Medical Accounts

<p>Towards the end of last year my son discovered a lump in his neck. His first visit was to Dr Botes in Burgundy, who referred him to a surgeon, Dr Bane’s at Milnerton Mediclinic. The lump was removed and thankfully came back clear. However, the cause for the lump could not be determined, so he was referred to Dr Nortje, also at Milnerton Mediclinic. His surgery was done at Milnerton Mediclinic, scans and X-Rays at Morton & Partners at Milnerton Mediclinic and blood work at Pathcare, Milnerton Mediclinic.</p> <p> </p> <p>Now this is my issue, and I will be addressing this to everyone involved. I will also be taking this matter further.</p> <p>My son is 19 years old, has just started his first employment, and his company pays most of his medical aid.</p> <p>He had a medical concern, which all Doctors involved deemed necessary to see to immediately. All consultations and tests took place within a period of a week.</p> <p> </p> <p>Then after about 3 months, outstanding accounts started arriving. Yes we have paid all accounts received, however, the manner in which this was conducted was completely uncalled for.</p> <p> </p> <p>NO accounts for outstanding amounts were received. The initial correspondence regarding any outstanding amounts was from Nicol Davis & Attorneys! Then the calls demanding payments started coming. If no accounts are received, how are we expected to know there are balances due for payment by the member!</p> <p> </p> <p>Furthermore, we were aware of scans which not be covered by the medical aid, and I personally signed for that amount. Not my son! However, I was never contacted.</p> <p>To date, my son is still receiving calls, and under my instructions, has asked for statements / accounts to be emailed. This has not been done.</p> <p> </p> <p>Now, at the age of 19 he is being harassed unnecessarily, and is threatened with being handed over to attorneys. And this without receiving due and proper communication regarding any outstanding amounts. At this age he is to have a bad credit record without due process being followed by medical practitioners and medical services etc.</p> <p> </p> <p>And on another note, once payments are made, no receipt of the payment is ever received, there is no acknowledgement of the payment, and no updated statement is sent reflecting the amount is paid! But we are hounded for the payment, but never receive acknowledgement thereof with updated statement for our records!</p> <p> </p> <p>This is what to me is completely unacceptable! I have a long history in dealing with medical practitioners and medical aids, and this is a constant issue! Why do medical aids provide authorisation without notifying of any shortfalls! Why do medical practitioners request procedures without checking what a medical aid will cover! Yes, I understand this is the member’s responsibility, but at a time of emergency and sometimes ignorance, how can it be ascertained what all the shortfalls would be?</p> <p> </p> <p>But my greatest frustration is that demands are being made when no advice of outstanding balances are sent to patients! Then medical practitioners hand over accounts to attorneys, and we are expected to pay additional costs! Why do you think people pay the extra for a private medical aid?</p> <p> </p> <p>In the case with Nicol Davis, we will not be paying any of the legal fees, as per email sent with the proof of payment to yourselves and Dr Banes. We were NOT notified of any outstanding amounts, and did not receive accounts, so why was the account even handed over to you!</p>