital stay. The hospital never once mentioned that this was the case and that I would be responsible for the entire procedure and the bill.

Later, after I received a bill stating that I owed R128,477.14, I questioned this with the hospital and was told that the medical aid refused to pay, stating reasons that it was not covered by the plan. I subsequently contacted my medical aid (Bonitas) and was advised that they never authorized the procedure and that there was no pre-authorization given to the hospital.

I recently learned that I have been listed on the credit bureau for this account that I have never acknowledged, and the hospital failed to provide me with a debt acknowledgment letter where I signed and agreed to pay this amount prior to the procedure.

My gripe with this whole issue is why the hospital proceeded with the procedure knowing it was not authorized; the hospital never communicated to me that the procedure was not covered and that they would require me to pay out of pocket.

Pertaining to Bonitas, I am covered under a hospital plan; why did they not pay for the hospital stay instead of declining it? What am I paying for if I cannot be hospitalized?

Alberton Netcare is taking advantage of the situation, and I wonder how many innocent, vulnerable people they are exploiting.

I need this debt written off or expunged, and my name should be removed from all the credit bureaus since I never agreed to this debt.

Bonitas also needs to take accountability for the hospital stay since I am covered for it. The big question is, after receiving those authorizations requested that they declined, why did they not communicate with or contact me?

My ID number - 820915****081. Names- Sifiso Treasure Zwane Disputed Invoice – *** Bonitas plan number – ***