********** Billing

My 6 yo daughter got hurt at school on the 1st of June 2017. She bumped the top of her head (near the crown) on playground equipment and needed stitches or staples.

At the emergency department I completed all the forms and paid the UPFRONT R650 for the Emergency room and R650 for the doctor. We were eventually seen by a doctor maybe 2 hours after we got there (there were only 2 patients in front of us). The Nurse cleaned the wound with saline, app**** a few numbing drops, gave my daughter some oral pain medication and then the doctor put 2 staples in my daughters head.

Before we left I ASKED if there was anything else to be paid and we were told NO, we can go. Only to be slammed with an outstanding bill of R2,664.59 two weeks later and a very rude email stating that my account was in arrears and I had to pay immediately if I didn't want to be handed over...

I phone about 7 different numbers and eventually got to speak to the Credit Controller who sent me the account breakdown. I was charged for 15 BURHSHIELD dressings at R108.30 each. There was no burnshield dressing anywhere near us, nevermind 15! There was also another charge that simply stated "Emergency unit fee - other" for R874.40.

Cut a very long and tiring story short I have phoned and emailed countless times and on the 10th of October finally got an adjusted bill where they graciously credited me with 14 of the 15 Burnshield dressings. Why do I still need to pay for ONE when NONE were used? I have also heard nothing back regarding the "OTHER" charge of R870. According to me I should have to pay NOTHING!

I immediately queried the incorrect credit and again NOTHING. No response of ANY kind. Today after another angry email, I finally got the response that the last Burnshield was also credited. Still no reply about the Additional "Other" charge of R874.40.

Netcare Waterfall's Billing/ Accounts department have no customer service whatsoever. I am convinced this was no clerical error, but a deliberate attempt to de*****. I shudder to think how many other patients get over-billed for expensive items that never got used during their treatment!!