Ask the Doctor
Have a question for the doctor ? Email us at newsletters @ afrocentricds . com and your question could feature in the next issue of B-Living .
Hello Doc I am on Standard Select and I recently moved from Limpopo to Johannesburg . It is overwhelming and I don ’ t feel familiar with the place . Do I have to nominate another GP and where can I find a list of the GPs to choose from in my new area ? Please assist . Thanks Lebogang
Dear Lebogang Congratulations on your move and welcome to Johannesburg . Yes , you will need to choose two new GPs , located in your new area , for each beneficiary . You can do this by completing the GP nomination form which is available on the Member Zone at www . bonitas . co . za . For the list of all the GPs you can visit our website and click on the ‘ Networks ’ option . Then complete the ‘ Locate a provider ’ section to find your nearest network GPs . This tool will also help you locate all the doctors , pharmacies and hospitals on our network . This way you can avoid co-payments and make your benefits last as long as possible .
Good day Dr I am on the BonCap plan . Recently I visited my GP for a consultation and I was told that I have exhausted my GP consultation benefits . I thought that this was unlimited . What is going on ? Thabani
Dear Thabani GP consultations on BonCap are unlimited . However , you will need to ensure that you do not consult with more than two network GPs . You are also required to obtain pre-authorisation from the eighth consultation in a year . Pre-authorisation is done by calling us on 0861 239 333 . We are also addressing this with healthcare providers to clear up any confusion and to ensure they do not turn patients away .
Hello Dr About a year ago I bought a new fridge . While carrying it into the house , assisted by a friend , I felt a sharp pain in my back . Ever since I ’ ve been experiencing back pain and have had a number of consultations but still the pain does not seem to go away . I really don ’ t want to undergo an operation as it should be the last resort . Is there any other solution you can recommend ? Thanks Neo
Good day Neo It ’ s really difficult to give a diagnosis but the common cause of back pain is linked to muscle or ligament strain – in your case due to lifting a heavy object . Before undergoing surgery for back problems , Bonitas members are encouraged to first enrol in the Back and Neck Programme , which helps members living with chronic back and neck pain , treat the cause of their pain and improve their quality of life . You will be assessed by a biokineticist and a doctor . This includes a physical examination and tests to check your range of movement , nerve health , etc .
After this assessment , you will receive treatment twice a week for up to six weeks . Depending on your plan , we ’ ll cover the full cost of the programme . This multidisciplinary programme includes treatment from doctors , physiotherapists and biokineticists to treat severe neck and back pain . The treatment consists of active exercise with appropriate weights and motion . After the initial treatment , you will receive a home-based programme to maintain longterm results .
Please note : If you are on BonComprehensive , BonClassic , Standard , Standard Select or BonComplete and you choose to go for spinal surgery without first consulting DBC and enrolling in the Back and Neck Programme , you will have to pay a R15 590 co-payment .
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Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 2 | 2022