NOT TREATED - STILL CHARGED FOR CONSULTATION

NOT TREATED - STILL CHARGED FOR CONSULTATION On 13 June, I visited the Emergency Room at Netcare Olivedale. I had two lacerations on my right hand and was helped (barely) by the staff there. They had a problem with my medical aid option, but took an hour to tell me that I would not be covered there. In the meantime, I chatted to the doctor and removed my own dressings from the first aid kit at my place of work.

At this point, the front desk staff advised me that I would not be covered and that I could choose to leave or be treated as a private patient for R1100. Here's the kicker.

When I chose to seek care elsewhere, I was told that I need to pay R1070 before I could leave by the ER CONSULTING receptionist. As I was in a state of shock due to blood loss, I paid, without being told why. I left and went to the other hospital.

When I'd been treated, I queried this charge the next day and was helped by Netcare's customer service team. It took that same receptionist from the day before 3 days to respond to me after I was referred. This receptionist, Reshana Naicker, only did so after I emailed to follow up. Two days later, I received a form for a refund.

I was told that I would receive my money by 30 June ten days ago. Since its a Saturday, I decided to follow up AGAIN. To be honest, I still have not heard a peep from ER Consulting.

And since their offices have closed for the day on 29 June.

I have also not received communication from Netcare since 14:53 on 29 June 2018.